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Lovers' Lane #5

Dating My Sworn Enemy

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So…
I agreed to go speed dating.
What’s the worst that could’ve happened, right?


I’d embarrass myself, meet a few horrible men, and be on my way.
But no.
The universe has a crazy sense of humor.
The man I meet is none other than my sworn enemy.
Cody. The biggest player alive.
A massive pain in the behind.
Insane ego. Humongous bank account.

Our last fight was a nightmare. I almost pulled his hair out.
Never did I think that I’d have to see him again.
Much less talk to him on a speed date.
And yet, here I am.
The word awkward doesn’t even cover it.
I swear if he opens his mouth and says something nasty, I’ll make him regret every word.

My escape plan:
Go home to my son and forget all about it.
Then, at any cost, avoid a second date… or something more.

This standalone is Serena and Cody's story! You'll love how much they hate (um, love) each other. Enjoy the happily ever after with no cliffhangers and no cheating!

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2020

450 people are currently reading
162 people want to read

About the author

Summer Brooks

50 books437 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Terri Zumbrook.
2,800 reviews20 followers
July 9, 2020
The characters in DATING MY SWORN ENEMY were all familiar to me but as is usually the case, when a couple gets their own book their personalities are not exactly as imagined when they were first introduced.

This is very true for Cody. We didn’t get to know much about him, but what we knew we didn’t like. He was that insulting arrogant jerk friend of the group and his last encounter with Serena and Michael, the father of Serena’s son, was contemptuous.

Cody seemed to have an epiphany when his behavior resulted in Serena getting “custody” of the friends, and Cody being left on his own. What I like about this book is that even at 40, Cody realized he needed to “grow up” and also realized being with a different woman every night was less satisfying than it used to be.

How Cody and Serena get back together at first you will find clever. That first touch has the electricity that tells you where this is going. Cody’s hot side and his romantic side are both swoon worthy. Serena’s son is entertaining as a 15 year old. You’ll have to read the book to find out why Serena has to summons his father while she’s cleaning their son’s filthy room.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,164 reviews6 followers
February 16, 2022
Cody and Serena

I don't have any love for Cody, the way he was described throughout the series I just picture a short, balding man with a beer belly. His personality is severely lacking. Serena I didn't much care for either. I would have preferred them both with other people not from the group. The funniest parts were involving the bible thumping neighbor. Ok read.
Profile Image for crazipotmom.
198 reviews15 followers
July 24, 2020
I love how this book turns out always a great read Summer thanks for another great book 😁
Profile Image for Nessa.
3,925 reviews71 followers
October 21, 2025
HOW COULD ANYONE DISLIKE THIS? It was so freaking cute and hot! The characters are older than usual, but I for one am game for a A MATURE, ADULT ROMANCE. I was curious how two forty year olds who have dropped off the dating bandwagon ages ago would find romance now. Kudos to them because getting back in the dating scene isn't EASY when you're off. NGL, it felt like reading my mom's second chance love story.

Personally, the story could use more meat. There was a lot of sexual tension and lust, but I wanted a better emotional relationship building between the MCs. Until the end, it still felt superficial, like I wasn't convinced one gust of wind wouldn't blow their house of cards down, ya know?

Can't say I'm a huge fan of Serena being pregnant with someone else's kid. The opening just hit me squarely in the chest and I know I WILL LOVE IT BETTER had the characters been 10 years younger, and Serena actually got knocked up by Cody. Trust me, it'll be good angst AND we can actually test/see how Cody truly has changed -responsibilities and all. ALTERNATIVELY, I think I like my version better. I also imagine it would provide these 2 a better opportunity to build something solid together. Serena's miracle baby and Cody's change from player to responsible adult.

SERENA was sweet. Single mom job is the hardest in the world, she deserves respect. 16 years of mom duties has now opened up time for her to find herself again, be it career or love.

CODY on the other hand, I've never read the previous books leading up to this, so I don't know what he has done apart from what we're told here. Of course, we can see he's remorseful and there's a hole in his chest because he's lonely and wants to belong somewhere, with someone. It's nice to see players reflect on their actions, because I'm in my 30s and I already feel the way he does. HUH.

OVERALL this was a nice breath of fresh air from all the NA, romantasy, dark romance that I've been reading. It's down to earth, it has mature characters(ish) and well, it was fun even if it did feel a little superficial.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
July 6, 2020
Twenty years ago, at the age of 20, Serena Coaca was told by the doctor that she was unable to have children. She had no hope for future children. She would miss so many things, school events, holidays with the kids, birthdays. A tear slid down her cheek.

At 40, Cody had his own real estate company and found he was getting less sleep than he had with any other job. He was getting older and he wanted something different. Partying didn’t seem to work for him anymore. All he had gotten out of was failed friendships and a line of women who hated him. He decided to change his life when he had gotten drunk and told his friend, Michael, that the mother of his child was… well, not very nice words. Michael punched him hard in the face. So he was making progress figuring out his life, but one thing hadn’t changed – he still disliked Michael’s baby momma, Serena. She was beautiful and he hated finding his friend’s ex attractive. It made him not like her even more. They had never gotten along. And that made him feel guilty for the way he had always treated her.

Serena is ready to start dating again after she and Michael decided to be friends. Cody has been working on his image as a player and wants to have a serious relationship as his friends and his brother all seem to have. Both of them decided to try speed-dating event, never expecting to meet up with the other! Serena would prefer to never see Cody again. And yet she can’t get him off her mind. As for Cody, he would like a chance to show her he has changed. Can he convince her he is not the same man she had so much trouble with before? Will she forgive him? Will his friends see the difference in his behavior?

This was a good story watching a grown man finally beginning to grow up. Having alienated most of the people in his life, it wasn’t an easy task to change and to hope people noticed. Grab your copy and see if Cody is able to really change and if that will find him the happiness he is looking for.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,295 reviews70 followers
August 13, 2020
Cody was a playboy until he took a real look at what his way of life had cost him. Which was all of his friends and possibly a woman he could be with. So he decide to change his ways and start with how he picks his dates. He goes to a speed dating thing because he wants to meet a woman that is more than just about her looks. What he finds is Serena someone from his past that he hurt. He hopes during this time he can get a chance to make things right with her. They talk for a bit but its strained and he doesn't think its going to go his way. He takes a chance when he gets home and messages her on social media. They meet for coffee and agree to see if there was something between them. Cody asked for them to go on four dates he would get to pick two and she could pick two. Things progressed between them quick and soon Serena knew that Cody wasn't the man she had thought he was and she wanted to be with this new Cody. However when something with his business went wrong Cody pulled away. Will Serena let him push her away? What will their friends think about them being together?

This is a great story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is scorching hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deborah Gebhardt.
892 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2020
A very fun edition to the Lover's Lane series.
The fourth book in the series ended with Cody being ejected from the group of friends for is disparaging remarks to Serena and a fist to the face from Michael, Sr.
Perhaps at the time, Cody had been coming to the realization that he was missing out on love as each of his friends had succumbed to love and marriage. Now, three years on, he realizes he does want love and perhaps marriage. When his brother is visiting and he receives a flyer advertising a speed dating event, he accepts a challenge to attend from his brother.
Serena, hasn't been on a date since the night she conceived her son Michael, Jr., and he's one month shy of his 16th birthday. So, when her computer has a string of pop-ups advertising a speed dating event, she figures, why not, doesn't she deserve love and romance?
But, neither expects to see the other, and things get contentious. But, there is an inadvertent touch, and that touch sizzles. Both wonder if there is something there and when Cody writes her an apology that night and she responds and they agree to meet for coffee, and then they agree to four dates, to see if there could possibly be something there.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
460 reviews7 followers
July 5, 2020
I. Love. Cody!!!!!

This has to be the best book of the series. Summer Brooks was drinking some special potion before she put pen to paper for this hot Lei!! From start to finish the story zings with tension and chemistry be it between the main characters, the sheets or the visitors or when history comes back to rear it's ugly head!

As always Summer has pulled out all the stops to write a brilliant book which includes amazing characters, all of whom we have seen before in the previous books and so they feel like family. This book deals with more family issues that come with having a teenage boy though and how to deal with them as well as getting back into the dating game from both sides as our loveable rogue grows up too.

Great pace, great characters, great storyline, what else is there to say?

I loved this book and totally recommend that you click the button now to put it, and the rest of the series of books in your basket as part of your summer, autumn and winter reading list xx

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
715 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2020
Cody, 40, was a rich, partying playboy who had grown tired to his lifestyle and wanted a serious relationship. He was talked into trying speed dating and he ran into Serena, a former acquaintance. About 3 years ago he had made an inexcusable rude comment about Serena that had cost him most of his friends and now he was truly sorry and wanted her to forgive him. Despite her initial reluctance, Serena agreed to meet him and they agreed on 4 dates to get to know each other. Has Cody really changed and will Serena let him into her life? Will Cody realize that Serena will be there for him when serious issues develop? Can they find a HEA through all of their issues.

I loved this story about how people can make changes for the better in their life and find happiness. The characters were very well written and you felt like you knew them very well. I loved he epilogue o get a little peek into the future. It was nice seeing the characters again from previous books in the series but it was not necessary to read those books to enjoy this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,750 reviews8 followers
July 15, 2020
This series is a great! Love this book!

This series is a great! Love this book! This book is about Cody and Serena. Cody insulted Serena a while back where Michael punched him for good reason, but for some odd reason Cody cannot get Serena out of his mind. Of course, Cody’s brother, Ryan is having his own issues with his girlfriend Marie (too funny). Oh Serena and her teen boy is hilarious especially the discovery of his backpack and the cleaning of his room. Note that Serena had a fling in her younger days with Michael and had Michael Jr., but they were never in love, this is from the previous book. They decided to move back to the states so that Michael Jr could be near his father.

Cody and Serena bump into each other at a speed dating event. Cody has been a playboy but has a thing for Serena and hates himself because she is an ex of a friend. Cody turns out to be more than one expected but I was waiting for his story. The story takes off with them, but note that there are other issues here too, but it was a great story with forgiveness. An extended epilogue would be great unless we will get more of them in the next book!
Profile Image for Laura Ann.
104 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2020
I received this ARC for my honest opinion. Oh Cody! If you have read previous books from Summer Brooks you understand what I mean. Cody was the guy that it would take his sworn enemy falling in love with him to find love. Multiple times, throughout multiple books, I’ve had an overwhelming need to punch Cody and was thankful when Michael did! Yet, I had never considered that it actually changed Cody. I love all of her books, but this might be one of my favorites. I loved learning more about Serena. She’s like super mom and definitely deserves a happily ever after. I appreciated the change that we saw Cody go through. He went from a complete douche to a genuine sweet guy. Before this book I hadn’t considered Cody and Serena together, but in the end I liked the idea. I was also thankful to get a follow up on past characters like Jason and Kiera even though every book is written as it can be a standalone book. I didn’t expect the twist to happen, but loved everything that happened in the end! I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
103 reviews2 followers
June 28, 2020
Serena is a single mom, who has reconnected with her son’s father, as a friend. She is welcomed into the group of his wife and their friends. However, his one friend, Cody, is a playboy who doesn’t have relationships, but enjoys sleeping around. He makes a rude comment to Serena and finds himself with a black eye and without a group of friends.
Three years later, they are both at different places in their lives. Serena is ready to start dating now that her son is older, and spending time with his dad. Cody has changed from being a playboy to wanting a series relationship. When they both wind up at the same speed dating event, is it fate?!?
She wants nothing to do with Cody, but she is all he can think about. After convincing her to give him 4 dates, he is determined to win her over. Can he? And if so, will he be able to convince their friends that he’s a changed man?
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more of Summer’s books!!
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
July 3, 2020
It took me a little bit to really get into this book. Serena is cherishing such a grudge against Cody and she spews so much venom about it, that it made for some difficult reading for me for the first several chapters. Once they reach a truce though, that’s when I really fell in love with this book. I really liked that these characters are past the first blush of youth, they’ve got some experience and baggage. And that made them pretty easy to relate to. I loved seeing Cody trying to rehab his reputation as a Player, trying to find more meaningful relationship, looking for that one person to spend the rest of his life with. As the mother of a teenager, Serena was the comedy goldmine for this story. She made me laugh so hard. The ending is really cute and I enjoyed seeing the previous couples make cameo appearances.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.1k reviews257 followers
July 12, 2020
This is the 5th book in this amazing series and is Cody and Serena’s story. Cody is a wealthy real estate owner who at the age of 40 decides that he needs to improve his playboy image and find someone to settle down with like all his family and friends are doing. Serena is a single mom to her son whose father used to be Cody’s best friend, and Michael and Serena are happy to settle into the friend’s zone with each other. Now WITH Serena wanting to step into the dating pool again she tries speed dating, which is where she unfortunately meets up with Cody. After Cody made a comment about Serena a few years previously which lost him a lot of friends, he is desperate to convince her that he has changed, and he gets her to agree to 4-dates to do so. This is a well written story which is an entertaining and humorous read. I look forward to reading more from this author, and I highly recommend her work for all readers.
Profile Image for M Reads Romance .
271 reviews3 followers
July 27, 2020
I feel like the very beginning of this book was disjointed. Like the jump from the prologue to the present was a disconnect so I was confused and lost for a moment. I have not read the other books in this series and it seemed like a lot was catch up to what happened before. Maybe the pieces I felt were missing are found in another character's story.

Also the events to bring them together seemed like a reach. I just don't buy that the H would actually go to speed dating. Just seems out of character. I didn't believe he was that far removed from this former self. A very weak plot point for me.

But once they connected it was full steam ahead. I wondered where the angst would come from. Overall I liked the characters. Their individual story was interesting. They had good chemistry and I enjoyed the ending. I wish there was more of an epilogue into their future, which might be given in the next book. 🤷
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
August 2, 2020
Dating My Sworn Enemy is a great enemies to lover story that has passion, heart, heat and love that will pull you in to the story from the first line.

Serena and Cody had a rough start. Cody was not in a good place when they met and was a jerk. Serena is a strong fiery woman that tells it like it is and has done an amazing job raising her son. Three years later, Cody is ready to grow and change from his playboy ways, but can others see pass his past.

I love Serena' no sense attitude and how she challenges Cody, not letting him get away with anything. I was really great to see how Cody changed and was willing to find himself and open his year.

This is a great addition to the series that I could not put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,239 reviews24 followers
July 2, 2020
What a great read this was and I can not wait for more. I have only read book 1 of the series, and to be honest, I had forgotten about it. I am so happy that I found this book and now I must go back and read the other books in the series, especially if they are as good as this one is.

Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. With a strong story line, fantastic characters, and comical and entertaining dialogue, this is a story that should not be missed.

Written as a 1st person, multi pov, with a HFN ending.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
329 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2020
There quite a lot going on in this book & right from the beginning it is quite angsty, perhaps dramatically so. There are flashbacks to the past & future to connect the story together as well appearances from characters from previous books by this author.
Serena & Cody can't really stand each other, her more so. They've hardly been pleasant to each other since his insults.
They meet again at a speed dating night & from there they form a friendship of sorts. This is the part I really enjoyed as their banter & her exes advice before that was a bit too much for me.
You'll have to read it to see how the rest plays out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
471 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2020
This was a laughable read and a heartwarming read , serene and her son's father Michael decide to be friends , that she went to a party where she met Cody who is a rich womanizer playboy and he made a rude comment about her, that left her daze and confused and her highly pissed and him a a busted face and ruined relationship . Three year later they meet at a speed date., where Serena doesn't want anything to do with him but he ask her to give him 4 dates , so they can try to get along, what spur it on was the the fact that Cody was secretly attracted to Serena this was a good read and i highly reccommend it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melinda Swaine.
2,409 reviews13 followers
July 9, 2020
One click now and the rest of this series and put it on your TBR list as part of your summer reading!!

A book that makes me both laugh and cry has to be a winner. This book was one terrific read with great character and plot development! The banter and chemistry between Serena and Cody kept me totally engaged in this story until the turn of the very last page! It had the perfect mix of humour, snark, angst and steam that all blends together to make an amazing love story. I just loved this book and totally recommend that you one click now and the rest of this series and put it on your TBR list as part of your summer reading! Happy reading everyone!!
Profile Image for Christina Rybka.
1,129 reviews17 followers
July 12, 2020
4 Dates to turn hate to love

Cody was a playboy who is trying to change his ways. He is lonely because he lost all of his friends three years ago being a jerk. He decides to go to a speed dating event to try and meet a woman who wants more than one night. Serena is a working mom with a great support system but is lonely and decides to go to a speed dating event. Serena looks around the event and sees Cody the man who called her a name three years ago. Cody convinces Serena to give him four dates do he can show her that he has changed. Can Cody change and be the man Serena needs ? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Amazing book
3,768 reviews12 followers
July 15, 2020
This is the 5th book in the series. Cody was a playboy, but ready to settled down. He was talked into speed dating and had run into an acquaintance he had known 3 years ago. Her name is Serena. Serena and Cody were enemies back then, and during those 3 years, because he had embarrassed Serena in front of his and her friends by insulting her. After seeing each other after those years, Cody wanted forgiveness, but Serena was repulsive towards him. However, they both continue thinking about each other. They agree to 4 dates, and feelings were caught. I enjoyed my time reading this book. To find out how they turn, you must read!
Profile Image for Lyne Carroll.
778 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2020
I really liked this book!! The chemistry between Serena and Cody is more than great !!
Text is solid and easy flowing, and has a bit of everything; sweetness, hotness, sexiness, tenderness and some drama.
Characters are strong ; they know what they want!
I loved how you made Cody so persistent; he keeps doing what it takes to show everyone, especially Serena, that he worked hard to change for the better.

Congrats to the author for another great book in a great series🙂

I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily reviewed.
1,774 reviews9 followers
July 3, 2020
This is such a good read. It is sweet, cute and funny to boot. Cody and Serana have both featured in other books in this series that I have already read (although it can easily be read as a standalone), and Cody intrigued me from his first appearance. I hoped/ suspected that there was more to him than met the eye, and was deighted to see him get his own story. I loved watching the evolution of his relationship with Serena, and the preconceived judgements that had to be overcome. Well written, endearing and touching, this is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Profile Image for Syd Springer.
4,034 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2020
This was a fantastic enemies to lovers book. Serena and Cody were great together. I loved the connection these two had as well as the bickering they did. My favorite part was when these two see each other again after the incident at the end of Marrying My Ex Boyfriend; the feelings ran deep. I am so glad that these two got a book and I really hope Ryan gets his book too. If you are looking for a enemies to lovers book with humor and lots of steam, then I would recommend this book to you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Eunique Sade Powell.
185 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2020
Left hanging

I feel like we keep getting left hanging. The author keeps mentioning life changing relationship issues but never touches on them. In the last book, Olivia didn’t want kids. That’s why they broke up but we never found out if they resolved that issue later or not. In this book, Serena says she can’t have kids, then has a kid, then says she can’t have kids gain. Cody never touched on the issue of her not being able to have more kids. Those scenes are so rushed through.
Profile Image for Heidi.
1,515 reviews15 followers
July 9, 2020
I absolutely loved this enemies to lovers story. Cody was such an a** and a big womanizer. That is all everybody thinks of him. He has lost all but one friend due to his d***ish behavior. He was especially one to Serena. Serena has every right to hate him. When Cody sees her years after their blow-up, he wants her and he wants to prove to her that he really has changed. He has a lot of work to do to prove he really has changed. I love this series so much and all the characters we have met. Summer has done a great job writing these stories.
Profile Image for Daena Guest.
147 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2020
4.5 stars.

You've got to love a solid enemies to lovers storyline. Years after being drunkenly insulted by Cody, Serena finally embraces her life as a woman, not just a mum, and goes speed dating only to run into the one man who knows how to piss her off faster than you can say SpeedDate.
There is a lot more than hate between these two and sparks fly. After a series of dates they start questioning everything they ever knew about each other.
It's a fun adventure and a lighthearted read.
Well worth it.
Profile Image for Debra Floyd.
417 reviews1 follower
Read
July 24, 2020
Cody and Serena have hated each other for awhile. Cody used to be a wild person when it came to a different lady all the time.

Cody is ready to settle down and does a speed dating meeting. He runs into Serena there. Last time he saw her he said something mean to her and her boyfriend, his friend punched him. They haven’t spoken since.

They find themselves attracted to each other. Will they give in and can they be friends again.

You must read to find out!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Evy.
747 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2020
Again a super story.
It made me laugh several times, especially the door scene with Michael sr, Serena and Ingrid!
Although some conversations with Michael jr were hilarious too!
I was so happy to see Fallon appear again, she is awesome!
This story was again great but I felt sorry for Cody as well!
You must read all of these books, they are freaking amazing!

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