Dancing with the Enemy

Port St. Clair #2

by Christie Piper

The town grump and the local ray of sunshine have one job: survive their best friends' wedding.

Lane and Megan used to be friends, until the night he never showed. Fifteen years later, they still can't stand to be in the same room.

Now he's the best man. She's the maid of honor. And they can't agree on anything.

She wants the wedding of the year. He wants to keep it simple. Every planning session turns into a fight. And every fight gets a little harder to walk away from.

Because the more time they spend together, the more he sees the woman behind the smile. And the more she remembers the boy she almost kissed.

They both know how to keep people out. She hides behind the perfect picture. He never lets anyone close enough to try.

Letting each other in? That's the part that scares them.

Join your friends for the biggest wedding of the year in Port St. Clair! Perfect for readers who love spicy small-town romance, enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine, a wedding party thrown together, found family, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Romance

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2026

About the author

Christie Piper writes spicy small-town romance for women who read in stolen moments and deserve every one of them. Her Port St. Clair series is set in a fictional beach town on Lake Huron, inspired by beach towns all over Michigan, and every book delivers found family, big feelings, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

A lifelong reader, Christie writes around a full-time job and two young kids, often dictating chapters from the car. She lives in Michigan with her family and would rather be on a boat.

Find her books and a free Port St. Clair novella at christiepiper.com.

Reviews

[cat]

・❥・⁀➷ 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕

november 9th- i've been feeling super weird about grumpy x sunshine so i hope this one doesn't disappoint me 😭

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟 | 2🌶️

Wedding planning, years of unresolved feelings and two people who clearly aren’t over each other made for such a fun read!

I had a great time with the grumpy-sunshine dynamic, the bickering and all the little moments where their feelings started sneaking through. It was also lovely being back in Port St. Clair and catching up with familiar faces!

Megan and Lane were such an entertaining pair. I liked Megan’s ambition and caring nature, while Lane’s quieter personality and tendency to put everyone else first made him easy to adore. Watching them slowly let go of the past and find their way back to each other was so satisfying. And Lane’s appearance on Megan’s podcast? Definitely one of my favourite moments!

The romance had plenty of chemistry, funny moments and some lovely emotional scenes. I especially appreciated seeing both of them grow and make an effort to get things right this time around.

With its small-town charm and a second-chance romance worth rooting for, this was another lovely visit to Port St. Clair!

~~~~

A sincere thank you to Christie Piper for the ARC! 🥰📚

I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This was such a fun book!! A swoony romance with banter, chemistry, & the perfect grumpy sunshine duo! The history & story between these two gives emotional depth that will have you wanting more & just loving these two!!

Megan & Lance have an unresolved past that leads to tension & so much push and pull! Being forced to work together for their best friends wedding pushes them closer together & makes for a wild ride of ups & downs!

This book has emotion, tension, heat, and so much heart! I loved watching their relationship rekindle & the truths of their past unfold. A truly perfect second chance vibe romance with a friends to enemies to lovers side that just pulls at your heart strings. I definitely recommend this one!!

Thank you author Christie Piper for the early arc opportunity!!!

[Brandi Goodman · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

After enjoying book #1, and being a Michigan girly, I knew I wanted to continue this series. I didn't quite like it as much as the first when it first started, but I still enjoyed it overall by the end and it was worth the read. I did wish there was a bit more in the scene with their first almost-kiss. It was like one second they were talking and she was thinking he was attractive, and the next she went to leave but he's about to lean in and kiss her suddenly? It came out of nowhere. lol. Megan also never had another conversation with Beth after the wedding to talk about Lane, so that felt weird. The actual first kiss was great though and I liked them as a couple. I also really liked what Lane did to make things up to Megan in the end. Decent story overall.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great second chance, small town romance with Megan and Lane. They were the perfect grumpy/sunshine pair. There were so many feelings between these two. And I loved their back and forth. It was really awesome seeing these two slowly let their walls come down and forget the past. They were so cute together, and I was so happy to see them come together again. This was a really swoon worthy story and I loved it.

[Kalu Schifano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.

Dance with the Enemy is a fun, swoony grumpy-sunshine romance packed with chemistry, banter, unresolved feelings, and second chances!

Lance and Megan have a history that goes back 15 years, when they almost became something more. But one missed party and a whole lot of hurt feelings left them at odds. Now they’re best man and maid of honor at their best friends’ wedding, and spending time together brings back feelings neither has ever truly forgotten. 🔥

I absolutely loved watching Lance’s walls slowly come down and discovering the woman behind Megan’s sunshine personality. Seeing them challenge each other while also showing up for one another made their relationship feel even more genuine, especially when neither quite knew how to express what they were feeling. When Megan messed up the party bus booking, Lance didn’t hesitate to find a way to make it happen because he wanted to be there for her. Those little gestures had me swooning! And let’s not forget his possessive side behind closed bedroom doors… HOT, HOT, HOT! 🔥 I loved how hard he tried to show Megan the best version of himself.

But my absolute favorite moment was Lance’s live appearance on Megan’s podcast! He put his heart on the line for everyone to hear, telling the world how proud he was of her, how much he admired her, and just how much she meant to him. His heartfelt declaration was EVERYTHING! ❤️

A sweet, spicy, laugh-out-loud romance with plenty of swoon-worthy moments.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from author, Christie Piper! I am so grateful to have been selected to read this book as I enjoyed the first book in the Port St. Clair series! There are no major content spoilers in this review!

The prologue was really helpful to have context which will make sense throughout rest of the story. I really enjoyed Chapters 1 and 2 as we were re-introduced to all of the main characters in Port St. Clair. This was beyond helpful for me as it's been several months (and several books) since I read Book #1 (Keeping it Local)!

There were a few different situations and scenarios that I could relate to throughout the book which I appreciated. Chapters 13-16 were wonderful!! SO much happened in Chapter 17 but I am so glad that this chapter was included in the story. After Chapter 17 -- not that I wasn't hooked already, but the rest of the book just flew by for me! I had a few favorite chapters (and forgot to write them all down) but Chapter 36 was one of my favorites!

I really love this series! I could read this book (and book #1 again) any time during the year but it was great that Dancing with the Enemy incorporated various times of the year throughout the entire story. I am already looking forward to Book #3. Definitely 5/5 stars for sure! This might be my favorite book in the Port St. Clair series yet!! Thank you again to Christie Piper for the ARC for Dancing with the Enemy!

[Booked by Monica Chiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the small town of Port St. Clair, all Beth and Johnny want is to get married and have their two best friends, Megan and Lane, help plan it. Sounds easy? Nope! Megan and Lane have a history that has led to them not getting along with each other and fighting like cats and dogs. Neither one trusts the other, and neither one wants to work with the other. So, how can they make this work?

Megan is a planner, a go-getter, a people pleaser, and she wants nothing more than for this wedding to be spectacular and perhaps set her career on the right path. Lane is the one who stands on the sidelines as an observer; he loves for things to be simple, and he will do anything to care for those he cares about. But these two together are like fire and ice; they don't mix well. Working on this wedding is going to test their patience, their sanity, and their boundaries. Can they really work together to make this wedding memorable?

Once they finally have a face-to-face and talk, they realize that all the animosity was due to a lack of communication. Is it too late to get past it? Can they move on and learn to lean on one another? If that happens, what happens to their relationship?

Read Dancing with the Enemy to find out how the small-town grump learns to work with the small-town bestie. You will not be disappointed.

[whatmrsdobbsreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, can we just appreciate the mention of the LEGEND that is Dolly Parton?! 🥹❤️ Absolutely loved that little nod to an icon!

Now, WHO doesn't love a small-town romance where the MMC and FMC have HISTORY?! 👀🔥

Throw in being forced together to plan their friends' wedding, a few things going spectacularly wrong, and two people who find themselves helping each other through the chaos... and I'm SOLD!

As truths from their younger years start coming to light, you just KNOW you're in for one of those beautifully heartwarming second-chance romances. 🥹❤️

And when the spice FINALLY hits?! 🌶️🔥

It was worth the wait! Nothing felt rushed or thrown in for the sake of it. It felt natural, earned and absolutely right for these characters!

🌟 MASSIVE GOLD STAR FOR LANE! 🌟

WHAT. A. GUY. 😍

That man is absolutely worthy of a BOOK BOYFRIEND AWARD! 🏆❤️

I absolutely LOVED my trip back to Port St. Claire. There's something so comforting about returning to a small town, catching up with familiar surroundings and falling in love with a whole new story.

A gorgeous, heartwarming, second-chance romance with history, healing, chemistry and just the right amount of spice! 🖤

Thank you, Christie Piper, for the opportunity to read this ARC! ❤️

[Judy Zdunk]

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to receive an ARC of Dancing with the Enemy from the author, Christie Piper.
Prior to reading, I refreshed my memory by reading the first book in the series. I must say that even if you have not read the first book, the author does a great job in getting the reader up to speed on the characters. However, for me, I enjoy the details. The author does such a great job with character development, that I enjoyed the re-read to prepare myself. The characters in this small town enemies to lovers, second chance story are real!
I spend most of the book really enjoying getting to know the main characters. They were perfectly imperfect people. Real. Relatable.
I was so immersed in their story, I kept turning the pages. With each passing chapter, I felt like I was transported there with the people in Port St. Clair, MI. But chapter 36 and 37 were my favorites.
Christie, this book was amazing! You did such a great job of wrapping the package of these characters- showing their hardships, their growth and their present!!
I hope everyone enjoys this book, like I did! Happy reading!

[Krissi Boggess · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

One of my biggest complaints in books is miscommunication-or no communication. Both the mmc and the fmc had insecurities and it caused them to have poor communication. This was the biggest issue for me. I really liked Megan’s drive to succeed and make something of herself, and Lane’s drive to be there for everyone else and think of himself last. They just didn’t communicate between each other and it was so incredibly frustrating. I felt like Megan did things for everyone else and herself last-her friends said it to her, Lane said it to her, she acknowledged it; but she still didn’t change anything. I think if you want a wholesome winter HEA in time for Christmas-this would be a great read for you! It just wasn’t for me.

This is a new author for me. Having not read the first book in the series-I feel like the only thing I lacked was the relationship between all of the characters. But it wasn’t enough for me to go back and read the first one. It didn’t take away anything from the story.

🌶️
⭐️⭐️⭐️ .75

[LiteraryRaeofSunshine · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5/5 Stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5/5 Stars

I really enjoyed Dancing with the Enemy by Christie Piper!

One of my favorite things about this series is the small-town Michigan setting. I love the close-knit community where everybody knows everybody, and as a reader, I feel like I’m getting to know the whole town myself. The characters feel familiar, and that’s something I really appreciate in a series.

Enemies-to-lovers isn’t usually my favorite romance trope, but I really enjoyed how it was handled in this story. It was a lighter take on the trope without feeling overly cheesy.

Christie Piper’s writing is starting to remind me of Abby Jimenez, especially in the way she creates lovable characters and a community you want to keep coming back to.

I’m really enjoying this series and look forward to spending more time in Port St. Clair!

Thank you to Christie Piper for providing me with an advance reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

[Shelly · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Give me a grumpy hero and a sunshine heroine who can't seem to get along, and I'm already sold. Add enemies to lovers, years of unfinished business, and a wedding that keeps throwing them together? Even better!

Lane and Megan are the kind of couple who can argue about absolutely anything, but you just know there's more going on beneath all that bickering. I love when the tension is just as entertaining as the romance, especially when two people have history they haven't quite figured out how to let go of.

There's something about watching a grumpy character slowly let their guard down that gets me every time, and I have a soft spot for a heroine who isn't afraid to give him a hard time. Megan is strong and willing to give as good as she gets.

Port St. Clair, a wedding party, plenty of sparks, and two people who might just need a little push in the right direction. This was an enjoyable afternoon read that had me giggling at the banter as they figured out their way together.

[LaDambaLaika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

If you enjoy small-town romance novels, this is the perfect read. Having read the first and now the second book in this series, I really noticed the author's consistent and straightforward writing style—it makes the book hard to put down.
Meet Lane and Megan, two people who have lived their whole lives in the same town and haven't found true love just yet... or have they?
Dive into their journey, going from teenage almost-lovers to enemies, and back to lovers fifteen years later. Sometimes you will empathize with the characters, and sometimes they might get on your nerves, but the happy ending in the bonus chapter makes the whole ride worthwhile.

And folks, I can already tell you that I cannot wait for the third book in this series to drop: Crushing for a Chance, about Ethan and Holly!

[Andrea · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy and leaving a voluntary review.

This book was such a delightful read! 💕 The characters were relatable, the chemistry was fun, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship—and each of them individually—develop throughout the story.

It had the perfect balance of charm, cozy, and just the right amount of spice. 🌶️✨ Nothing felt overdone, and I found myself rooting for them, making it hard to put the book down.

Overall, such a cute, feel-good romance with characters you can’t help but root for. Definitely a fun read when you’re looking for something charming, romantic, and spicy enough to keep things interesting! 📖

Side note: I have not read the first book in the series, and didn’t feel like I was missing anything. Definitely fine to read as a stand-alone.

[Jillian Powell · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of the book. This book is the second in the Port st.clair world, but is a stand alone book, the characters over lap as it’s the same group of friends. It’s also set in different time lines so you get more of the first couples story in this book.

It’s an enemies to lovers, mfmc, small town, story with characters who seem to be very independent but you get a sneak peek to the internal turmoil that comes with that. Really great lessons of no one has it all together and don’t judge a book by its cover.

The story was cute and has a HEA (which I love) does have a 3rd act breakup but I found this had a bit of a twist of doing the self reflection work and both admitting faults. It was a bit slow at the beginning but it was laying the ground work for the main characters story and background.

The book had a little bit of spice but mild I think about 4 scenes.

[Lines_laesehjoerne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy Review
I absolutely loved this book. From the moment I started reading, I simply could not put it down. The story kept me captivated as I constantly found myself wondering whether the answers lay in the present timeline or in the events that unfolded so many years ago.
One of the book's greatest strengths is the heartfelt relationships between the characters. Their unwavering support for one another and for their friends adds warmth and emotional depth to the story, making them feel genuine and relatable.
The mystery and suspense are perfectly paced, revealing just enough to keep me guessing while leaving me eager for more. Now that I've finished, there is only one thing on my mind: who is next? I need the next book immediately.
This is an engaging, emotionally rich, and thoroughly addictive read that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment

[Becca Heath · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review

This story was a small town romance between a restaurant owner and an event planner. The frustrations between them stem from high school. They’ll need to overcome their past to find their HEA. I went in blind, as I had not read the first book but the prologue caught me up well enough!

This was an ok read for me. Miscommunication/no-communication is one of the overall tropes used throughout the book and that is not a favorite of mine by far so I was mixed with all the sweet feelings during some moments while finding myself feeling frustrated with other parts. That was a personal preference for ME and would not have an impact on those that enjoy the trope.

The characters were relatable and everyone could find a piece of themselves or parts of their lives to connect with. Overall it was a sweet feeling romance with the perfect amount of spice to keep things interesting and steamy. I found myself rooting for these two to get over their issues and be together.

[Sammie Rodriguez · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Eeek! I received this book as an ARC and my second book with Christie Piper and She’s becoming one of my favorite small town romance authors! The storyline flows so beautifully and she writes such relatable characters.
I am a sucker for that small town romance - grumpy / sunshine trope. But throw some missed chance from high school days and now adult tension, and then shake it up with both of them in their own heads, he’s a grumpy work-a-holic and she’s a ray of sunshine who takes on too much, I couldn’t do anything other than eat this story up. I found myself rooting for these two once they finally gave into the tension. The tension between these two were 🤌🏼 *chefs kiss* delish. I can’t wait to read Ethan and Holly’s story! ❤️

[Margaret Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book by the author and am volunteering leaving this review.
This was my first book by Christie piper and it did not disappoint!

No major spoilers are in this review:

I’m a sucker for small town romances with a grumpy MMC but the way Lane is written is phenomenal! He may be grumpy but he is THE BEST guy!

I could relate with the FMC Megan in so many ways and it was amazing to see her growth and the relationship between her and Lane in both past and present!

Loved all the world building and character information since I have not read the first book on the series yet but it is now on my never ending TBR! Can’t wait to see what the author puts out next ! So glad I got the opportunity to read and review this book ❤️

[Colleen Meister · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get selected by the author to be part of the ARC team. This releases 11/10.

This was another 3⭐️ read for me but additional stars given for local author and ARC team placement. Plus all of the local shoutouts adds to it as well. Fun to read about places you know and love.

This was a good follow up to the first one. An enemies to lovers and also second chance romance. I didn’t love the constant back and forth feelings battle between Lane and Megan. Some hesitation is expected but it became annoying, just commit already 😂 A good grump goes a long way also.

Thrilling to be part of this author’s journey. Can’t wait to read the third in the series.

[Rachel · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC.

Synopsis: Lane and Megan have a history from 15 years ago when they were in high school and they had a huge miscommunication (not my fave trope). Now they have to plan a wedding for their BFFs.

What I liked: It's a cute, small town setting. There was some good banter, but I wish there was more. I liked that the POV switched mid-scene a few times.

What I didn't like: I hate a miscommunication trope. I wish I felt more yearning from them earlier on.

Spice: 3.5/5

[Abbey Bernstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dancing with the Enemy gives you all the small-town grump/sunshine vibes, but what makes it special is how relatable and real the main characters feel. Their miscommunication and insecurities felt authentic—something we can all relate to either personally or through our friend groups. This book has you hoping for a happy ending and just the right amount of spice.

I did read the first book in this series but this book can be read as a standalone.

Thank you Christie Piper for sending me an ARC of this book!

[Courtney · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I am SO thankful to have received an ARC of Dancing with the Enemy from the author, Christie Piper! I really enjoy her writing style and characters. This was a cute, cozy, feel good, read. I appreciated that both the MMC and FMC had issues to work through, and that coming together pushed them each to grow into better versions of themselves; it makes it feel like these are characters you might actually know. My only critique is that the miscommunication trope is not my favorite, but that’s just a personal preference!

[Kaya Jamie Halbleib · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Lane and Megan’s story may have held similar notes to book one in the beginning but their love wasn’t the same. The banter was good between the characters. There were two things that I wasn’t super excited about. Number one the line about not dating locals. That was the same as book one. Two I don’t know if Lane‘s story regarding why they stopped talking held enough punch. It felt almost just thrown in. With that being said the book was written well and it was a good book overall. Can’t wait to read book three!!!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed the second book in the Port St Clair series. Lane and Megan both had commitment issues but knew from a young age they were it for eachother. "The one that got away" vibes.
I like the development from "enemies" with a misunderstanding from their youth that caused friction for years to being forced together planning their best friends' wedding to realizing they had always loved eachother.
I see the author's growth in this book and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Rebecca Cushing · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Boy, this book was full of "will they wont they" but Im so happy they did. Lane and Megan have an amazing connection. This was a great follow up to Johnny and Beth's book and I love that we got snippets of them throughout because they are an adorable couple too. Once Lane and Megan finally figured themselves out they became unstoppable and I love them. As a fellow Type A personality I completely resonated with Megan, but married to my own carefree (sometimes clueless) Lane i understand what they went through and how hard it is to get it together.
I cannot wait to read more in this series!!

[Sarah Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved being back in Port St. Claire! The prologue did an amazing job of setting things up and the first few chapters as well to do a re-intro for characters from book 1 (for those who haven't read it yet). There was a lot of emotions in this book and you could feel their pain, angst and their desire to help their friends have the perfect wedding. I loved how they were able to work through their differences and see who each other is now and not just who they were in the past.

[Laura Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This was an easy read & had a nice, small town vibe. The miscommunication that Megan and Lane had in their teenage years didn’t seem to make much sense, but they worked through it. The main storyline was about planning a wedding for their friends. The story was set in Michigan & had fun little tidbits about the area. If you’re looking for a light-hearted story with a happy ending, check this story out!

[Ashley Hendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid fantasy reader I admit this is my very first contemporary romance that I tried. I tend to gravitate towards fantasy and haven’t read anything else for years. I was so pleasantly surprised because this isn’t my normal. This story follows the up and downs of lane and Megan. Pair a small town romance with some steamy tension between characters. Everyone has their inner demons that we get to know, and can relate to in ourselves as well. I would definitely say to give it a try.