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Tender Enemies
A USA Today Best Selling author and two-time Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner, S. R. Mallery--as her fans say--"brings history to life." It's 1941 in New York City, a time before Pearl Harbor, when Nazi spies are everywhere in the U.S. and no one knows who's working for whom. In comes beautiful Lily, paid to gather intelligence by setting up a "honey trap" for Joe Stiles, a supposed German infiltrator. Problem is, she soon faces a danger she isn't prepared for--falling in love.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2019
About the author
S.R. Mallery
23 books339 followersS. R. Mallery has worn many hats in her life. Starting out as a classical/pop singer/composer, she moved onto the professional world of production art and calligraphy, followed by a long career as an award winning quilt artist/teacher and an ESL/Reading instructor. Her short stories have been published in descent 2008, Snowy Egret, Transcendent Visions, The Storyteller and Down In the Dirt. Unexpected Gifts is her debut novel. Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads, a collection, is due out late 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 16, 2019
Tender Enemies is a contrary title, hinting at a contrary plot where the main characters are being led astray about the true loyalties of both friends and enemies. The book is based on meticulous research into American history during 1941, when Nazi spies are secretly at work within American society in order to ‘liberate’’ the American people from their ruling clique, and nazi camps are being established on American soil in the guise of innocent youth organizations. This tumultuous era serves as a dramatic backdrop for a love affair that evolves in spite of Lily’s deception not to let it happen. She is paid to gather intelligence by seducing Joe Stiles, who is rumored to be a Nazi operative. But is he? And what about her newly acquired friend, Anna? Is she a traitor? Who can be trusted?
“Suddenly, she became that little girl again, seeing her father lying on the street below, her mother’s screams echoing up toward her. Her knees buckled under her.”
Lily can be beset by emotions, but on the other hand she can be quite determined when it really counts: “I’m coming one way or the other,” she says, forcing others to accept her presence in dangerous situations. “Once our gal sets her mind on something, all limits are off.”
Five stars.
“Suddenly, she became that little girl again, seeing her father lying on the street below, her mother’s screams echoing up toward her. Her knees buckled under her.”
Lily can be beset by emotions, but on the other hand she can be quite determined when it really counts: “I’m coming one way or the other,” she says, forcing others to accept her presence in dangerous situations. “Once our gal sets her mind on something, all limits are off.”
Five stars.
March 30, 2019
USA Today Bestselling author S.R. Mallery has written an intriguing period piece set in NYC during the paranoid era just before the U.S. joined WW II. The fascinating plot weaving German spies, the FBI and underground Nazi organizations was peopled with vivid and eminently likable characters, fully developed, each with stories of their own.
in fact, I was a little in love with Joe, the Tender Enemy and hero to heroine Lily. He's the quintessential decent man, not extraordinary, but heart-melting al the same, doing the right thing when it's hard and a caring and protective of his love Lily.
The authentic landscape of the time, the pop culture references, the details about the places, added to my enjoyment of the story.
But most of all, beyond the intrigue and need to know who the real bad guys were, I kept turning the pages, rooting for Joe and Lily to be safe and together at the end.
I will be quick to read more of Ms. Mallery's stories after enjoying this well crafted, highly entertaining intrigue!
in fact, I was a little in love with Joe, the Tender Enemy and hero to heroine Lily. He's the quintessential decent man, not extraordinary, but heart-melting al the same, doing the right thing when it's hard and a caring and protective of his love Lily.
The authentic landscape of the time, the pop culture references, the details about the places, added to my enjoyment of the story.
But most of all, beyond the intrigue and need to know who the real bad guys were, I kept turning the pages, rooting for Joe and Lily to be safe and together at the end.
I will be quick to read more of Ms. Mallery's stories after enjoying this well crafted, highly entertaining intrigue!
Read
December 19, 2021I’ve read a couple of S.R. Mallery books and this one is my favorite. I love the storyline and the WWII era in which the book is set. New York City in 1941.
Working for a man who she’s known since she was a child, Lily is on watch for Nazi spies. Her job is to gather intelligence. While on the job, she falls in love with a man who is suspected to be a Nazi spy. Her heart is torn as she wants to believe he is not a spy, but is he? However, that isn’t the only twist. In this era of fear and lack of trust, is anyone in her life truly who she believes them to be?
Twists, turns, romance, espionage, truth, and lies. This book has it all. S.R. Mallery has created great characters for this well written story.
I’ve worked with S.R. Mallery in the past on a boxed set and instantly became a fan of her work.
Working for a man who she’s known since she was a child, Lily is on watch for Nazi spies. Her job is to gather intelligence. While on the job, she falls in love with a man who is suspected to be a Nazi spy. Her heart is torn as she wants to believe he is not a spy, but is he? However, that isn’t the only twist. In this era of fear and lack of trust, is anyone in her life truly who she believes them to be?
Twists, turns, romance, espionage, truth, and lies. This book has it all. S.R. Mallery has created great characters for this well written story.
I’ve worked with S.R. Mallery in the past on a boxed set and instantly became a fan of her work.
March 24, 2019
Tender Enemies, I just loved this period piece by S. R. Mallery. To think that Nazi spies were once real and not just some fictional characters written in a book. Amazing! I'm so glad we won the war, and thanks to the author she pens fantastic story set into that tumultuous time period. Great job, 5 stars!
July 20, 2019
Historical espionage thriller
Kudos to S.R. Mallory for a well thought out story of espionage, false identities and historical accuracy. You’re kept on your toes just trying to figure out who is who. Bravo for a well written read!
Kudos to S.R. Mallory for a well thought out story of espionage, false identities and historical accuracy. You’re kept on your toes just trying to figure out who is who. Bravo for a well written read!
January 22, 2022
The love story of Lilly Campbell and Joe Stiles is gently weaved into this fascinating piece of history--1941 when German infiltrators came to America and built a community of espionage and youth camps for training Nazi supporters--right under the nose of the American people. Set in New York City when no one trusted one another and espionage was prime, this brilliant, well written story will hook you from the first page to the last.
It is not an ordinary book, and the author, S.R. Mallery has created an in-depth look at how life was before Hitler's rise in power and control as he swept through Europe, taking one country at a time. Ms. Mallery is splendid in her story telling.
The novel has depth and well developed characters who's truth will be revealed--a plot that is so enticing you can't put the book down. Suspense, thrills and chills, and a heart-stopping love affair between a young couple unsure of which side each person was on.
I loved, loved this book, and will happily devour other books by this incredible writer. I highly recommend!
It is not an ordinary book, and the author, S.R. Mallery has created an in-depth look at how life was before Hitler's rise in power and control as he swept through Europe, taking one country at a time. Ms. Mallery is splendid in her story telling.
The novel has depth and well developed characters who's truth will be revealed--a plot that is so enticing you can't put the book down. Suspense, thrills and chills, and a heart-stopping love affair between a young couple unsure of which side each person was on.
I loved, loved this book, and will happily devour other books by this incredible writer. I highly recommend!
April 9, 2020
TENDER ENEMIES is a wonderful, can’t put down historical romance by S. R. Mallery. It’s the story of Lily Campbell. We see how her past formed who she is and where her hearts wants her to go. The story takes place in New York City in 1941 in the time before Pearl Harbor, but when Nazi spies and double agents walked among United States citizens and people didn’t know who to trust.
Lily works for John McMillan in his vacuum store. Every grateful for John saving her all those years ago from her Uncle, she is glad to do his bidding. With promise of extra money to help with her Mother’s expenses, she gladly sets up honey traps to help John and the FBI in defending this great country against Nazi spies and this country’s enemies. After the child abuse at her uncle’s hands, being with the men was just part of her job – no emotion involved. That is until she was assigned to find out information from Joe Stiles.
She was told Joe was a Nazi spy who the FBI needed information about, but her heart can’t believe that the first man to make her feel loved and worthy could be on the wrong side. She has to keep reminding herself of her mother and why she needs this extra money, but the tug on her heart is slowing winning the battle.
The only constant in her life have been Dottie and Charlie (aka Mr. Potato Man) - neighbor’s from way back when. They gave her a place to run when she had no place to go and have always been her physical and emotion support. She has finally made a new friend, Anna, and they seem to have so much in common.
Who is this Joe Stiles? Is he working for the Germans? Why would John, who has always looked out for her, say he was if it wasn’t true? Should she follow her heart? Who is Anna – friend or foe? Why was Anna with John? Do they know one another and if so how? Is the man she has trusted and worked for really who he says he is or was all that a lie too? Can Lily get her Mom to safety and out of harm’s way? Who can she trust? Was Dottie right and I do have the smarts and no one can take them from me?
TENDER ENEMIES is a fabulous historical romance that is accurate in historical details while telling a riveting story that will have you falling in love with Lily, feeling her pain and wanting her to finally find true happiness. S. R. Mallery does a fabulous job or telling an intriguing story with facts and fiction blended so smoothly you don’t know the difference. She’ll have you scratching you head while trying to figure out who is on what side and then throws in something completely unexpected at the end making this one exciting read. Highly recommend this book and this author! I have never been disappointed with one of her books. I look forward to reading more by S. R. Mallery.
Lily works for John McMillan in his vacuum store. Every grateful for John saving her all those years ago from her Uncle, she is glad to do his bidding. With promise of extra money to help with her Mother’s expenses, she gladly sets up honey traps to help John and the FBI in defending this great country against Nazi spies and this country’s enemies. After the child abuse at her uncle’s hands, being with the men was just part of her job – no emotion involved. That is until she was assigned to find out information from Joe Stiles.
She was told Joe was a Nazi spy who the FBI needed information about, but her heart can’t believe that the first man to make her feel loved and worthy could be on the wrong side. She has to keep reminding herself of her mother and why she needs this extra money, but the tug on her heart is slowing winning the battle.
The only constant in her life have been Dottie and Charlie (aka Mr. Potato Man) - neighbor’s from way back when. They gave her a place to run when she had no place to go and have always been her physical and emotion support. She has finally made a new friend, Anna, and they seem to have so much in common.
Who is this Joe Stiles? Is he working for the Germans? Why would John, who has always looked out for her, say he was if it wasn’t true? Should she follow her heart? Who is Anna – friend or foe? Why was Anna with John? Do they know one another and if so how? Is the man she has trusted and worked for really who he says he is or was all that a lie too? Can Lily get her Mom to safety and out of harm’s way? Who can she trust? Was Dottie right and I do have the smarts and no one can take them from me?
TENDER ENEMIES is a fabulous historical romance that is accurate in historical details while telling a riveting story that will have you falling in love with Lily, feeling her pain and wanting her to finally find true happiness. S. R. Mallery does a fabulous job or telling an intriguing story with facts and fiction blended so smoothly you don’t know the difference. She’ll have you scratching you head while trying to figure out who is on what side and then throws in something completely unexpected at the end making this one exciting read. Highly recommend this book and this author! I have never been disappointed with one of her books. I look forward to reading more by S. R. Mallery.
March 8, 2019
Intriguing historical romance. Such a page-turner!
I love books set in New York and this historical romance had an original premise that drew me from the start. I'd never read anything about nazis in America before so I was intrigued before I even started to read. S.R. Mallery set her world vividly from the first pages, reeling me in effortlessly. I have read all her other books and, once again the dialogue was spot on for the era. This author writes vivid dialogue and characters in all her books, and she does it in an almost cinematographical way, in the sense that as I read I can see it all in my mind's eye. What a wonderful talent for a writer to have!
The heroine, Lily, was traumatized from childhood and worried for her mother's health too. She is such a caring soul, a good girl that was full of worry and trepidation. It all made me yearn for her to find happiness. The man she loved was someone she was assigned to spy on, which caused her to ache with love for him while doubting his integrity and true motives at the same time.
A host of nazi supporters, some operatives on a stake-out, and FBI agents are featured in the story, weaving a web of lies and distrust that trapped the two protagonists at the center. I cannot recommend this book enough for fans of historical fiction and sweet romance with suspense. The story proved utterly entertaining to the last page. Towards the end, a series of twists and revelations caused my reading pleasure to skyrocket.
But, above all, what I enjoyed the most was feeling fully immersed in the 1940s as I read. It was an unforgettable mind trip and I urge you to take it as well.
I love books set in New York and this historical romance had an original premise that drew me from the start. I'd never read anything about nazis in America before so I was intrigued before I even started to read. S.R. Mallery set her world vividly from the first pages, reeling me in effortlessly. I have read all her other books and, once again the dialogue was spot on for the era. This author writes vivid dialogue and characters in all her books, and she does it in an almost cinematographical way, in the sense that as I read I can see it all in my mind's eye. What a wonderful talent for a writer to have!
The heroine, Lily, was traumatized from childhood and worried for her mother's health too. She is such a caring soul, a good girl that was full of worry and trepidation. It all made me yearn for her to find happiness. The man she loved was someone she was assigned to spy on, which caused her to ache with love for him while doubting his integrity and true motives at the same time.
A host of nazi supporters, some operatives on a stake-out, and FBI agents are featured in the story, weaving a web of lies and distrust that trapped the two protagonists at the center. I cannot recommend this book enough for fans of historical fiction and sweet romance with suspense. The story proved utterly entertaining to the last page. Towards the end, a series of twists and revelations caused my reading pleasure to skyrocket.
But, above all, what I enjoyed the most was feeling fully immersed in the 1940s as I read. It was an unforgettable mind trip and I urge you to take it as well.
February 10, 2019
One of the things I love about an S.R. Mallery novel is how well researched it is. Years ago, I became interested in Germany during WWII and read extensively about the rise of the Nazi party. I also learned about the German American Bund, which in 1936 began openly supporting Hitler and his merry band of henchmen. It’s astonishing to me that such a thing could occur in this country, but there you have it. Not only were grown men and women engaging publicly in a giant PR campaign to convince Americans that the Nazis were a great bunch of people, the Bund also established camps for kids so that they could be indoctrinated—much like the Hitler Youth.
In Tender Enemies, we get a chance to see all of this firsthand through the eyes of a beautiful and good-hearted amateur spy. Thanks to Lily, we are presented with an exciting story that brings this dark period of our history to life in glorious Technicolor. We meet the good, the bad, and the really bad. And much of the time, we’re not sure who we can trust, which is not good when you’re an operative who finds herself falling in love with the very person you are supposed to be spying on.
If you enjoy riveting historical fiction featuring characters who are realized wonderfully, I urge you to pick up this novel. After reading it, you may come away asking yourself—as I did—how in the world could something like this have happened in America?
In Tender Enemies, we get a chance to see all of this firsthand through the eyes of a beautiful and good-hearted amateur spy. Thanks to Lily, we are presented with an exciting story that brings this dark period of our history to life in glorious Technicolor. We meet the good, the bad, and the really bad. And much of the time, we’re not sure who we can trust, which is not good when you’re an operative who finds herself falling in love with the very person you are supposed to be spying on.
If you enjoy riveting historical fiction featuring characters who are realized wonderfully, I urge you to pick up this novel. After reading it, you may come away asking yourself—as I did—how in the world could something like this have happened in America?
March 5, 2019
A suspenseful, war-time romance, this story highlights the dreadful effect of war on people and their relationships. In a country that had become the land of opportunity and a melting pot of nations, it had become difficult to tell the difference between friend and foe. What appeared to be a rescue by a well-meaning friend, became a grooming operation for something far more treacherous. As Lily is coerced into trapping John Stiles into revealing his secrets, when her feelings become involved Lily has a hard time separating truth from fiction. Although Joe is a gentle hero, he has his own set of problems discovering the truth about Lily. However, he is also protective and when the truth comes out, he uses all his resources to keep her safe. Lily is somewhat naive, but when an unexpected revelation comes her way, she knows that she has to take her chances with Joe. The story is well written and suspenseful and although it comes to a bitter-sweet conclusion, it does have a happy ending. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
May 22, 2019
Romance, Suspense, And Twists Abound
Five Stars for Tender Enemies! In this action-packed romantic thriller, S. R. Mallery not only captures the WWII era with authenticity, she’ll capture your heart with a budding romance under a constant barrage of espionage. Surrounded by danger, the heroine, Lilly Campbell, must tread softly in order to carry out her assignment––luring the handsome Joe Stiles into a “honeytrap” with intent to gather intelligence. Prepared for a perilous mission, Lily never expects to encounter the most unexpected danger of her career––falling in love with her mark. Twists and turns abound, leaving Lily [and the reader] suspicious of everyone. When the walls close in Lily’s life is at stake. Who among her acquaintances are the real spies?
Mallery weaves a suspenseful thriller with believable, fleshed-out characters, and lovely villains, keeping me turning the pages from the first paragraph. If you love romance, suspense, and thrills set in WWII, this is a must-read. I highly recommend Tender Enemies!
Five Stars for Tender Enemies! In this action-packed romantic thriller, S. R. Mallery not only captures the WWII era with authenticity, she’ll capture your heart with a budding romance under a constant barrage of espionage. Surrounded by danger, the heroine, Lilly Campbell, must tread softly in order to carry out her assignment––luring the handsome Joe Stiles into a “honeytrap” with intent to gather intelligence. Prepared for a perilous mission, Lily never expects to encounter the most unexpected danger of her career––falling in love with her mark. Twists and turns abound, leaving Lily [and the reader] suspicious of everyone. When the walls close in Lily’s life is at stake. Who among her acquaintances are the real spies?
Mallery weaves a suspenseful thriller with believable, fleshed-out characters, and lovely villains, keeping me turning the pages from the first paragraph. If you love romance, suspense, and thrills set in WWII, this is a must-read. I highly recommend Tender Enemies!
March 18, 2019
Lily has been creating honey traps in New York for her boss in order to gather information from suspected Nazi sympathizers. Lily feels torn after meeting and feeling drawn to Joe. Lily feels loyalty to her boss who saved her when she was young. Lily also needs the money from her boss to help her mother out of a bad situation. As time goes on, Lily is hoping that Joe really isn't a Nazi spy. I received a free copy of this book from eBook Discovery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. After finishing the book and Googling Frederick Duquesne, I discovered this was a real Nazi spy ring operating in New York City in 1941. It's interesting to read a WWII romantic suspense book interwoven with historical facts. I really like this book.
March 26, 2019
This book is a whole lot of who is spying on whom. Lily is supposed to be spying on Joe because is believed to be by her boss a German spy in America for his Family back in Germany. Joe is supposed to be spying on Lily because of some of the same reasons. There was a lot of turmoil in the book which is probably what that time frame was like in real life. As I was reading I was trying to figure out whom I could trust in the story. Good read. I liked Lily and Joe. Quick good read.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
March 24, 2019
1941 was a year to remember in New York .Spies, double agents are everywhere in the United States. Seeking out people who speak out against the Nazis in Germany, and threats to our country. Lily and Joe are undercover and told by their bosses without their knowing to track each other, and get any information. Little do they know they are on the same side in this dangerous game of espionage, and did not plan on falling in love. This is an Amazing story. I was captivated right from the first page. History in the making. I am glad we won the war. A Definite Must Read!
January 20, 2019
The book has a The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society feel. Mallery has mastered the period. I loved it and couldn't put it down. Liam Neeson could be cast in it in as a Raymondesque Marlowe alongside Jennifer Lawrence. The historical and the romantic suspense genres meld beautifully in this WW2 piece that takes off running from the first chapter. Tasteful titillation renders the love scenes warm and steamy at the same time. Highly recommended.
March 3, 2019
Great story set in 1941 in New York before America has entered the war, when plenty of people--including beautiful, sexy Lily--are on the look-out for Nazi spies. She's set up to trap Joe Stiles, a potential Nazi. But it's not as simple as that... Unfortunately, romance raises its complicating head... A thoroughly-researched-and-detailed story set in a thrilling and fascinating epoch, creating a wonderful blend of historical authenticity and a personal drama of love and intrigue.
June 30, 2022
Tender Enemies takes place on the eve of World War II. It’s the story of Lily Campbell, a beautiful young New Yorker who has a difficult life. Her father died when she was young, her mother is a drunk and her sleazy uncle sexually abused her. Her savior was John Montgomery, who first hired her to be a shop worker and then turned her into a spy. Lily has been assigned to seduce Joe Stiles, a presumed German spy. Lily successfully makes contact with Joe, who is immediately smitten. There is a large cast of characters, whose actions and motivations make perfect sense, and Lily has a complicated but relatable background.
The New York of the early 1940’s seems familiar but weirdly discordant to the modern sensibility, giving the story a strangely alien feeling. The story revolves around a time in American history that has been memorialized in stories and film but is rapidly fading from living memory.
Tender Enemies is a classic cat-and-mouse thriller, with the good guys and the bad guys changing sides more than once. The tension ratchets continually upward and in the end, the outcome is unpredictable but makes perfect sense. Highly recommended.
The New York of the early 1940’s seems familiar but weirdly discordant to the modern sensibility, giving the story a strangely alien feeling. The story revolves around a time in American history that has been memorialized in stories and film but is rapidly fading from living memory.
Tender Enemies is a classic cat-and-mouse thriller, with the good guys and the bad guys changing sides more than once. The tension ratchets continually upward and in the end, the outcome is unpredictable but makes perfect sense. Highly recommended.
July 12, 2021
Tender Enemies, A Page Turner, Combines Elements of Historical, Romance and Suspense
Tender Enemies, by S. R. Mallery is a real page turner. Not to give away any spoilers, but I couldn’t tell the good guys from the bad guys until the very end. The book was layered with strong, well-developed characters with compelling back stories and a powerful plot, little known (to me), about the German infiltration of the U.S. leading up to the U.S. involvement in WW II. It combined elements of historical, romance and suspense and kept me quite entertained. While Heroine Lily Campbell was luring reporter Joe Stiles into a “honey trap,” and falling in love, sinister forces were at work. No one was who they said they were. I really enjoyed this story and all the surprises along the way. A highly recommended, satisfying read.
Tender Enemies, by S. R. Mallery is a real page turner. Not to give away any spoilers, but I couldn’t tell the good guys from the bad guys until the very end. The book was layered with strong, well-developed characters with compelling back stories and a powerful plot, little known (to me), about the German infiltration of the U.S. leading up to the U.S. involvement in WW II. It combined elements of historical, romance and suspense and kept me quite entertained. While Heroine Lily Campbell was luring reporter Joe Stiles into a “honey trap,” and falling in love, sinister forces were at work. No one was who they said they were. I really enjoyed this story and all the surprises along the way. A highly recommended, satisfying read.
July 11, 2021
This was a very interesting book to read. I couldn't put it down. 5 star book. Highly recommend this book. I already know some people who read this.
December 5, 2021
This fascinating story has a lot going for it. It's well written; it is a love story, suspense/spy thriller, and covers a period that many Americans know about but specifically includes a topic that I didn't realize was prevalent at the time - Nazi sympathizers in the US. The time is 1941, just before the US was drawn in to WW2.
Lily's long time friend and employer, John, saved her from a lecherous uncle years before. Now she is a trusted employee. John enlists Lily to try to collect information on a suspected Nazi sympathizer. As she tries to gather information, she is drawn into relationships and experiences that make her worry for her safety, her sanity, and her heart.
I really enjoyed this book. I think it could be read from young adult through mature audiences.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. This is my honest review.
Lily's long time friend and employer, John, saved her from a lecherous uncle years before. Now she is a trusted employee. John enlists Lily to try to collect information on a suspected Nazi sympathizer. As she tries to gather information, she is drawn into relationships and experiences that make her worry for her safety, her sanity, and her heart.
I really enjoyed this book. I think it could be read from young adult through mature audiences.
I received an advance reader copy from the author. This is my honest review.
May 26, 2022
Tender Enemies grabbed my attention from the get go, with excellent scene settings and characters. As I turned pages, I was immediately immersed into 1941, Lily Campbell’s world in New York City, the tug-of-war between her heartstrings and her loyalty to a man who is not only her boss, but her savior, and someone she considers a friend. When John hires Lily to use her feminine wiles to gain information on a handsome journalist suspected of being a Nazi sympathizer, she is happy to oblige, needing the extra money to help her dysfunctional mother. But when things don’t add up, Lily begins to question her true mission, and her feelings for a man she barely knows. Betrayal, and scarring from a troubled past launch her in a quandary. Who can she trust? She seeks solace in long-time friends, Charlie and Dottie, but when they get caught up in the danger, Lily strikes out on her own to resolve the situation and get to the truth. Will love prevail? S.R. Mallery does an excellent job taking the reader on a twisting journey back in time to experience a well-crafted plot, intriguing characters, and a part of history that should never be forgotten. Well done! I will be reading more of this author, for sure!
September 29, 2020
An Engaging Journey Back in Time with WW II on the Horizon
In 1941, while World War II rages in Europe, Nazi spies infiltrate sympathetic German communities in New York City. Using aliases, they persuade immigrant families to support their cause and attempt to undermine the government.
When Lily Campbell was young, John McMillan saved her from an abusive uncle. Lily views McMillan as her protector and works at his store. For extra money to support her mother, McMillan has enlisted the beautiful Lily to entrap suspected Nazi spies. She applies her charms until her targets unsuspectingly reveal valuable information she passes onto McMillan.
The handsome John Stiles is her newest target, but unlike the others, she is immediately drawn to him. Stiles, a newspaper reporter, is also attracted to Lily, but he has a family in Germany and will do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. Can their love affair survive their divided loyalties or was it doomed from the start?
“Tender Enemies” is a gripping historical tale with a great blend of suspense, romance, and mystery. The compelling characters face constant danger. No one is sure whom to trust. The author has expertly woven Lily and John’s personal struggles into the period in time when the Nazi movement was in full swing in New York City prior to the U.S. entering the war.
I discovered S. R. Mallery’s books when both of us were invited to take part in Love Under Fire, a boxed set. Since then I became a great fan of her writing. She has a wonderful way of bringing history to life and she’d done it again in “Tender Enemies.” I highly recommend this great read!
In 1941, while World War II rages in Europe, Nazi spies infiltrate sympathetic German communities in New York City. Using aliases, they persuade immigrant families to support their cause and attempt to undermine the government.
When Lily Campbell was young, John McMillan saved her from an abusive uncle. Lily views McMillan as her protector and works at his store. For extra money to support her mother, McMillan has enlisted the beautiful Lily to entrap suspected Nazi spies. She applies her charms until her targets unsuspectingly reveal valuable information she passes onto McMillan.
The handsome John Stiles is her newest target, but unlike the others, she is immediately drawn to him. Stiles, a newspaper reporter, is also attracted to Lily, but he has a family in Germany and will do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. Can their love affair survive their divided loyalties or was it doomed from the start?
“Tender Enemies” is a gripping historical tale with a great blend of suspense, romance, and mystery. The compelling characters face constant danger. No one is sure whom to trust. The author has expertly woven Lily and John’s personal struggles into the period in time when the Nazi movement was in full swing in New York City prior to the U.S. entering the war.
I discovered S. R. Mallery’s books when both of us were invited to take part in Love Under Fire, a boxed set. Since then I became a great fan of her writing. She has a wonderful way of bringing history to life and she’d done it again in “Tender Enemies.” I highly recommend this great read!
December 3, 2021
Winter of 1941 in New York and the world is changing.
Even if you are not politically minded, or too young to know much about this historical period, you will be fascinated by the tension and quick pace of this page turner.
Lily Campbell has had a hard luck life after the stock market crash. Even those who professed to help or save her have their own agendas. To further protect her mother, Lily does what she must to earn money. She feels she is also being a good, true American.
Along the way, she must set a "honey-trap" for a man named Joe, but it turns out Lily's heart gets caught in the trap. Throughout the book one doesn't really know who to trust and who is on which side of the political turmoil. The author does a masterful job of keeping us guessing.
I enjoyed the historical details and great world building created by S.R. Mallery.
A great book to get lost into and come back breathless.
Even if you are not politically minded, or too young to know much about this historical period, you will be fascinated by the tension and quick pace of this page turner.
Lily Campbell has had a hard luck life after the stock market crash. Even those who professed to help or save her have their own agendas. To further protect her mother, Lily does what she must to earn money. She feels she is also being a good, true American.
Along the way, she must set a "honey-trap" for a man named Joe, but it turns out Lily's heart gets caught in the trap. Throughout the book one doesn't really know who to trust and who is on which side of the political turmoil. The author does a masterful job of keeping us guessing.
I enjoyed the historical details and great world building created by S.R. Mallery.
A great book to get lost into and come back breathless.
July 23, 2021
Tender Enemies is a thrilling story of espionage and intrigue. The main character Lily is tasked with gathering information about Nazi sympathizers. Her adventures take us through the wonderfully described streets of 1941 New York. Through her interactions with an interesting array of characters an entertaining plot is spun, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the last chapter. A page turning well written period piece that I highly recommend.
July 19, 2019
Loved the history
I loved how it he history of a time that most young now see as irrelevant. Weaving in aaron story with the time of one of our worst historical consequences was brilliant. I very rarely read past fiction it this one was well written. Characters development was smooth and easy to read. Well done.
I loved how it he history of a time that most young now see as irrelevant. Weaving in aaron story with the time of one of our worst historical consequences was brilliant. I very rarely read past fiction it this one was well written. Characters development was smooth and easy to read. Well done.
August 4, 2019
What an intense book! I loved it.
When Lily is asked to do something by her employer and family friend who cared for her as a child, she does so without hesitation. Why??? Because she trusted him. However, things were not as they appeared to be. Nazis in the US trying to overtake the government.
Really an inside to what might have been happening during that time. Excellent book.
When Lily is asked to do something by her employer and family friend who cared for her as a child, she does so without hesitation. Why??? Because she trusted him. However, things were not as they appeared to be. Nazis in the US trying to overtake the government.
Really an inside to what might have been happening during that time. Excellent book.
August 7, 2019
This espionage thriller is a definite page turner with lots of twists and turns and a climatic end. It had me totally immersed in the well written story with its intriguing characters. The author definitely did her research as I found it all so realistic for that time period and made it so easy for me to actually see visual pictures in my mind as I read. I highly recommend.
September 5, 2021
True to her reputation, an excellent novelist.
Another great author Mallery novel. Spine tingling action, a surprise at every turn all woven through with the correct details of the time. This author never fails to produce authentic research while spinning good fiction. The reader can't go wrong with Ms. Mallery's books.
Another great author Mallery novel. Spine tingling action, a surprise at every turn all woven through with the correct details of the time. This author never fails to produce authentic research while spinning good fiction. The reader can't go wrong with Ms. Mallery's books.
August 8, 2019
this was a really great book! there are so many spies you dont know who to trust. she is sent into a honey trap. only something is just not right. you have to find out what is going on.
September 17, 2019
A good book
A good fiction although based on fact. What would have happened if the Nazi's had gotten a real backing in our country???? Too terrible to think about.
A good fiction although based on fact. What would have happened if the Nazi's had gotten a real backing in our country???? Too terrible to think about.
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