Bitter Rivals

by J. Sterling

New York Times bestselling author, J. Sterling brings you her first ever enemies-to-lovers story!

James Russo is enemy #1.
Hating him is in my blood.

Our families have been at war for generations; a bitter rivalry with no end in sight. All I've ever wanted to do was make wine, but one night with James will cost me everything.

I shouldn't be attracted to him... but I am.
I definitely shouldn't want to sleep with him... but I do.

Is following my heart worth the risk of losing my vineyard and my legacy?

Because in my family, there could be no greater betrayal than sleeping with the enemy.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Forbidden Romance

Unknown Binding

First published March 21, 2019

About the author

J. (jenn) Sterling is a New York Times and USA Today best selling author of multiple contemporary romances. She lives in California with her only son, Blake. If you can't find her sitting behind a computer screen writing new stories, then there's a good chance she's sitting in the bleachers of a baseball stadium watching him play.

Jenn enjoys traveling to new places, meeting her readers and spending time with the love of her life, the one & only, Jack F'n Carter! Oh yeah, it's true. <3

Stay in touch with Jenn here:
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/619557...
Website: http://www.jsterlingbooks.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJSterling
Instagram & TikTok: @AuthorJSterling

Reviews

[Karen Mc · Rating 2 out of 5]

After the second-chance romance, enemies-to-lovers romance is my kryptonite. The tension and torment are pure pleasure to read. With an enticing blurb and allure of the enemies-to-lovers trope, I was excited to read my first J. Sterling romance! While this story is fun, flirty, and, yes, forbidden, it is mostly sweet. Too sweet for this story trope. It lacks the spicy banter and tension needed for a true enemies-to-lovers story.

Unfortunately, I could not forge a connection to the characters or the storyline. I could not feel the chemistry between the hero and heroine. I just could not feel this story as much as I wanted to badly. I WANTED to like this book, especially being a huge enemies-to-lovers fan, I really did.

[Syndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by miss Sterling. Although this book is shorter and simplier, i still love it. Minimum angst, minimum drama. The characters are likeable even though i want deeper connection between Julia and James. James is so sweet perfect book boyfriend. He only have eyes for Julia.

So go ahead guys, enjoy ur weekend with a good wine and read this book. It will warm you up.

5 bitter rivals stars

[Clau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nada interesante por aquí.
La sinopsis prometía mucho: un romance entre Julia y James, dos personajes que se odian por una rivalidad ancestral entre sus familias. Cualquier tipo de contacto entre ellos está absoluta y terminantemente prohibido. Lo cual no deja de ser complejo, dado que son vecinos y que se dedican a la industria del vino, por lo que profesionalmente siempre se encuentran.
¿Suena bien, verdad? No es una premisa original, pero no voy a negar que suelo devorar este tipo de historias.
Lo que sucede es que: 1) La historia avanzó demasiado rápido; 2) Insta-love (no sé si esto es un spoiler o no, pero bueno); 3) Los personajes eran unos pendejos: se comportaban como si tuvieran 17 en lugar de casi 30; 4) Soluciones simplistas.
Así que no, no me gustó. No estoy feliz.

[Anne OK · Rating 2 out of 5]

A modern day Romeo and Juliet theme set in wine country. Felt rushed with a speedy insta-love connection between Julia and James. The whole idea felt a little lame and corny in its development with not much depth to the big "grape" controversy causing a generational rivalry between the La-Bella and Russo families. I never could figure out the present day ages of Julia and James -- there was a lot of talk about their high school years, but nothing defined their years after graduation. The best part for me involved James's best friend Dane, a likable and witty character bound to help his best friend win the girl!

[Lindsey Domokur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was JUST what I needed. Enemies to lovers? Check. Amazing hero? Check! All the butterflies? Check check! James was amazing. Bonus points if the hero is the one who has been pining away since childhood for the heroine. This book was adorable. A family feud, wine and a great love story.

[Coco.V]

Bitter Rivals is on sale for for $0.99 on Amazon today (7/27/2019)💞

[Ana Lelis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very cliche, predictable and boring.

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A feud can divide people and cause so much unwarranted carnage. Sometimes it’s one sided, leaving the other side with no idea why there is one to begin with. Often things can be cleared up simply by talking but hey common sense does not always prevail in these situations.

Julia La Bella grew up living on her family vineyard, she is passionate about wine making and has the awards to show for it. She usually takes first place when she enters wine from vines that she has complete ownership of at her family winery. She loves experimenting with different flavours and it seems to be a winning formula.

James Russo also grew up on a family vineyard and despite his best attempts he always seems to come out second best when it comes to winning awards. Julia beats him every time. He doesn’t mind though, he has been in love with Julia since he was an young teen.

The La Bella and Russo wineries are right next door to each other. Despite the spacious land they each have. Somehow their houses were built quite close together. This meant that James used to sit and watch for any glimpses of Julia, the girl he was crushing on. You see they were forbidden to ever talk to teach other due to a family feud.

This feud dates back to so many years ago that the reason for it seems to be getting a bit blurred. James has had enough of it all and is determined to end it once and for all. He wants to be able to pursue his interest in Julia without the fear of reprisal from not just his family but hers too.

When Julia realises what she is feeling for James is undeniable she is also filled with sadness too. Her father will never see past his anger and hatred of the La Bella family. It means either walking away from her life at the winery or walking away from James, she can’t have both ...

This was a sweet enemies to lovers story, low on the angst and easy to read.

[Shelby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia & James grew up hating each other, as their families are in a 3-generation long feud with competing wineries right next door to each other. Secretly Julia & James have had secret crushes on each other for years, but a romance between them would be completely off-limits, especially since Julia’s father threatens to disown her if she ever dates James.

But the two of them say to hell with it and date anyway, no matter the consequences. Just maybe their relationship could bring the two families back together.

Bitter Rivals by J Sterling is a modern day Romeo & Juliet story. It had the potential to be great but lacked the banter and plot that I was looking for. This wasn’t a bad book by any means but I felt so very bored while reading it. Where was the buildup to them getting together? I wanted more. 2.5/5 stars.

[Jodie Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I was so happy when I found out that I had received an arc for honest review. What can I say about this book, once again Jenn has outdone herself I loved it. I loved the chemistry between James and Julia, the rivalry between the two families and the love omg the love James made me swoon so hard from the very beginning of the book and there were times that I really wanted to slap Julia around the face and tell her to open her fucking eyes and heart to see how amazing James was. The story was great as always and I was intrigued from the first chapter. I'm really hoping that we will hear more from these characters maybe from Jeannie and Dane I'd love to hear more about them. Another amazing read.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come when book is published

[Veronica (Honey Roselea Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Teddy Hamilton's narration, seriously he might be on my favorite narrators list. TBH I think I liked his narration better than Erin Mallon because my thought the whole time was pretty much that he should narrate the whole book. Teddy Hamilton's voice at 1.75x speed is *chef's kiss*.

Loved the book and I took the opportunity to listen to it through Audible Escape before the cancellation of Audible Escape on November 1, 2020.

Find me on:
My Blog | My BookTube | My Book Club | Instagram | Twitter

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

A modern day re-framing of Romeo and Juliet as a romance have two neighboring Italian American families at each others throats for generations, the latest of which have fallen in love.

Mostly this is a great quick romance, but I felt it was let down by one of the familial relationships in the book which I felt was basically abusive over quite a long period of time, and I felt it was glossed over with almost no consequence in the denouement. That left me with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth despite the sunny happy ending.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter Rivals is enemies to lovers story. A bitter rivalry and a forbidden romance mostly because of the family feud that lingers on for at least a generation too many.
It is a low angst, cute and entertaining audiobook with enjoyable narration.
-4 Stars!-

[KFForever · Rating 4 out of 5]

kfforever

Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse at KindleFriendsForever

I'm so glad I've popped my J. Sterling cherry! And to top the lot, the topic she’d chosen was really easy to relate to as I do appreciate a good glass or three of vino! I live in wine country and have visited many bodegas, so her descriptive narrative not only helped me connect to her protagonists, but also gave me the feeling of being in their backyard...oops, vineyard.

This low-on-angst-light-hearted love story is addictive reading and before I even knew it, I'd finished the book. The story behind a family feud really intrigued me, but it's wearing one member's patience thin in particular. So, why has it been going on for such a long time you may ask. And for different reasons, why is it affecting the younger generation of viticulturists to the point that they can’t be seen together? Firstly, as it's not made clear what happened until nearly the ending, my imagination ran away with me and what I thought was the cause for such animosity was way off the mark. Secondly, James and Julia's fathers’ refusal to speak about it doesn't help matters and a no fraternizing with the neighbours rule aggravates the whole situation even more.

Enemies, James and Julia definitely are, but hate is a word too strong to describe their self-same feelings. Problem is you’ve got to be able to see which way the wind blows in more ways than one before you can get your bearings, and that's exactly what was done. Well, there’s no denying the attraction was there, but past events in their childhood made one of them apprehensive.

James is a lovely guy with a great sense of humour. Hard-working and like Julia, dedicated to the family business, a selfless act on his part makes her realise she could have been fighting a losing battle. A real tease, he also takes great pleasure in rubbing her up the wrong way. She always seemed to me to be on the defensive which only adds fuel to the fire.

More detail about how their wines reached perfection would have been nice but all in all, it’s a well-written story with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Steaminess abounds ladies, so get your fans ready, too! Want an easy-to-read standalone with great character development, then Bitter Rival is for you. Bravo Sterling!

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia La Bella hates James Russo. Or say she says. His family and hers have been locked in a bitter feud that goes back decades. Neither of their fathers is all that forthcoming about the cause of the feud, all they know is that each is to stay away from the other. Too bad they're insanely attracted to each other, not that they're likely to publicly admit it.

"You do realize that this all borders eerily close to Romeo and Juliet, right? I mean, you're both even Italian."



I gotta say, for an enemies/rivals to lovers romance, Bitter Rival is light on the bitterness, which is a refreshing and appreciated change from most of these type of stories. What Bitter Rival is is a light-hearted, sweet and fun romance. It's nothing deep or deeply passionate, but it's entertaining and fun. James and Julia are both great characters, especially James. They just had to get past their fears of disappointing their fathers in order for them to come together and admit their feelings.



I remember reading, and loving J. Sterling's The Perfect Game series back in the day, so it was good to read something of this author's again. Although a different type of story, in tone and content, Bitter Rival is well-written just like that series, and I'm looking forward to a lot more from this author.



ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

Full review posted here ---> Live Through Books Blog.

[Zainab M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY REVIEW:
Bitter Rival is my first novel read by the author J. Sterling. And I would be damned if I'd say that she disappointed even a bit. No, she delivered herself perfectly well. Bitter Rival had a light plot over some kind of stupid bet that's been rising feuds between the families of Russo & La Bella since generations. But who's to stop the emotional turmoil between our leads James & Julia. See, even their names has a common characteristic, then why not their hearts? 

Fighting over fine wine has never been as much fun as watching these two hot headed people fight their attraction for each other. But who gives in first? The steaminess was good, although I wished a bit more sexy appeal to it but hey, I ain't complaining. I really loved how James tried everything in his will to overpower Julia so that she could succumb to her feelings out and forever. It was fun watching our jealous and possessive hero fuss over every man that was within an inch of Julia. It was amusing to see how simply their problems just poofed away out of nowhere. I hoped it could be more convincing, but oh well xD 

In a way, grab your glasses of Italian wine and drop your clothes off, people. These two will make you feel all hot and bothered everywhere. 

Checklist:

Plot: ★★★

Chemistry: ★★★★

Writing Technique: ★★★★

Steamy/Sex Scenes: ★★★

Reader's Connectivity: ★★★★

Worth Your Time? : Sure.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia La Bella and James Russo were brought up on adjoining properties, both Italian families in the wine industry. You would think that because of their very similar backgrounds that they would have a lot in common, and they have, the mutual hate of either family. The rivalry between them virtually ruining their lives.

The main problem is that Julia and James might have been brought up to hate each other, but attraction towards each other is out of their control. Their best friends think that they should bury the hatchet, but Julia is more afraid of her father's threats to disown her and cut her off. Can they resist their building attraction, or will they let years of bad history control the rest of their lives?

Lovely story, easy read with some laughs along the way. Would definitely recommend!

[Bookjunkie_Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited when I received my first J. Sterling. I remember how I loved the Perfect Game series...not only because I love baseball but the overall story itself was memorable...

This is the story of James Russo and Julia La Bella... both of their families run their own respectable wineries... they're competitors as well as next door neighbors...

This is sort of an enemies to lovers kinda thing but not really... it's a modern day Romeo and Juliet story...

My only complain is that I wish they resisted each other a little bit more... maybe prolonged their get-together a little bit more... drove each other insane a little bit more. I would've love to read about them driving each other crazier... lol

It's light, sweet and swoony. It'll give you butterflies in your tummy... it's definitely a quick read and feel-good story.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter Rival was a short read that was about a forbidden romance between two families that hated each other over a bet that went wrong between their great grandfathers. It did take me a bit to get into the story but I did find it to be entertaining. I think it was the perfect length for this story and the right amount of angst within the story.

Julia did everything her parents asked of her without question and sometimes I found myself yelling at her for not standing up for herself with her dad. But I think it showed how much she loved her family and the passion she had for her career.

James I absolutely loved the with that he was undeniable loved Julia despite the age-old rivalry between his and her family. I loved the way that he fought for her even when it meant he had fight Julia in order to give them a chance.

I found this to be a sweet read with some steamy moment throughout the story. I recommend this story to anyone looking for an enjoyable short read.

[Danielle S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia La Bella & James Russo have been raised to hate each other. The generations old family feud is alive and well even though they harbor feelings for each other.

When the sparks start flying they can no longer deny them. Except, Julia tries because her father will disown her and send her packing. James, however, is determined to finally get the girl.

This is a fun, easy to love read. I enjoyed the feel good vibes. <3

[Tania's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but great read of enemies to lovers story. But in this case the “enemy” James has always been in love with Julia since they were kids. They were “enemies” because of a very old family feud. James didn’t care about the feud but Julia did. She was a stickler for rules even though she also had a crush on James she was not going to break that rule. But James wasn’t having it and tried several times to get thru to her and he finally did. It wasn’t so easy and they had to convince their family and put an end to the feud. James and Julia were a dynamic duo and complimented each other well.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

to be honest, little bit disappointed.

[Nancy Metsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!
I truly loved this very modern Romeo and Juliet story. Everything about this book was fantastic. I cant say too much cause I'm afraid to give away spoilers.
Julie and James were taught from a very young age you don't talk or look at each other. They are the enemy. All from a story that was half told. Everyone that reads this is going to really enjot it

[Marina Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Bitter Rival was an enjoyable story with characters that own a vineyard. Naturally this sort of book is right up my alley, I mean, wine and a book, what could be more perfect??
I loved the characters, the sizzling tension between them and the banter was great as well.
What happens when a long standing feud threatens to keep an impending couple apart??!! You will just have to read it for yourself to find out!
I really liked both James and Julia's best friends, they were a hoot.
Definitely an enjoyable fun read!

[Brandy Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was so good. I couldn’t put it down. J. Sterling is an amazing writer. It’s a must read!!!

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, charming story about two people who should hate each other but can't help wanting to be together.

There's been a long rivalry between the Russo's and La Bella family for years and as a result it has affected their only children into shaping them to hate each other just as much.

However that hatred doesn't run in their blood and so trying to keep up this fight of hating on another is being more difficult with every day.

James has always tried to get Julia to know of his want to try and see what a relationship with her could become but with constant rejection he's afraid of getting hair heart broken. When one night Julia's vines are almost set ablaze it gives James the chance he needed to finally let Julia see he isn't out to hate her or hurt her.

One night of dinner, one night of passion changes everything. Things blow up, things get hard but in the end there is light. The rivalry is something that ends up bringing the families and James and Julia together. Through their difference they find some solace.

It was a fun read that kept you anticipating the next turn. If you want something light hearted not too intense, this is a breath of fresh air for you. Being my first read by Sterling I would read more from her as the style and pace wasn't slow or too fast just giving you enough to keep turning.

Thank you Social Butterfly PR and J.Sterling for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter Rival by J.Sterling is a enemies to lover story set in backdrop of wine business, grape vines and small town warmth. Julia and James have been warned my their respective families that they can never be friends as they are sworn enemy for decades. But they have deep and undeniable attraction to each other since childhood. The circumstances were never favourable to act on the desires. But James has decided to end the meaningless feud going on for generations and get the girl. This won't be easy. But love can conquer all.

This story was a nice romance but I actually missed the thrill of enemies to lover story. I expected more angsty and intense story line. They did have some sassy banter but it fizzled out soon. If I leave that part aside, I actually enjoyed the book. If I read this as a simple sweet romance, the book was good! The chemistry between the characters were on point. I loved James's character! He seems more invested in relation than Julia. She is successfull and smart. And James is so caring and protective of her! Overall a great romance!

(Received ARC for Honest Review)

[Heather 'Confessions Of A Bibliophile' Creighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is J. Sterlings FIRST enemies-to-lovers story! She jumped right into this genre flawlessly! Bitter Rival is a sweet & funny story with just enough angst and conflict to keep you hooked until the very last page.

It's a modern day Romeo and Juliet, except that this Romeo and Juliet, doesn't die at the end!



James Russo and Julia La Bella were born into a rivalry that spans decades. The feuding between their families has gone on for generations with no signs of slowing, even though at this point most of them don't even know WHY they are supposed to hate each other so much in the first place. But they do know it has something to do with those cherished Southside grapes. These sworn enemies live and have their respective vineyards right next door to each other.



Since James and Julia were children it was ingrained into them that they were to hate each other and to stay away. As they got older James realized that the feelings he had toward Julia were more than just an attraction but because of misunderstandings and the feud, Julie never gave him a chance.



Now, Julia and James are all grown up and James is DONE hiding his feelings. He wants Julia and he's not going to stop until he gets her! But of course, Julia is suspicious of James motives right from the get-go and it's not going to be easy to get past the walls she has in place when it comes to James, but her attraction to him seems to be stronger than the hate.

The attraction continues to build until neither can deny it anymore, but what happens if they give in?  Julia's father has already sworn her away, if she goes near him she risks not only losing her family but her legacy (La Bella Wines) as well.



"How was I ever going to get inside her heart if she felt like she'd lose everything because of it?" -James

Will these two let years of bad blood end their relationship before it even gets started? Or is love strong enough to end this decade long feud once and for all?

Check out Bitter Rival's to find out!

This was a quick, feel-good, love story filled with hilarious banter and minimal angst. I loved that all the townspeople were making bets on the two of them getting together (gotta love small town livin') it's something I could see happening in my own town! James was such a swoon-worthy character, I do believe he's taken over the top spot on my book boyfriends list! Julia, I wanted to shake her soo many times but then again, how can you blame her for being suspicious when she's been told her whole life that he's a bad guy?

So now that that's over, when do we get Jeannie and Dane's story?! I can't wait to hear more about them, I have a feeling it's going to be hilarious because almost every interaction between Dane and James had me laughing out loud!

J. Sterling did an amazing job with this sweet enemies-to-lovers read and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!


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[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say it enough. Jen never lets me down. I always automatically one-click her books. She is AMAZING at signings, and her books never disappoint. What more can you ask for? Great books by a person you WANT to support.

I snatched this book up as soon as it released, and I'm so glad I did. 5 stars. Full review to come y'all because damn. :)

***

I kinda feel like I should just go ahead and apologize for all of the shouty caps this review is going to have because I know they’re coming y’all, and here’s why - I can’t even with this book. It is EVERYTHING. I felt all the emotions, ALL OF THEM. Giddy. Irritated. Giddy. Mad. Swoony. Surprise Giddy. Victorious. Giddy. I read it in 2 days. It made me all a flutter inside. It gave me that high… you know the one every romance reader is chasing. So if this is as far as you’re going to read in my review, let me just do you a favor… READ THE BOOK. There, that’s my advice. :)

I said it was everything because it HAS EVERYTHING. Enemies to lovers? Check. TWO smartassy, in-your-face-honest, pushy, loyal best friends? Check. Dual POV? Check. Heroine who is feisty, and push-backy, and smart as hell? Check. Hero who’s a relentless, HOT, flirtatious, shit-talker? Check. Check. Check.

These are the realist fictional characters I have read in a good while, and their story definitely provided that fantasy escape we all crave. You just get them, and you want their connection to be yours. Expectation met.

James Russo & Julia La Bella - It’s the classic ‘you always want what you can’t have’ story. But maybe you can...

To Julia “James was the devil who could make her lose her winery...and no one was worth that. End of story.”

To James… “Any other woman would have just been my version of a poor man’s Julia. A second-place trophy. A mere replica because I couldn’t have the original.”

She was everything. And he was determined to get the girl, dammit! Lucky for us we got to watch.

In the book they’re referred to as Romeo and Juliet, but I have to say I disagree… I get the reference, BUT in this version they actually win so to me it surpasses R&J. Plus, they’re not 13. ;)

Now, I need to address something real quick. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however, in other some reviews I saw “too fast paced”, “too sweet”, and “too easy” because the story came together from the jump. FOR ME, that’s what pulled me in. We’re not starting at the beginning of their story people. They’ve known each other their ENTIRE lives. He’s loved her since he was FOUR. (What girl doesn’t want that btw???) And she’s denied her love for him for the same amount of time. We drop in when the going gets good, and it’s a hell of a ride. And ya know what? Sometimes you just need sweet and easy, but to be honest, I don’t really need to defend it because James said it best:

“I’ve been in love with you since I was a kid. There’s nothing slower than the story of us.”

I love that she has goals and priorities in life that don’t revolve around a man, that his moments of sweetness with her are punctuated with glimpses of his caveman capability, and that they are strongest when they’re forging their way together.

So if you’re still undecided here are my final words.

Every person/book needs best friends like these. She is a spitfire. And he fucking cuddles!