My Enemy Needs Me

Dig Deep #1

by J.P. Oliver

Keep your friends close...

Construction work isn't any sort of calling for Ethan Loeb. He gets the job done, cashes his check, and spends his free time volunteering at the retirement home his elderly mother lives in. He knows he comes across as big, gruff, and grumpy, but right now, he doesn't much care.

Until him.

...but keep your enemies in your bedroom.

Mark Weaver knows that the construction crew in charge of building a new set of luxury townhouses is more than a bit ticked off that a potential dinosaur find has derailed their tight schedule. They make it very clear that the scientists excavating the site aren't welcome.

It doesn't much matter to Mark. Preserving the past trumps new construction any day.

But when Mark's car dies too far away from the work site for him to walk with his polio-damaged legs, can he accept help from a big, burly construction worker with a secret heart of gold?

If you're looking for a sweet and steamy enemies to lovers book featuring a disabled nerd and a tough guy with a gooey marshmallow center, check out My Enemy Needs Me, the first book in the Dig Deep series. This title, and all titles in the series, can be read as a standalone.

Genres: M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Audiobook, Romance, Gay, Slow Burn

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2019

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

This is J.P.^Oliver, where ^=space. (default profile)

Reviews

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue Collar meets the Scientist

When I read the blurb of this book , I expected something else than what I got ....and I mean in the good way.

Story is about two men Ethan and Mark. Mark is a well respected and talented Archeologist , who has partial muscle atrophy of the legs, due to polio . Ethan is a construction worker who feels carries the world on his shoulders.

They are different like night and day. Their jobs make them rivals and at odd with each other . Yet , there is something between them that it can be denied.

This is a light-hearted read but at the same time it is not, as it deals with very heavy subjects , not directly to the heroes but to people the heroes care about . Do not worry , it has a very swoony epilogue and a HEA.

I liked it yet it took me awhile to figure out where the story was going.

The story is a 3.5 stars but I think it deserves a half star to make it 4 ; because you don't see many heroes like Mark . His handicap did not stop him . He never felt sorry for himself or made excuses. Thank you J.P. Oliver for writing a book of two completely , everyday ordinary heroes, it was very refreshing to read .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krissy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh, boy. I hope this series gets better because I've already purchased the entire series on audio. I did not much like the MCs in this one.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story, but felt like it lacked depth of character. Both of the MC's were lying to each other throughout the entire story, hiding things that didn't seem very important.

I did enjoy how they stood up for each other, both to their employers and coworkers. It was an entertaining listen.

[Gustaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this author a few times now and this is my favorite book by her (him?), by far. Probably because it’s long enough to establish an relationship with the MC’s.

Amazing story and amazing narration. And I loved the pranks. Left handed spoon 😂

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

When will authors understand the use of lube and preparation (with actual fingers instead of just shoving the dick in there and calling it a day) before having anal sex?? We had like 5 sex scenes and only 2 mentioned lube and in none of them we see the actual preparation before the penetration. The characters just rubbed the lube over the condom and moved on. We are talking about two characters who hadn’t had anal sex in years. Assholes don’t self lubricate and are not vaginas aka they are not elastic and don’t respond to arousal as vaginas do.

I am sorry, I just got so hung up on this but it pissed me off.

Also the whole firing Mark because he fraternized with Ethan? That shit will never hold up in court unless it was stated and signed in a contract and if that specific sentence was actually in contract, that is VERY specific and makes no fucking sense. Why? Because the dig and the construction company have nothing to do with each other??? They could have an orgy and it would mean nothing??? That is pure discrimination and if I were Mark, I would have sued them all (‘:

[A.L. Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and fun enemies to lovers story and I really enjoyed it. It took me a bit to get into it at first but once it did I couldnt put it down. Ethan and mark had a bit of a rough start and didnt exactly hit it off in the beginning but thats only because Ethan couldnt stop seeing him as the enemy until he finally sees for himself that Mark's over all a good guy.Ethan was this hot rugged intimidating construction worker and mark was a paleontologist with polio who found Ethan to be terrifying at first until he realized he was nothing but a big softy beneath it all.I really enjoyed reading about these two characters. There were a few heart breaking moments and a few obstacles these characters had to go through just to be together. Noone wanted them to be together but they werent going to let other people come between what they have.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read. The storyline is well-crafted, intriguing, suspenseful, has drama and steam. The characters are defined, and likable with sizzling chemistry. I liked it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the premise of this book, although I almost didn’t read it because the title is so awful, and that’s pretty much how most of this book goes. If you can overlook some of its larger flaws it’s a pretty good read.

Mark and Ethan meet when a construction crew unearths some dinosaur fossils. Tensions around the job site soon cause problems in their developing relationship.

Ethan protects a tender heart from his job at rough and tumble construction sites by pretending that his emotions are as tough as his exterior. To do this yeah he must shut himself off from a lot that life has to offer.

In an effort to compete in a physically demanding profession in spite of his crippled legs, Mark has always done everything expected of him. When his boss tells him he can’t see Ethan or he’ll be fired, Mark doesn’t even put up a fight.

I loved Ethan’s quiet strength. He is the most cohesive character in the book.

Mark’s descriptions, however, don’t seem to mesh. He is a very well educated paleontologist, and a senior member of the dig, but gets described as a twink. He is incredibly passive in most of his life, but for some reason decides to be more aggressive with Ethan. Yet whenever the rest of his life is confronted with Ethan he’s incredibly passive again. Not once do we ever see him stand up for his relationship with Ethan. He simply lets his boss steamroller him and tell him who he can and cannot date, which by the way, is illegal.

The dialogue between Ethan and Mark is OK. The sex however, well, so much sex… So little prep... eeek!

[Meggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Something was deeply wrong with this romance. I mean DEEPLY wrong!

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF TOD 35%
Uneventful plot
Men acting like children
And sooo many things offended me and I don't get easily offended

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Ethan and Mark. Ethan works in construction and when the crew he is working with discovers bones, the construction site is shut down and Mark's crew is called in. Mark is a paleontologist and suffered from polio as a child, leaving him dependent on crutches. Ethan and Mark are on opposite sides of this discovery and the longer the work site is shut down, the longer Ethan goes without pay. Ethan is also paying for the nursing home that his mother lives in, so he really needs the work. Mark has a sister who has cancer and he is paying for her care. When Ethan and Mark meet at the local diner, Mark offers help to Ethan when he locked his keys in his car. Ethan offered Mark a drive back to the work site, but kicked him out half way there when they started to fight. Mark and Ethan were attracted to each other, but they were supposed to be enemies. When Ethan and Mark met up for a few beer, they had too much to drink and ended up together for the night. When Mark woke up, he was alone and late for work, causing him to be angry at Ethan. They wanted to hate each other, but there was a connection between them, and they could both lose their jobs if they were found out. I liked this book. I liked how Ethan and Mark connected with each other beyond just physically. Ethan wanted to protect Mark and i think Mark really cared for Ethan. They seemed like they were supposed to hate each other, but they couldn't. I like how they could have fun and relax around each other. Good one.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh what can I say about Ethan? The synopsis had it correct he has a huge heart and Mark? Well he was just adorable and didn't back down. His handicap which is atrophy of the legs due to polio as a child and he didn't let it define him. It struck a chord with me,, with me being disabled as well and most days unable to walk. Mark has more bravery and courage than I ever will.
Ethan and Mark start off as enemies because of their work, Ethan is a construction worker and Mark is a paleontologist who works on the team at the dig site where Ethan's construction company had to stop production of a building because some fossils were found.
The whole crew wasn't happy when the government declared the site closed for the dig which means loss in wages.
But when they meet and get to know each other they both realize that their assumptions of each other were wrong after the first impression in the diner.
The story deals with real life issues and that's why more than anything I love this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark was excited to be starting at a new dig site where he encounters sexy hunk Ethan.
Paleontologist Mark Weaver was excited to be starting at a new dig site at a construction site where a fossil bone has been found even though it meant living in a tent. After having Polio as a child he now walks with the aid of crutches but tries not to let it hold him back. On a trip to the local truck stop for something to eat he encounters Ethan Loeb a sexy construction worker from the site where the dig is now taking place. They are wary of each other as the atmosphere at the site the workers call the Mudhole is like that of a war zone with a shaky truce. The ones working the dig start to think that they might be working on a prehistoric watering hole which Mark find funny as it could indeed be called a mud-hole. The two men get closer but try to keep a low profile but then they slip up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying and gritty with a heavy does of romance. Ethan works in construction. He is close to his Mom who resides in a retirement home. Mark, living a life of triumph with polio damaged legs. Sammy and Mark competing for a promotion. Mark's older sister, Rachel undergoing treatments for her disease. Mark is a paleontologist exploring dinisaur bones found on the construction site. This slows down the project and puts Ethan's group and Mark's group at odds. Ethan has an opportunity to help Mark out of a potentially devestating situation and starts an unexpected journey for both men. Can they overcome their differences? How much will the bones affect Ethan's project and Mark's promotion? Can they support each other during their familie's crisis? Can they find a common ground to move their friendship forward? Nice gritty story. J.P. handles Mark's polio with sensitivity and dignity. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is steamy, entertaining, emotional and romantic. Ethan is a tough, cocky construction worker. Mark, who suffers from partial atrophy in his legs, is a paleontologist excavating the site that Ethan's boss is supposed to be building on, he's caring and sassy. When they accidentally meet at a diner, and end up helping each other, they become friendly enemies, then lovers. But it causes a lot of problems for them, the other construction guys consider Ethan a traitor, and Mark's boss blames Ethan for Mark's constant tardiness and his slacking off. On top of that Ethan is dealing with his mother having Alzheimer's, and Mark's sister has cancer. They need each other to provide moral support, and end their loneliness. The storyline deals with a few sensitive issues, and ends in a very heartwarming way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

2.5 stars

I had a real issue with both of the MCs. The writing comes across like you are supposed to feel sorry for them (they both have relatives they care deeply for that are in unfortunate circumstances), but the way they treat each other in the beginning just made them seem like jerks. Many of the obstacles to their relationship just seemed overdone (yes they were on opposite sides of the dig/construction issue, but it felt like the issues just edged too far into the ridiculous side for the situation).

I am rounding up because by the end of the story I do think they were making progress and I began to get involved in the story. The MCs at the very least do manage to admit they have treated each other poorly (which is often lacking in stories).

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan was a mountain of a construction worker. He made sure his mom was comfortable in a specialized care home, where her dementia was properly treated with compassionate caregivers on hand.

Mark was a survivor of polio, with permanently limited mobility in his legs, though he was happy to be mobile on his crutches, which gave him access to more rugged terrain. It might be tiring, but it made his access to dig sites much easier.

Naturally mister big and a little rude, and mister determined and a bit annoying, fall for each other.

Romance outside faux battlefield lines is not easy and theirs is a bumpy but really hot road, together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan is one of the construction workers that wants to do his job and then leave when it is done. The current job has been put on hold because someone found some old bones. Mark is working with the scientist digging up the bones. The scientists and the construction workers do not get along. One day Ethan locks his keys in his truck and Mark helps him. Then Marks car dies and Ethan helps him in return. Ethan and Mark form a friendship and it grows from there. Mark is upset one day and takes it out on the construction workers. Then Ethan gets attacked because he is trying to protect Mark. Can Mark and Ethan make it work? What will happen at the end to the dig?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archaeological crew - Construction crew. The lines have been drawn. For Mark it's a whole new adventure discovering ancient fossils and making a name for himself, for Ethan it's making money that he desperately needs.  For Mark and Ethan it's also about finding each other.  Finding someone who can look past physical limitations or a rough, hard exterior.  Someone who sees your heart.  The problem comes when you attempt to cross the battle lines and have to live with the people you work with. I really enjoyed this story.  It's sexy and  heartwarming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ☆ Working on opposing sides creates a lot of tension between Mark and Ethan but other circumstances keep bringing them together, and the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to deny the attraction they feel and just how much they like the man beneath the surface. These men are caring, supportive, and ignite a passion in each other that is undeniable. They have work and co-workers to deal with as well as family issues that keeps the tension strong but they soon discover that together they can get through anything, allow love to grow, and have a hard earned HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kari · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean.. no thank you. Finished it, not an easy task.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that covers the range of emotions. A construction worker and a paleontologist clash on the job site when construction is shut down after fossils are discovered. Everyone is tense and you know what that leads to...emotions that cannot be controlled, even when your job is on the line.

Add in illness on both sides and you've got a recipe for disaster...or better yet...of a love that won't be quenched.

Definitely a wonderfully romantic tale that you will enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this enemies to lovers story. The two MCs are on opposite sides when a construction site unearths dinosaur bones. The two eventually find out there is more to the other than occupations and labels. They find a connection, but what happens when they are found out? There is some family drama (illness), work stresses, and harassment. I loved the strength and support they gave to each other as the story carries on.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison Edmunds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot, but I didn't quite love it. This is because I didn't believe in Ethan and Mark as a potential couple for the first few chapters. The way Ethan treats Mark isn't good (an understatement!) and the excuse of a former poor relationship is flimsy. Mark's one-time petty behaviour is more understandable. Still, things improve throughout their story as they start to stand up for each other, and their relationship solidifies.

I will continue to read this series as I want to know what happens with some of the other characters that are mentioned.

[BookloverIAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a little hard at times for me to keep focused on. It is a definite enemy to lover story but it leans a little heavily into the anger and enemy side to much for me. I did enjoy the HEA at the end but it seemed to take a good amount of time to get there. If you like really angsty stories then you'll definitely want to read this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ethan and Mark's romance. The whole "enemies" thing felt a little overdone, especially with the job-on-the-line thing because I would think there would be more reasonable people considering that nothing was happening during work hours. But other than that, it was a really enjoyable story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, but my opinions are my own.

[Christine Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic new read from J. P. Oliver. The story line was wonderfully well written with so much raw emotion and challenges. The chemistry between Ethan and Mark was explosive. My Enemy Needs Me was a great new read from J. P. Oliver that will keep readers engaged and captivated from beginning to end. I loved this new book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Finnegan]

I could not finish this. Both MC's are acting like children, and Ethan is especially horrid. He threw Mark, disabled from polio, out of his truck, so Mark had to walk back to camp. A Quarter mile away. At night. Using crutches. Because Mark committed the ultimate sin: he asked him about his mother!!!! Utter drivel, I DNF.

[Randy Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a great storyline. to have this strong alpha hard nose guy, Ethan, and all he can do and how he falls for such a sweet "non macho" guy and what he does with him is great. The things Ethan does makes you wonder where this guy is for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written enemies to lovers romance with a bit of a dark edge. The author brings strong descriptive characters and an interesting story line. The scenes are detailed and the story moves at a steady pace. I enjoyed reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.