Falling for the Enemy

The Hawthorne Brothers #2

by Lydia Michaels

A laugh-out-loud, enemies-to-lovers romcom from bestselling and award-winning author Lydia Michaels!

Soren Hawthorne is arrogant, brooding, and used to getting everything he wants—including ruthless control of his family's empire. The last thing this grumpy alpha billionaire needs is any lip from Jocelyn Collins, the sharp-tongued, beautiful, chaotic, Viking smut author with an evil chihuahua that hates his guts.

Jocelyn has spent her whole life being too much. Too loud, too messy, too wild for a small-town that likes its love stories neat and tidy. She writes happily-ever-afters for a living but never believed she'd get one of her own. Especially not with the infuriating, insufferable, impossibly gorgeous man she's been at war with since the third grade.

But twenty years of slow-burn tension has to break somewhere. And once Soren realizes the woman he wants has been right there all along, his possessive nature kicks.

This autumn, Soren Hawthorn is falling for the enemy, and he doesn’t plan to lose in this steamy, small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance with a found-family you'll want to adopt and a happily-ever-after worth fighting for.

Perfect for readers who love:

⚓ Enemies to lovers · Small town romance · Flirty Sarcasm ⚓ Alpha hero · Possessive & protective · Power Dynamics ⚓ Slow burn · Years of longing · Forbidden-ish (best friend's brother energy) ⚓ Forced proximity · Banter that bites · High heat / open door ⚓ Found family · Meddling best friends and brothers · Plus, a chihuahua with a Nepolean complex and a domestic house-horse side-plot romance

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 22, 2026

About the author

Lydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.

Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.

Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).

She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).

You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels

Reviews

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful chaotic love

I loved this slow burn, frenenemies to lovers, best friend adjacent, small town romance. The story had a good mix of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, and spicy spice with intense, strong and passionate characters. Plus two of the most absurd dogs to round out the main characters. Soren Hawthorne is a rich, bossy, control freak who lives in small town Hideaway Bay, ME and is the CEO of his family’s company. Jocelyn is an eccentric, chaotic, independent, commitment resistant romance writer who also lives in Hideaway Bay. Soren and Jocelyn have been frenenemies since the third grade but they’ve also been secretly hooking up for the last 18 months. At the same time, Soren is busy interviewing vetted candidates for a wife to finalize the next step in his life plan. Once he realizes it’s Jocelyn he wants, then the journey from just benefits to forever begins in earnest. And oh boy it is quite a messy and emotional journey to get to their HEA which included truth telling and some serious baggage unpacking for both of them. Despite their baggage looking very different it was ultimately from similar hurts. I love when similar scars help characters let down their high walls long enough to form a deeper connection like Soren and Jocelyn were able to do - deep emotions and swoons for the reader - while they grew emotionally. I love the Hawthorne family and their small town. I’m excited about Logan’s story next. 4.5 stars.

[Megan McClymont · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Arc Review:

-This story is a reminder that dating should feel like getting to know someone, not sitting through an interview, because some dates simply aren’t worth the time and energy.
-Then moving forward to comparing decisions to messy peanut butter and jelly versus caviar, just priceless.
-Jocelyn's has a supposedly intimidating Chihuahua “guard” dog appearing in a plush unicorn hoodie. But is so innocent and sweet.
-Having the reminder food that tastes like the forest floor after a rainstorm, there are plenty of hilarious—and gross—moments. -Soren and his brothers taking on a family business after a loss is no small responsibility, especially when there are big shoes to fill.
-When you aren't feeling your best, natural remedies and resources should never be mocked or underestimated.
-At the center of it all are Soren, Hideaway’s billionaire CEO and most eligible bachelor, and Jocelyn, an over-caffeinated Viking smut author with absolutely no filter.
-Jocelyn’s determination to prove to her parents that she can handle things without their help shows her independence.
-While the idea that sometimes the “snake” is hiding right beneath you emphasizes the importance of changing your perspective to recognize and deal with what’s really there.

Over cute, funny, life reminders to hear the person out before jumping to conclusions.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHH!! Soren and Jocelyn in one story! SO MUCH FUN!! I loved seeing Logan’s growth in this story too!

Ok so I’m this book we get to see Wren and Greyson over the moon for each other, we get to see Sorren being the alpha, rich playboy he showed us in the last book and we get to see him loving Wren so much more as a good friend and sister.

We also get to see him fall flat on his face when he realizes he has deeper feelings for Jocelyn than he let himself see before.

Logan had some major growth in this story as a brother and friend to both Sorren and Jocelyn.

And the EPILOGUE?!! WHAT?! lol sooo fun to see that tidbit revealed and I hope we get a story for Logan too!

🥰🥰🥰

[Julee McKFly · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one writes a fun spicy romcom like Lydia Michaels. I find myself fully absorbed into her writing. Her descriptions, dialogue and characters are always relatable and realistic. This story is one of many of hers that will go on my re-read tbr. This is technically the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. The FMC is sassy and real and I suspect may have a touch of the author written into her. The FMC is a good guy and the spice scenes between are chef’s kiss.

And the epilogue! I can’t wait!

[Susan]

Falling For The Enemy by Lydia Michaels

Jocelyn was a smart mouth and chaotic and messy life meets organized, rich business owner. Fighting as foreplay, secret hookups and feelings that neither wanted to express. Soren while he is a man and made mistakes he was just so sweet and in tune to Joce. The addition of the Cordelia and Kind and the antics just made it even more fun. The small town atmosphere and the fall festiveness really has me craving the season.
Enjoyable read with great characters. Definitely all the frenemies to lovers feels.

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved getting Soren and Jocelyn's story! I was so curious how this would go after reading about all three of the Hawthorne brothers in The Holiday Clause and I have been impatiently waiting to have this one in my hands. I gobbled it up in one sitting!

Jocelyn and Soren start out more as "frenemies", and I would say and their journey is rather interesting. The two of them are complete opposites. Soren is the organized and rich CEO, and everything is with purpose and Jocelyn is chaotic, sassy, messy, and writes smutty Viking romance. We have fighting as foreplay, hookups that they think they have kept secret and feelings that neither one of them want to express.

I can always count on Lydia to give me some great spice and great laugh out loud moments, and she delivered with this one. The banter between these two was perfect! I also loved the addition of our furry friends! I loved seeing their growth, especially with Soren as he realized that he was the problem for a lot of things.

The small-town setting is perfect. I loved it during Christmas time and still love it during the fall too. I did feel like Jocelyn forgave Soren a little too quickly for what happened and we rushed a bit in that scene (don't want to give any spoilers), but I still enjoyed it.

I did figure out where were going with Logan early on (except for a certain part) and I cannot wait to get his story too!

If you're looking for your next favorite spicy fall romcom, then you definitely need to check this one out! Huge thank you to Lydia for the early copy to read!

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic, but he should have groveled more!

Jocelyn and Soren have been enemies since third grade. Except, they maybe aren't the enemies people think they are as they've been sleeping together in secret for the past eighteen months. Soren took over his father's company at that time and Jocelyn was there for him without her usual barbs. Though Soren thinks he needs a societal wife to go to charity dinners and be the CEO's wife, not someone like Jocelyn who speaks her mind whenever she feels like it. But the longer they're together, the more Soren knows she's what he wants. So why not give an actual relationship a try. Expect, the one-time Jocelyn needs Soren to be there, he's nowhere to be found.

Soren and Jocelyn get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.

These two were great once they actually accepted that they liked each other. I do love that Soren didn't want to change Jocelyn's ways and wanted her to be herself over what others in society would expect. I do wonder how the conversation with Soren's "friend" went about not getting her way and Soren, especially because her dad wasn't getting his shipping deal either. That does make me question how Soren could get new board members and get rid of some of those who won't help take the company in a new direction. I can't wait to see how these two grow together and what come between Logan and his paramor!

I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Two enemies with the chemistry of a summer lightning storm. Chaotic and powerful. Electric and enthralling.”
What a fun story this was to read. I adored Jocelyn and Soren.
These two have known each other since the third grade.
And have been at each other’s throats since then.
Enemies/Friends with benefits, opposites attract all the above who knows.
It’s hard to put these two in a box. Whatever category they are they are perfect for each other.
Soren is the CEO of his family’s company. The most important thing to him is growing and expanding the company. He’s meticulous, organized and always focused. Well maybe not when it comes to Joce.
Jocelyn is his polar opposite. She’s sassy, chaotic and so very sarcastic.
She is romance author, specifically spicy and smutty Viking romance.
The banter and conversations between them was delightful.
Omg so much fun to hear and watch them. There were literally laugh out loud scenes.
They may not like each other but they also most certainly can’t stay away from each other as well.
But along with the funny parts there is also real emotions and feelings, struggles and baggage both have to overcome.
Joce and Soren’s story is set in a small town where everyone knows everyone and gossip runs rampant.
An Autumn romance that needs you in your favorite reading spot and a nice glass/mug of your favorite fall drink. Relax and enjoy Soren and Jocelyn’s journey to their HEA.
Oh and I have to add the icing on the cake to this delightful book were Cordelia and King! ❤️

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hawthorne Brothers: Soren & Jocelyn

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oh my… I really wasn’t sure where Lydia was going with this one at the start…

Soren definitely did not endear himself to me with his “interviewing” for a wife while happily sneaking around with Jocelyn. And honestly, this felt less like enemies-to-lovers and more like a one-sided situationship that benefited Soren for quite a while.

That said, I really enjoyed the story. Jocelyn was fantastic, and I loved her chaotic, outspoken personality, along with her vulnerability and her fears… The banter, found family, meddling friends, and of course the ridiculous chihuahua who ruled them all all added so much fun to the story.

Soren, however… he really tested my patience. He was so TSTL at times, and I could see the problems coming a mile away. He was downright oblivious to how much harm he was causing, and there were definitely moments where I wanted to shake some sense into him.

Despite all my frustration with Soren, I was invested in their relationship and wanted to see them finally get their HEA. The chemistry was there, the humour worked, and once Soren finally got his act together (it took a long time!), I was much happier with him.

Overall, a fun, steamy small-town romance with great banter, a wonderfully chaotic heroine, a hero who made me work for that forgiveness, and some hilarious side characters.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a down to earth, smart, writes Viking erotica, has a smart mouth, sarcastic, messy meets rich, sophisticated, always put together, smart, runs a multi-billion-dollar business.
Jocleyn and Soren have known each other since the third grade, and since then they always took verbal jabs at each just to get under the other one's skin. One funeral changed it all, in a bathroom. Then it was a repeated event because they couldn't keep their hands off each other, but it was always kept a secret.
He wants the perfect Stepford wife and children, and she isn't that in any shape or form. She likes her independence to be who she wants to be without someone wanting to change her. He dates different barbies every weekend while she stays home and writes her books. He will show up for a booty call after a date because he is always thinking about her and she's thinking about him with his barbie.
He wants her for himself because she's not a barbie, she's real not pretending just to get his attention, and she wants him because he makes her feel for the first time. They have to find a way to get over her final way to be together.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Town BFFs with So Much Heat!! - Will it Turn Into More?

Jocelyn and Soren are childhood BFFs, with so much history that they "get" each other, but have now developed an undeniable attraction that they don't know what to do with - turning into hysterical banter, heated arguements and often 5 chili pepper action! But in their small town, that part is secret, and he is outwardly looking (and "interviewing") for his perfect corporate wife - which clearly Jocelyn is not. Between the nosy characters, his unintended adopted Great Dane (who becomes BFFs with Jocelyn's chihuahua - picture that!) and their banter, often LOL hilarity ensues. But they both have deeper issues as well, and I enjoyed their character growth individually and as a couple. The book is well written, characters well developed, (including background), the town is an amazing place I want to visit, and the pages turned themselves. It is part of a series but is easily read as a standalone (although the first one is also wonderful) and I look forward to reading the next one as well - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[JenBookEnthusiast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this hysterically funny, cordial enemies to lovers, small town romance between the domineering CEO, Soren, and talented romance writer, Jocelyn! The verbal banter between them brings the humor and the ensuing battle of those messy feelings they try to ignore may just find a way to get the best of them. For these two, it's a worthy battle that brings plenty of chaos, drama, sizzling hot chemistry that it's on constant display and that's not just for the Vikings in Jocelyn's stories.

I adore the Hawthorne Brothers and was excited for Soren to have his story and totally all in with this one!! Jocelyn is the perfect match for him and Soren is the just the person to see her and accept all of her.

There is plenty of strong found family moments, small town gatherings, adorable dogs and wild shenanigans for all. A very engaging, entertaining, funny, messy love story that has something for any romance reader to enjoy.

I want to thank Lydia Michaels for an early copy and I'm sharing my voluntary opinion.

[KattyR3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2, can be read as a standalone.

I haven't read book 1 but I didn't feel like I was missing anything.

This took me a few chapters to really get into, but only because its 3rd person and I personally prefer 1st person. But once I got stuck in, I was stuck in.

Jocelyn is choatic and I love her, she's hectic and messy and feels real. The way she talks and dresses her chihuahua is so fun.

Soren starts off seeming a bit stuck up, he likes order and control, as you get in to the story you learn why he is the way he is and that underneath it he actually has a big heart.

The dogs are hilarious - and I say that as someone who is not a dog person.

Joce and Soren are frenemies who start off in a bit of a hate-you-want-you situationship, until one of them realises they want more and works hard to gain the other ones trust to build something real.

This book was fun, steamy, had some dramatic moments and had me singing 'Goodbye Earl'.

I'll definitely add book 1 to my TBR and look out for future releases.

I was lucky enough to get an arc from the author, my review is my own opinion

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, sweet, crazy love story! We have Soren who is CEO of his families company and a very organized, controlling grump and Jocelyn who is just chaos let loose on the world. Their story is beautiful and unexpected. Definitely enemies to lovers, but more like faux enemies to lovers! I enjoy Lydia’s writing style and how thoroughly she dives into the characters. You get a good feel for their personalities and quirks. This book is especially cute as we also meet Cordelia the rat-like chihuahua and the horse-like beast known as King. Since this is set in Hideaway Harbor, we also see glimpses of Rufus! Falling for the Enemy is book two in Lydia’s Hawthorne Brothers series with the first being her holiday hit from last year, The Holiday Clause. I appreciate receiving an early copy of this book.

[Melanboog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy of falling for the first next as an arc from the author.
I love a goody spicy book as much as the next spicy book reader, this book had a lot of spicy scenes in the beginning of the book. Unfortunately to me it started to feel a bit redundant and added nothing to the storyline. When things finally started happening (in the last 4-5 chapters) there was less spicy, but a ton more substance. Those last few chapters are what save the book for me. It was a cute story, and the character development in the end of the book was really well done. Although the proposal did feel a bit rushed in my opinion. I’m really excited to see where this series goes, as the small town has found a place in my heart. I hope all of the Hawthorne men find their happily ever after.

[Tami Fidler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book started a bit slow for me, I am not really into hate sex; once it got going, the story was amazing. I love a love story where the two dummies do not really know how bad they have it for each other. That is exactly what this book is all about. Poor Soren and Jocelyn cannot see past themselves and their fears to see just how much they love one another. It was beautiful to watch unfold. Plus, once we got past the pseudo-hate, they were so much fun with one another. And there were cute dogs! This was a really fun story about friends turning into lovers, and I am here for it. I highly recommend this book. Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy for an honest review.

[Sarah Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. It's number two in the series of the Hawthorne brothers and although this can be read as a stand alone I would suggest that you read the first book before this one.
The story in this book is so beautiful and some really funny scenes and arguments ensue. Some parts had me laughing out loud which is not an easy task.
Into this mix add two dogs, a Chihuahua with illusions of grandeur and a great Dane who follows the Chihuahua everywhere.
Our two main protagonists are beautifully written and I've enjoyed the journey with them.
Give this series a go, the men are delicious.
Yes there is sex in the book so over 18's only.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a perfect read! Lydia really knows how to write characters that you just fall in love with. As an ADHDer, I loved Jocelyn’s energy. She is creative, feisty & beautiful. She’s also scared to be vulnerable until Soren. Soren is capable, handsome & protective. He likes to be in control & Joce has been needling at that control since the 3rd grade! Falling in love has never been so intriguing!

All this and a quirky east coast town in the fall and you have a beautiful read.

Seasonally engaging, emotionally charged & such great spice.

Such a comfort read that I’ll be returning to over & over again!

Overall rating - 5⭐
Spicemeter - 3.5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really thought Soren was a jerk at the beginning of this story but by the end I was firmly in his camp and wanted to shake Jocelyn and make her listen to him. Not that he should have done what he did, but he tried so hard to fix it. Joce reminded me of Rayne and I loved that series. All the characters are wonderful in this book even the dogs. The descriptive writing is amazing, I could smell fall through the pages, as well as the fish unfortunately. A lovely story with a great ending and an epilogue that will make you want the next book now.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t believe he fell first…

Mr. suave, sophisticated, in control CEO, Soren thinks he has the perfect plan for his life. He just needs to find the right woman. And in the meantime he has his assignations with his lifelong frenemy Jocelyn. These two totally different people have smoking chemistry but that appears all until jealousy comes a calling. Can they really make a couple? With all of their baggage it will take a lot of work. Oh, and their dog friends are rooting for them too!

[Lady M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not big on enemies to lovers, but I've really enjoyed this authors books, so I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't hate. I enjoyed this quite a bit, especially the side track of King and Delilah. I liked the characters a lot, even though Soren first seemed like he wasn't going to be very likablebband I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story has a good mix of humor, heartwarming love, real life issues, and spicy spice with intense, strong, and passionate characters. Plus two of the most absurd dogs to round out Soren and Jocelyn.