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The Greatest of Enemies
Get ready for fireworks as two women with very different personalities become housemates!
Bex has settled in well into the small town of Abbeyglen. Yes, she misses her housemate Holly, but she has plenty to do what with the setup of the new Caulfield’s café, her blogging and of course her work in Blackwater Financial Services.
Louise is shocked when she arrives in the town of Abbeyglen to find it has changed, everything looks too new and shiny, and who is this person in Holly’s apartment?!
With Bex’s bff heading for domestic bliss, some unwelcome changes in work, and now the arrival of eternally negative Louise, can Bex remain her usual chirpy self or will handbags at dawn, daytime and night-time too bring out a side to her she never knew existed?
For fans of Sophie Kinsella, Christie Barlow and Rosie Green.
(This is book 2 of a series but can be read on it's own if you are so inclined!)
Bex has settled in well into the small town of Abbeyglen. Yes, she misses her housemate Holly, but she has plenty to do what with the setup of the new Caulfield’s café, her blogging and of course her work in Blackwater Financial Services.
Louise is shocked when she arrives in the town of Abbeyglen to find it has changed, everything looks too new and shiny, and who is this person in Holly’s apartment?!
With Bex’s bff heading for domestic bliss, some unwelcome changes in work, and now the arrival of eternally negative Louise, can Bex remain her usual chirpy self or will handbags at dawn, daytime and night-time too bring out a side to her she never knew existed?
For fans of Sophie Kinsella, Christie Barlow and Rosie Green.
(This is book 2 of a series but can be read on it's own if you are so inclined!)
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2020
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Maycock
7 books69 followersHi Readers, I’m Berni and I’m a rom-commer!
My start: Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and the entire contents of our local library, then Sweet Valley High, Point Horror, Babysitters Club and Saddle Club before edging into adulthood and reading … Jenny Colgan, Marian Keyes, Patricia Cornwall, Stephen King and John Grisham.
I am now an absolute chick lit, rom com, and thriller addict and former book blogger (you might know me from B R Maycock’s book blog).
My goal is always to give someone something they can settle down with for a bit of escapism and a laugh with small town series, ‘mom lit’ books and sparkly standalones.
Then there’s the official line...
B R Maycock (Berni to all you lovely people!) writes romantic comedies that are warm, sparkly and fun. She can be found in Co. Westmeath, Ireland with her brilliantly out there husband, Keith, their four epic little men, and four cats She has one goal and that’s simply to make readers smile and/ or laugh (a splutter rates highest;)).
My start: Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl and the entire contents of our local library, then Sweet Valley High, Point Horror, Babysitters Club and Saddle Club before edging into adulthood and reading … Jenny Colgan, Marian Keyes, Patricia Cornwall, Stephen King and John Grisham.
I am now an absolute chick lit, rom com, and thriller addict and former book blogger (you might know me from B R Maycock’s book blog).
My goal is always to give someone something they can settle down with for a bit of escapism and a laugh with small town series, ‘mom lit’ books and sparkly standalones.
Then there’s the official line...
B R Maycock (Berni to all you lovely people!) writes romantic comedies that are warm, sparkly and fun. She can be found in Co. Westmeath, Ireland with her brilliantly out there husband, Keith, their four epic little men, and four cats She has one goal and that’s simply to make readers smile and/ or laugh (a splutter rates highest;)).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 2, 2020
This is the second book in the Abbeyglen series. As the author focuses on a different character this time as well as giving the reader enough information for what you need to know from the previous one, I do think it works well as a standalone.
Louise, although mentioned in the first book in the series, we don’t get to meet until this one and what an entrance. I have to say Bex is more of a patient woman than I could ever be where Louise is concerned. It took me a long while to warm up to her and having loved Holly in the previous book, I couldn’t believe that these two were best of friends. They couldn’t be anymore different!
Bex, I loved and I had so much empathy for her having to put up with Louise as well as issues with her job. She has a lot on her plate but still tries to be positive and upbeat and be a good friend to Louise in Holly’s absence. Which I have to say is no small feat in itself.
As a novella, it didn’t take me long to devour it as the author kept me fully engaged through out. I love the setting and the characters, although there are some more likeable than others that’s for sure! I had some eye roll moments going on where one particular character called Sam was concerned. It made me glad that I’m not part of the dating scene anymore.
The Greatest of Enemies is a fun and heartwarming story which focuses on friendships and relationships in general. Whilst there are glimmers of romance, that felt more in the background as we watch two very different women being pushed into trying to make the best of things with some entertaining results. After how the author ends this one, I am more than eager to read the next in the series!
My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Louise, although mentioned in the first book in the series, we don’t get to meet until this one and what an entrance. I have to say Bex is more of a patient woman than I could ever be where Louise is concerned. It took me a long while to warm up to her and having loved Holly in the previous book, I couldn’t believe that these two were best of friends. They couldn’t be anymore different!
Bex, I loved and I had so much empathy for her having to put up with Louise as well as issues with her job. She has a lot on her plate but still tries to be positive and upbeat and be a good friend to Louise in Holly’s absence. Which I have to say is no small feat in itself.
As a novella, it didn’t take me long to devour it as the author kept me fully engaged through out. I love the setting and the characters, although there are some more likeable than others that’s for sure! I had some eye roll moments going on where one particular character called Sam was concerned. It made me glad that I’m not part of the dating scene anymore.
The Greatest of Enemies is a fun and heartwarming story which focuses on friendships and relationships in general. Whilst there are glimmers of romance, that felt more in the background as we watch two very different women being pushed into trying to make the best of things with some entertaining results. After how the author ends this one, I am more than eager to read the next in the series!
My thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
August 15, 2020
I absolutely love discovering new authors and B. R. Maycock is certainly a new author for me. Having enjoyed reading 'The Greatest Of Enemies' as much as I did, I cannot believe that I haven't come across her books before. I absolutely loved reading 'The Greatest Of Enemies' but more about that in a bit.
The two main characters are called Bex and Louise, who couldn't be more different from each other if they had tried. I warmed immediately to Bex. Bex is the kind of lass that you would develop an instant bond with. She's kind, compassionate, sensitive, helpful, bubbly, bright and cheerful. I could just imagine putting the world to rights with her over a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Bex is funny too and I imagine that she would be a hoot on a night out. Louise on the other hand......well what can I say? When we first meet her, she is about as nice as a slap across the face with a wet flip flop. She is a health nut, who is downright rude and judgemental. I can't say that I really warmed to her at all. I understand that she feels hurt over what happened in her past but that is no excuse for treating Bex like dirt. Louise is none too complimentary about Abbeyglen, which is where she is from originally. It soon becomes clear that both Bex and Louise have their issues but can they work through their respective problems, get on with each other and even grow to like each other? Well for the answers to those questions and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
When I agreed to read and review 'The Greatest Of Enemies' I didn't actually realise that it was the second book in a series. Not that that mattered because this book works perfectly well as a standalone. I was drawn into this story from the start and because I had clicked with Bex, I felt compelled to keep reading and to see if everything worked out for her in the end. 'The Greatest Of Enemies' was one of those books that you start reading and because you enjoy the story so much, you lose all track of time and you lose track of just how quickly the pages seem to turn. The first time I looked up to check, I was staggered to realise that I had read over 50% of the book. All too quickly, I reached the end of the story and I had to bid farewell to Bex. I soon cheered up when I realised that I had the first book in the series to catch up on.
'The Greatest Of Enemies' is extremely well written. In Bex, the author has created a loveable character, who is impossible to dislike and you can't help but hope for the best for her. That's how I felt at any rate. The author grabbed my attention from the start and drew me into the story. She described Abbeyglen so vividly and so realistically that I was all ready to pack up and move there myself. The place just sounds idyllic. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that's all down to this author's fabulous and very vivid storytelling. I was gripped by the story throughout.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Greatest Of Enemies' and I would definitely recommend this book to other authors. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The two main characters are called Bex and Louise, who couldn't be more different from each other if they had tried. I warmed immediately to Bex. Bex is the kind of lass that you would develop an instant bond with. She's kind, compassionate, sensitive, helpful, bubbly, bright and cheerful. I could just imagine putting the world to rights with her over a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Bex is funny too and I imagine that she would be a hoot on a night out. Louise on the other hand......well what can I say? When we first meet her, she is about as nice as a slap across the face with a wet flip flop. She is a health nut, who is downright rude and judgemental. I can't say that I really warmed to her at all. I understand that she feels hurt over what happened in her past but that is no excuse for treating Bex like dirt. Louise is none too complimentary about Abbeyglen, which is where she is from originally. It soon becomes clear that both Bex and Louise have their issues but can they work through their respective problems, get on with each other and even grow to like each other? Well for the answers to those questions and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
When I agreed to read and review 'The Greatest Of Enemies' I didn't actually realise that it was the second book in a series. Not that that mattered because this book works perfectly well as a standalone. I was drawn into this story from the start and because I had clicked with Bex, I felt compelled to keep reading and to see if everything worked out for her in the end. 'The Greatest Of Enemies' was one of those books that you start reading and because you enjoy the story so much, you lose all track of time and you lose track of just how quickly the pages seem to turn. The first time I looked up to check, I was staggered to realise that I had read over 50% of the book. All too quickly, I reached the end of the story and I had to bid farewell to Bex. I soon cheered up when I realised that I had the first book in the series to catch up on.
'The Greatest Of Enemies' is extremely well written. In Bex, the author has created a loveable character, who is impossible to dislike and you can't help but hope for the best for her. That's how I felt at any rate. The author grabbed my attention from the start and drew me into the story. She described Abbeyglen so vividly and so realistically that I was all ready to pack up and move there myself. The place just sounds idyllic. I felt as though I was part of the story myself and that's all down to this author's fabulous and very vivid storytelling. I was gripped by the story throughout.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Greatest Of Enemies' and I would definitely recommend this book to other authors. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
June 20, 2020
In The Greatest of Enemies, Louise returns home to Aberglenny, feeling like the biggest failure in the world. She's miserable and doesn't want to be there. Her best friend Holly has done a walkabout and also, Louise hasn't spoken to her for months, she doesn't even know about the lottery money (From Pushing her Luck, book 1).
To Louises suprise, there's someone living in Hollys flat, a snooty, over-optimistic and frankly annoying person who dares to say she knows Holly better then her. It's infuriating. And it doesn't help Louises mood that she has nowhere else to go. She moves in with Bex and has to face the reality that noone wants to hear how unhealthy they are, even from an expert like herself. After all, keeping people fit and healthy is her job. Was her job, she's never going back to London after what happened. Also, Bex bakes all the time.
Bex on the other hand, isn't too pleased with Louise either. She's bossy and demanding, and Bex can't understand how a lovely person like Holly could ever be friends with someone like that. At first she decides to be as kind and positive as she possibly can, even if it almost kills her. Bex keeps hoping Holly will come and take Louise with her, preferably far away.
I loved this book too! It's funny and lovely, with enough twists and suprises to keep me reading on. The village is described so well and the villagers are sharply paintedm but with love and humour. And thank goodness there will be another book in the Abbeyglen series.
To Louises suprise, there's someone living in Hollys flat, a snooty, over-optimistic and frankly annoying person who dares to say she knows Holly better then her. It's infuriating. And it doesn't help Louises mood that she has nowhere else to go. She moves in with Bex and has to face the reality that noone wants to hear how unhealthy they are, even from an expert like herself. After all, keeping people fit and healthy is her job. Was her job, she's never going back to London after what happened. Also, Bex bakes all the time.
Bex on the other hand, isn't too pleased with Louise either. She's bossy and demanding, and Bex can't understand how a lovely person like Holly could ever be friends with someone like that. At first she decides to be as kind and positive as she possibly can, even if it almost kills her. Bex keeps hoping Holly will come and take Louise with her, preferably far away.
I loved this book too! It's funny and lovely, with enough twists and suprises to keep me reading on. The village is described so well and the villagers are sharply paintedm but with love and humour. And thank goodness there will be another book in the Abbeyglen series.
August 11, 2020
Such a great read! I have giggled throughout this one and can't wait to read the third.
Bex is now happily settled in Abbeyglen, sharing a flat with Holly who is enjoying her holiday down under, so Bex relies on Maestro the yorkie for company at the moment. That is, until Holly's friend Louise turns up unexpectedly and somehow manages to enveigle herself into staying in Holly's room. But living with Louise is not like living with Holly, as Bex quickly finds out. Friction quickly follows and before long it's daggers drawn .. can these two actually live in peace and harmony is that too much to ask?
If you want to know what to expect from Berni Maycock's writing, just read her introduction at the start of this one. She has a gift for saying things in a very funny way and I smiled throughout this lovely story, quickly remembering the first in series. As she herself says, this can be read as a stand alone, but it really is worth reading all of them. With the third one on it's way, I certainly won't be missing it! I suspect that the author lives in the type of small town she writes about as she does it so well; the limitations of small town versus large city obviously niggle at Louise. With believable scenarios and excellent, funny dialogue, this book sparkles all the way through, and I just loved everything about it! A grand five star read and the highest recommendation to all those who like stories which brighten up their day!
Bex is now happily settled in Abbeyglen, sharing a flat with Holly who is enjoying her holiday down under, so Bex relies on Maestro the yorkie for company at the moment. That is, until Holly's friend Louise turns up unexpectedly and somehow manages to enveigle herself into staying in Holly's room. But living with Louise is not like living with Holly, as Bex quickly finds out. Friction quickly follows and before long it's daggers drawn .. can these two actually live in peace and harmony is that too much to ask?
If you want to know what to expect from Berni Maycock's writing, just read her introduction at the start of this one. She has a gift for saying things in a very funny way and I smiled throughout this lovely story, quickly remembering the first in series. As she herself says, this can be read as a stand alone, but it really is worth reading all of them. With the third one on it's way, I certainly won't be missing it! I suspect that the author lives in the type of small town she writes about as she does it so well; the limitations of small town versus large city obviously niggle at Louise. With believable scenarios and excellent, funny dialogue, this book sparkles all the way through, and I just loved everything about it! A grand five star read and the highest recommendation to all those who like stories which brighten up their day!
August 12, 2020
This is full of humour as two such different girls try to exist alongside each other. One full of the joys of Spring, the other with a cynical hat on- or so it seems. Louise appears from the blue and settles herself into Bex's flat with a determination which has to amuse- everyone except Bex of course and Mrs Tait. You soon realise that Louise brings with her a lot of baggage and begin to understand a lot of her attitude. I'm not sure I ever really worked out the dynamics with her Mum. You do get to see more than one side of her.
Bex is a whirlwind of positive thinking and projects on the go. Her willingness to sort things out does tend to backfire on her and sometimes, I did wish that she would speak up for herself a bit more. This romcom has plenty of aspects which will make you smile. My favourite part was the two girls’ rivalry for the dog's favour. Bex's conversations with the men she meets are witty and give you hope that things will work out for her. This is a humorous look at family and friendship and adapting to change along the way.
In short: Friends, family, fun.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
Bex is a whirlwind of positive thinking and projects on the go. Her willingness to sort things out does tend to backfire on her and sometimes, I did wish that she would speak up for herself a bit more. This romcom has plenty of aspects which will make you smile. My favourite part was the two girls’ rivalry for the dog's favour. Bex's conversations with the men she meets are witty and give you hope that things will work out for her. This is a humorous look at family and friendship and adapting to change along the way.
In short: Friends, family, fun.
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
September 26, 2020
The characters really make this story, and while I wouldn't say I was in love with everyone (I did not in fact like Louise's character and from what I understand, she's mostly a touch point in the first story versus heavily explored...and I failed to even finally come to terms with her and her actions in the end.), there are certainly many points in its favor (I actually was rather fond of Bex. While she could be trying at times and certainly lacked in the self-confidence department now and again, it wasn't anything that anyone else has been through, and survived at some point in their lives.) that made it an enjoyable read after all. Just focus on Bex...or have an extraordinarily open heart and mind to handle Louise!
**ecopy received fore review; opinions are my own
**ecopy received fore review; opinions are my own
June 23, 2020
Holly is away and Bex has settled nicely into Abbeyfield, happily finding her feet round the place. Louise arrives unaware of Holly’s absence and with nowhere else to stay pretty much invites herself to stay at the flat with Bex. Thereby lies a clash of personalities. One a health conscious nutritionist and the other a cake freak and food blogger who believes in letting her hair down a little every now and again. A story of two personalities sharing one small space and at times other parts of their lives. Of how we all adapt and then maybe change to circumstances and see other life through the eyes of others . A fun lighthearted look at life in a shortish read and one to make you smile
June 5, 2020
I would love to live in Abbeyglen! So much going on in the town but the people who live there are far from impersonal and distracted. Follow Bex as she navigates the town without Holly, but instead gains Louise....
This book is like a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows - sweet and enjoyable but plenty of flavour and depth to keep you hooked!
This book is like a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows - sweet and enjoyable but plenty of flavour and depth to keep you hooked!
September 27, 2020
Loved how the author created two different female characters, Bex and Louise, placed them in a small flat and stepped back. It was like putting two different chemicals in a test tube and watching the reaction. Sparks did fly! I loved the author’s humour and this is a giggle inducing read!
August 9, 2020
Really good fun - good story, great characters. Review to follow for the blog tour.
September 30, 2020
When living together with a total stranger is not a great adventure…
Bex is a cheery, happy young woman, enjoying her current life. She has settled in the small town of Abbyglen, is setting up a new café, blogs around and has a day job.
Her life turns upside down when suddenly Louise appears on her doorstep. Louise is a good friend of Holly, Bex’ roommate. Before she knows it, Bex is sharing her apartment with Louise. It may seem a good arrangement, yet it’s a recipe for disaster, as their characters couldn’t be more different. Louise looks down on everything Bex is doing and does not appreciate Bex’ way of living. But Louise is also facing her own problems.
As the dislikes and disagreements are becoming more and more daily events, who will have the upper hand?
This was a lovely story to read! Even if this was the second story of a series, you can perfectly read is as a standalone.
From the very start I took a liking in Bex. She is just such a cheerful, happy woman. She’s a perfect example to always look on the bright side of things. And even when she has a lesser good day, she still makes the best of it. but even the brightest light sometimes has to feel needed and wanted and wants to feel to be loved…
Louise was a bit harder to like… From the moment she makes her appearance in the story, I didn’t like her. She has this air over her. Whatever she does is perfect, and all the rest is wrong.
So when those two opposite characters are living together, I knew that sparks would fly around, in a bad way. Yet I admired Bex her determination to not let Louise put a dark cloud over her cheerfulness.
But slowly I had to readjust my opinion about Louise. She has not had an easy period, and is trying to find herself again. And when Louise notices that Bex is having a hard time too, she tries on her own way to figure out what is going on.
I found this a very entertaining story. The bickering was so funny to read about, although I can imagine if you’re really in the fight, it wouldn’t be so funny at all. It showed that you don’ t have to be friends with everyone you meet. And that sometimes a stronger band can be made, stronger than friendship. And that no matter how big the differences are, accepting each other the way they are, is a beautiful gift.
A beautiful story, with many laughing moments, moments that make you think about real friendship and that running away isn’t the solution to all your problems, but that running to a new place can give you the right perspective of life.
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Bex is a cheery, happy young woman, enjoying her current life. She has settled in the small town of Abbyglen, is setting up a new café, blogs around and has a day job.
Her life turns upside down when suddenly Louise appears on her doorstep. Louise is a good friend of Holly, Bex’ roommate. Before she knows it, Bex is sharing her apartment with Louise. It may seem a good arrangement, yet it’s a recipe for disaster, as their characters couldn’t be more different. Louise looks down on everything Bex is doing and does not appreciate Bex’ way of living. But Louise is also facing her own problems.
As the dislikes and disagreements are becoming more and more daily events, who will have the upper hand?
This was a lovely story to read! Even if this was the second story of a series, you can perfectly read is as a standalone.
From the very start I took a liking in Bex. She is just such a cheerful, happy woman. She’s a perfect example to always look on the bright side of things. And even when she has a lesser good day, she still makes the best of it. but even the brightest light sometimes has to feel needed and wanted and wants to feel to be loved…
Louise was a bit harder to like… From the moment she makes her appearance in the story, I didn’t like her. She has this air over her. Whatever she does is perfect, and all the rest is wrong.
So when those two opposite characters are living together, I knew that sparks would fly around, in a bad way. Yet I admired Bex her determination to not let Louise put a dark cloud over her cheerfulness.
But slowly I had to readjust my opinion about Louise. She has not had an easy period, and is trying to find herself again. And when Louise notices that Bex is having a hard time too, she tries on her own way to figure out what is going on.
I found this a very entertaining story. The bickering was so funny to read about, although I can imagine if you’re really in the fight, it wouldn’t be so funny at all. It showed that you don’ t have to be friends with everyone you meet. And that sometimes a stronger band can be made, stronger than friendship. And that no matter how big the differences are, accepting each other the way they are, is a beautiful gift.
A beautiful story, with many laughing moments, moments that make you think about real friendship and that running away isn’t the solution to all your problems, but that running to a new place can give you the right perspective of life.
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
September 27, 2020
This book is comprised of 39 Chapters and an Epilogue and is the second book in the Abbeyglen Series. What's brilliant about all these chapters are they all vary in length. So some chapters may take 5 or more minutes to read while others are the short and sweet. As well as varying chapter lengths the point of view switches between chapters, mainly between Louise and Bex but you will get the odd chapter in someone else's view point.
When it comes to Louise and Bex they could not be more different in both personality and their view points of food. While we were introduced to Bex in the first book, this book still very much gives you a more in-depth introduction meaning you don't have to read the first book to know who Bex is. Louise on the other hand is a bit of a mystery to the reader who is slowly unraveled through out the book. A mystery that will keep the readers reading, wanting to know more about Louise.
This book is easy to get stuck into and by the time the reader hits the double digit chapters they will find themselves, hooked by the story. The main theme of this book is friendship though it may not seem like it. However for all those romance lovers, romance does seem to be a bit of an underlying background theme.
Overall this is a great addition to the series and will leave the reader eagerly anticipating the third installment. As with the previous book you do get a bit of a heads up about who the next book is centering around. This is brilliant if you fall in love with this series like this reader has.
When it comes to Louise and Bex they could not be more different in both personality and their view points of food. While we were introduced to Bex in the first book, this book still very much gives you a more in-depth introduction meaning you don't have to read the first book to know who Bex is. Louise on the other hand is a bit of a mystery to the reader who is slowly unraveled through out the book. A mystery that will keep the readers reading, wanting to know more about Louise.
This book is easy to get stuck into and by the time the reader hits the double digit chapters they will find themselves, hooked by the story. The main theme of this book is friendship though it may not seem like it. However for all those romance lovers, romance does seem to be a bit of an underlying background theme.
Overall this is a great addition to the series and will leave the reader eagerly anticipating the third installment. As with the previous book you do get a bit of a heads up about who the next book is centering around. This is brilliant if you fall in love with this series like this reader has.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews