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Subscribing to the Enemy
She’s a YouTube comedy sensation.
He’s a serious filmmaker.
When they’re forced to work together, what sort of sparks will fly?
Joanna:
Co-hosting a hilarious YouTube channel with my best friend is great and all, but winning the “Lights, Camera, Vance!” competition is what will turn my dreams of attending film school in New York into reality.
I’m soooo close to putting the final touches on the entry I’ve poured my heart and soul into when the unthinkable happens—Bratty McBratface (AKA my youngest sister) destroys my movie, leaving me with exactly one option: work on someone else’s dull-as-dirt documentary . . .
Which wouldn’t be so bad if that someone didn’t happen to be the cute-but-infuriating guy I’ve already had a run-in with at the mall.
Rick:
My biggest YouTuber pet peeves? Ridiculous click-bait titles and useless content. Out-of-control bath bombs? Not my thing. Disgusting food challenges? Yuck!
I’m going to change the world with my films . . .
At least I would if I had a working camera. Now my only chance is to borrow equipment—and take (unwanted) creative input—from our local area sellout. Uh, I mean our local YouTube celebrity.
She may have gorgeous, silky hair and beautiful eyes a guy can get lost in, but she’s also the last person I’d want to be stuck working with.
So why have our arguments over everything from camera angles to music montages started to feel more like flirting than fighting?
Subscribing to the Enemy is a fun enemies-to-lovers YA sweet romance. If you like quirky characters, sweet kisses, and happily ever afters, you’ll love this first book in The March Sisters Sweet Romance series.
Grab this modern-day take on Lousia May Alcott’s classic Little Women today!
He’s a serious filmmaker.
When they’re forced to work together, what sort of sparks will fly?
Joanna:
Co-hosting a hilarious YouTube channel with my best friend is great and all, but winning the “Lights, Camera, Vance!” competition is what will turn my dreams of attending film school in New York into reality.
I’m soooo close to putting the final touches on the entry I’ve poured my heart and soul into when the unthinkable happens—Bratty McBratface (AKA my youngest sister) destroys my movie, leaving me with exactly one option: work on someone else’s dull-as-dirt documentary . . .
Which wouldn’t be so bad if that someone didn’t happen to be the cute-but-infuriating guy I’ve already had a run-in with at the mall.
Rick:
My biggest YouTuber pet peeves? Ridiculous click-bait titles and useless content. Out-of-control bath bombs? Not my thing. Disgusting food challenges? Yuck!
I’m going to change the world with my films . . .
At least I would if I had a working camera. Now my only chance is to borrow equipment—and take (unwanted) creative input—from our local area sellout. Uh, I mean our local YouTube celebrity.
She may have gorgeous, silky hair and beautiful eyes a guy can get lost in, but she’s also the last person I’d want to be stuck working with.
So why have our arguments over everything from camera angles to music montages started to feel more like flirting than fighting?
Subscribing to the Enemy is a fun enemies-to-lovers YA sweet romance. If you like quirky characters, sweet kisses, and happily ever afters, you’ll love this first book in The March Sisters Sweet Romance series.
Grab this modern-day take on Lousia May Alcott’s classic Little Women today!
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2020
73 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 15, 2021
This book was a page-turner and the author was right in saying that I´d like it. The book is pretty loyal to its source material with the heart in the characters growing up and finding themselves in the world, yet it is a contemporary story. I loved Jo´s and Rick´s love story as much as I love the original story in the novel. The author had done lots of research to get lots of the historical facts right (for example Louisa May Alcott´s adoration for German culture) and the story tights itself with lots of modern issues that also touched the author's life (immigration, beauty standards). The YouTube storyline was brilliant and hilarious and in my opinion, a fantastic portrayal of the particular fan-shipping culture which (unfortunately) always seems to be present within Little Women fandom. A must-read for all Little Women fans looking to read contemporary retellings of the beloved story.
-Niina Niskanen, host of "Small Umbrella In The Rain", The Little Women Podcast
-Niina Niskanen, host of "Small Umbrella In The Rain", The Little Women Podcast
May 28, 2021
What a fun take on a well-loved classic! “Subscribing to the Enemy” manages to stay pretty true to the through story of “Little Women” while giving us a 100% contemporary story. It never comes off as hokey or gimmicky the way some modernized versions have. Its new and fresh, but with the recognizable heart of the story that inspired it.
I’ve wanted to push my teenaged niece to read “Little Women,” but frankly all she seems interested in is YouTube. With the YouTube storyline in this novel, it might be a good open door. Maybe I’ll get her this book and then tell her later, “If you liked that, you’ll probably also like this,” while handing her a copy of “Little Women.”
I think young people would really like this book. Actually, I would love to see this made into a tv series. I could totally see ABC Family turning this into the perfect teen drama/romance.
I’ve wanted to push my teenaged niece to read “Little Women,” but frankly all she seems interested in is YouTube. With the YouTube storyline in this novel, it might be a good open door. Maybe I’ll get her this book and then tell her later, “If you liked that, you’ll probably also like this,” while handing her a copy of “Little Women.”
I think young people would really like this book. Actually, I would love to see this made into a tv series. I could totally see ABC Family turning this into the perfect teen drama/romance.
July 14, 2021
Adorable
At first I thought this book would be cheesy since it was about YouTubers, but it was actually super sweet and really inspirational. I loved it!
At first I thought this book would be cheesy since it was about YouTubers, but it was actually super sweet and really inspirational. I loved it!
January 30, 2021
Fun book!
I really enjoyed this book! I admit I was a little frustrated by Rick in the beginning, but that didn’t last long. I was completely entranced by this book and I read it as fast as I could! I loved seeing elements of Little Women that I recognized; it was cleverly written and a lot of fun to read. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
I really enjoyed this book! I admit I was a little frustrated by Rick in the beginning, but that didn’t last long. I was completely entranced by this book and I read it as fast as I could! I loved seeing elements of Little Women that I recognized; it was cleverly written and a lot of fun to read. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
Want to read
July 13, 2021She’s a YouTube comedy sensation.
He’s a serious filmmaker.
When they’re forced to work together, what sort of sparks will fly?
Joanna:
Co-hosting a hilarious YouTube channel with my best friend is great and all, but winning the “Lights, Camera, Vance!” competition is what will turn my dreams of attending film school in New York into reality.
I’m soooo close to putting the final touches on the entry I’ve poured my heart and soul into when the unthinkable happens—Bratty McBratface (AKA my youngest sister) destroys my movie, leaving me with exactly one option: work on someone else’s dull-as-dirt documentary . . .
Which wouldn’t be so bad if that someone didn’t happen to be the cute-but-infuriating guy I’ve already had a run-in with at the mall.
Rick:
My biggest YouTuber pet peeves? Ridiculous click-bait titles and useless content. Out-of-control bath bombs? Not my thing. Disgusting food challenges? Yuck!
I’m going to change the world with my films . . .
At least I would if I had a working camera. Now my only chance is to borrow equipment—and take (unwanted) creative input—from our local area sellout. Uh, I mean our local YouTube celebrity.
She may have gorgeous, silky hair and beautiful eyes a guy can get lost in, but she’s also the last person I’d want to be stuck working with.
So why have our arguments over everything from camera angles to music montages started to feel more like flirting than fighting?
Subscribing to the Enemy is a fun enemies-to-lovers YA sweet romance. If you like quirky characters, sweet kisses, and happily ever afters, you’ll love this first book in The March Sisters Sweet Romance series.
Grab this modern-day take on Lousia May Alcott’s classic Little Women today!
He’s a serious filmmaker.
When they’re forced to work together, what sort of sparks will fly?
Joanna:
Co-hosting a hilarious YouTube channel with my best friend is great and all, but winning the “Lights, Camera, Vance!” competition is what will turn my dreams of attending film school in New York into reality.
I’m soooo close to putting the final touches on the entry I’ve poured my heart and soul into when the unthinkable happens—Bratty McBratface (AKA my youngest sister) destroys my movie, leaving me with exactly one option: work on someone else’s dull-as-dirt documentary . . .
Which wouldn’t be so bad if that someone didn’t happen to be the cute-but-infuriating guy I’ve already had a run-in with at the mall.
Rick:
My biggest YouTuber pet peeves? Ridiculous click-bait titles and useless content. Out-of-control bath bombs? Not my thing. Disgusting food challenges? Yuck!
I’m going to change the world with my films . . .
At least I would if I had a working camera. Now my only chance is to borrow equipment—and take (unwanted) creative input—from our local area sellout. Uh, I mean our local YouTube celebrity.
She may have gorgeous, silky hair and beautiful eyes a guy can get lost in, but she’s also the last person I’d want to be stuck working with.
So why have our arguments over everything from camera angles to music montages started to feel more like flirting than fighting?
Subscribing to the Enemy is a fun enemies-to-lovers YA sweet romance. If you like quirky characters, sweet kisses, and happily ever afters, you’ll love this first book in The March Sisters Sweet Romance series.
Grab this modern-day take on Lousia May Alcott’s classic Little Women today!
May 23, 2021
This is the first book in a YA Romance series retelling of Louisa May Alcott's *Little Women,* with each novel focusing on the romance of one of the March sisters. Told in alternating perspectives by Joanna March and Rick Bhaer, the story revolves around two competing YouTube filmmakers, who have little esteem for the other's style and content. When circumstances render it beneficial for the two to work together, they both come to realize that their hastily-made first impressions belied the true depths of one another.
Brady does well to bring out Jo's attraction to Bhaer (rather than fan favorite Laurie), and plays with the idea of Jo and Laurie fan "shipping" in a fun and modern way. She stays true to Alcott's characters and plot, keeping the important touchstones from the original novel, while also including inflections that are more resonate today. However, the uneven writing (sometimes riveting, sometimes plodding and repetitive), would have benefited from better editing. The character voices were challenging to get into and the second half of the book was more compelling. While these qualities impacted my rating, I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series soon. If you love *Little Women,* aren't opposed to retellings, and are looking for a light read -- this is a nice choice.
Brady does well to bring out Jo's attraction to Bhaer (rather than fan favorite Laurie), and plays with the idea of Jo and Laurie fan "shipping" in a fun and modern way. She stays true to Alcott's characters and plot, keeping the important touchstones from the original novel, while also including inflections that are more resonate today. However, the uneven writing (sometimes riveting, sometimes plodding and repetitive), would have benefited from better editing. The character voices were challenging to get into and the second half of the book was more compelling. While these qualities impacted my rating, I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series soon. If you love *Little Women,* aren't opposed to retellings, and are looking for a light read -- this is a nice choice.
November 2, 2021
3.5 Stars
I was a bit conflicted on how to rate this book. I loved the way the author wrote the fiery spirit of Jo, the goofiness of Teddy, and the seriousness of Rick. The twist on the father being a deadbeat was interesting and felt appropriate given the modern setting. I also thought it was very creative to trade writing for filmmaking for Jo. There were enough touches in the story that were obvious nods to the original story, but it was different enough to still be an engaging and entertaining read.
Halfway through was a weird diatribe about undocumented people and immigration, which felt super out of place since you expect it to come up again later but then the characters are hardly spoken of again the second half of the book. I understand what she was trying to do (showing the serious Rick the importance of silliness and levity in entertainment when life has serious challenges) but I felt myself holding my breath the second half of the book waiting for the other shoe to drop on that part of the storyline, only for it to not be mentioned again.
All in all, this was a very cute reimagination of a classic tale. I loved the banter, the sisterly dramatics, and how the author contextualized the story for the 21st century. It's a fun book and a must read for Little Women lovers.
I was a bit conflicted on how to rate this book. I loved the way the author wrote the fiery spirit of Jo, the goofiness of Teddy, and the seriousness of Rick. The twist on the father being a deadbeat was interesting and felt appropriate given the modern setting. I also thought it was very creative to trade writing for filmmaking for Jo. There were enough touches in the story that were obvious nods to the original story, but it was different enough to still be an engaging and entertaining read.
Halfway through was a weird diatribe about undocumented people and immigration, which felt super out of place since you expect it to come up again later but then the characters are hardly spoken of again the second half of the book. I understand what she was trying to do (showing the serious Rick the importance of silliness and levity in entertainment when life has serious challenges) but I felt myself holding my breath the second half of the book waiting for the other shoe to drop on that part of the storyline, only for it to not be mentioned again.
All in all, this was a very cute reimagination of a classic tale. I loved the banter, the sisterly dramatics, and how the author contextualized the story for the 21st century. It's a fun book and a must read for Little Women lovers.
February 24, 2021
3.5 stars
I liked the premise and the characters. Everything was well developed. There was a political commentary woven into the story in one or two places that seemed to have nothing to do with the actual plot or main storyline, which was annoying.
Also, the story flips to the present tense in several spots where it doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t seem to be an internal thought that could be italicized to set it apart from the rest of the narration. It just changes and then changes back.
I liked the premise and the characters. Everything was well developed. There was a political commentary woven into the story in one or two places that seemed to have nothing to do with the actual plot or main storyline, which was annoying.
Also, the story flips to the present tense in several spots where it doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t seem to be an internal thought that could be italicized to set it apart from the rest of the narration. It just changes and then changes back.
July 19, 2021
The H/h are teenagers and there were several relevant topics touched upon in the story: sibling relationships (h with her sisters and an especially bratty 15year old younger one). Parent's expectations of their children: Rick's father disapproves of what he wants to be and thinks art is "not a real career". Children from broken homes (h) and those who have lost their parents (Jojo's BFF Ted).
All wrapped up in an enemies to lovers trope.
All wrapped up in an enemies to lovers trope.
October 21, 2021
Beautiful Romance
Teddy and Joanna have been best friends forever. They start a you tube channel and even start making money. Things are going pretty good. They begin filming a movie for a big movie competition with all of Joanna's sisters and Teddy acting in the show. What could be more perfect? Everything is not always as it seems. Follow this fun modern day Little Women March family saga. The characters are fantastic and the storyline is great. Happy Reading!
Teddy and Joanna have been best friends forever. They start a you tube channel and even start making money. Things are going pretty good. They begin filming a movie for a big movie competition with all of Joanna's sisters and Teddy acting in the show. What could be more perfect? Everything is not always as it seems. Follow this fun modern day Little Women March family saga. The characters are fantastic and the storyline is great. Happy Reading!
October 9, 2021
Well Done Re-imagining of a Beloved Classic
I really enjoyed this modern take on the Little Women story. The March sisters, as well as Laurie and Bhaer, translated really well to their roles. The story line was engaging and kept me reading. I look forward to reading Meg' s story next.
I really enjoyed this modern take on the Little Women story. The March sisters, as well as Laurie and Bhaer, translated really well to their roles. The story line was engaging and kept me reading. I look forward to reading Meg' s story next.
June 5, 2022
Couldn't get through the first chapter. The author contradicts herself - Jo says she put off Christmas shopping until the 23rd, then just a few pages later says she's got all her gifts stacked neatly on her closet for weeks. If she can't keep simple stuff like that straight, it doesn't bode well for the rest of the story.
June 2, 2023
While I wouldn’t say this is fantastic writing, I love the premise of remaking the four March girls into modern-day love stories! I’ll definitely finish the series. It’s fabulous how the author kept so many aspects of each classic character, and yet made them new for the 2000s. If you’ve read and loved Little Women, I recommend giving this series a shot.
June 18, 2023
This is a beautiful retelling of Little Women through Joanna’s viewpoint. I honestly didn’t mind seeing a different twist to the story if Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy (or Mya in this take of the story) were born in a modern age. I will follow this book series and see what all the other stories are about.
December 8, 2025
Engaging read
I didn’t even realize the characters aligned with the Little Women until a friend let me in on that secret! But I really liked the play on the names. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. The characters were very relatable and I enjoyed the YouTube plot. I really enjoy watching The Amazing Race and having that included as a reality show was fun for me. Great read!
I didn’t even realize the characters aligned with the Little Women until a friend let me in on that secret! But I really liked the play on the names. I found myself not wanting to put the book down. The characters were very relatable and I enjoyed the YouTube plot. I really enjoy watching The Amazing Race and having that included as a reality show was fun for me. Great read!
August 7, 2021
Wow this read was great😣😊
January 28, 2022
cute ya book
I did not realize it was a ya book. Cute. I skimmed over a bunch of sections but overall it was readable.
I did not realize it was a ya book. Cute. I skimmed over a bunch of sections but overall it was readable.
March 9, 2022
Excellent book
March 10, 2022
This is such a cute and fun read. The characters are amazing. Joanna and Rick are so cute together and their relationship developed seamlessly :)
July 13, 2024
I just finished this book and I loved it! Jen Brady really put her own twist on Little Women and did it well!
June 8, 2022
Really cute!
I can't get over how sweet this story was. I'm a big Romance lover, and so reading YA I figured would leave me all sorts of disappointed. But I wasn't.
Little Women is my favorite book of all time, and I've read a few modern adaptations that just didn't capture the essence of the characters well. This one does!
Joanna is perfectly Jo in every way, and I love the twist from writer to screenwriter and director. The clever way Jen Brady modernizes them all was so perfect. Making Friedrich Bhaer, Rick was genius, and that he's a serious documentary filmmaker was just amazing! But the most impressive to me was Teddy. He's so genuinely in love with Jo, but also you totally buy that she has no idea! It follows the events of the original enough to be nostalgic, but also not too predictable or worn out.
This book is an absolute must for any Little Women fan, and one I'd gladly let my middle school daughter read. Can't wait to read Meg's book next!
I can't get over how sweet this story was. I'm a big Romance lover, and so reading YA I figured would leave me all sorts of disappointed. But I wasn't.
Little Women is my favorite book of all time, and I've read a few modern adaptations that just didn't capture the essence of the characters well. This one does!
Joanna is perfectly Jo in every way, and I love the twist from writer to screenwriter and director. The clever way Jen Brady modernizes them all was so perfect. Making Friedrich Bhaer, Rick was genius, and that he's a serious documentary filmmaker was just amazing! But the most impressive to me was Teddy. He's so genuinely in love with Jo, but also you totally buy that she has no idea! It follows the events of the original enough to be nostalgic, but also not too predictable or worn out.
This book is an absolute must for any Little Women fan, and one I'd gladly let my middle school daughter read. Can't wait to read Meg's book next!
March 22, 2022
I read the entire thing in one night, couldn't put it down :)
At first, I wasn't sure if an enemies-to-lovers approach would work with these characters because they got together differently in the original, but I loved every single minute of this, would definitely reread it several times.
And there are three more?! I realized that late but I'm going to read those ones too eventually
At first, I wasn't sure if an enemies-to-lovers approach would work with these characters because they got together differently in the original, but I loved every single minute of this, would definitely reread it several times.
And there are three more?! I realized that late but I'm going to read those ones too eventually
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews