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Five Parties With My Worst Enemy
Two enemies. Five parties. One hot, passionate hatred.
Back in college Ronan Baylor was the world’s biggest, richest jerk. He treated everyone like they were dirt under his feet. Especially me. Just because I was a “bad student” without a “life plan.” Whatever. I never let him get away with it.
I only kissed him at the graduation party to teach him a lesson. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Now thanks to our best friends’ engagement party our paths have finally crossed again. And I still hate him just as much as ever. He can act as charming as he wants, but I won’t be fooled. My hatred for him is the fuel to my fire, and I will never give it up.
The only problem: every time we end up at a party together, we can’t seem to keep our hands off each other.
Author’s note: This book contains banter, billionaires, lust, loathing, several scenes that you might call “steamy,” and an HEA.
Back in college Ronan Baylor was the world’s biggest, richest jerk. He treated everyone like they were dirt under his feet. Especially me. Just because I was a “bad student” without a “life plan.” Whatever. I never let him get away with it.
I only kissed him at the graduation party to teach him a lesson. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Now thanks to our best friends’ engagement party our paths have finally crossed again. And I still hate him just as much as ever. He can act as charming as he wants, but I won’t be fooled. My hatred for him is the fuel to my fire, and I will never give it up.
The only problem: every time we end up at a party together, we can’t seem to keep our hands off each other.
Author’s note: This book contains banter, billionaires, lust, loathing, several scenes that you might call “steamy,” and an HEA.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2020
91 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Elle Sharpe
3 books26 followersElle Sharpe lives mostly on the Internet, occasionally in California. Her daily routine features lots of tea, television, and too much junk food. She enjoys writing couples who are dragged into love kicking and screaming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 11, 2021
The way this was so good, I can't even!
Norah and Ronan are not enemies, not really, but their interactions resemble a battleground to an alarming (and delicious!) degree. There was something reminiscent of 'The Hating Game' in their budding relationship. Some scenes also made me recall Jude and Cardan in 'The Wicked King', who are naturally enemies-to-lovers excellence.
But while similarities are there, more in spirit too than the actual plot, Elle Sharpe puts her own original spin on this story. I liked the format very much - showing how Norah's and Ronan's relationship develops over the course of five separate parties happening over a span of years makes for a story that's fast-paced, interesting and easy to read. I literally gobbled it down in a few hours and wild horses couldn't drag me away.
Apart from the off-the-charts chemistry between the couple, we also get many heartfelt and cute moments (like Ronan fantasizing about holding Norah's hand - I SWOONED and let me tell you, I am not prone to swooning at all, only extreme feels can achieve that). Overall, 'Five Parties With My Worst Enemy' is a great blend of steam, some angst and hate-to-love spiciness.
10/10 would recommend!
Norah and Ronan are not enemies, not really, but their interactions resemble a battleground to an alarming (and delicious!) degree. There was something reminiscent of 'The Hating Game' in their budding relationship. Some scenes also made me recall Jude and Cardan in 'The Wicked King', who are naturally enemies-to-lovers excellence.
But while similarities are there, more in spirit too than the actual plot, Elle Sharpe puts her own original spin on this story. I liked the format very much - showing how Norah's and Ronan's relationship develops over the course of five separate parties happening over a span of years makes for a story that's fast-paced, interesting and easy to read. I literally gobbled it down in a few hours and wild horses couldn't drag me away.
Apart from the off-the-charts chemistry between the couple, we also get many heartfelt and cute moments (like Ronan fantasizing about holding Norah's hand - I SWOONED and let me tell you, I am not prone to swooning at all, only extreme feels can achieve that). Overall, 'Five Parties With My Worst Enemy' is a great blend of steam, some angst and hate-to-love spiciness.
10/10 would recommend!
November 14, 2022
There are far more better enemies to lovers reads out there.
Things I liked:
*The concept: Just like the movie 'four weddings and a funeral' but with a romcom enemies to lovers trope.
*The first party: It had a potential to be a nice read then.
Things I didn't like:
*The writing: Yes, I love a easy language written book. But, the writing of this book was too childish and the dialogues were quite repetitive. For example: "why are you looking me like that?" "You are weird"
*Not enough comedy: The lead may not be the best OTP of books but they still had the element of romance. But, I didn't find any scenes in the novel humourous.
Things I liked:
*The concept: Just like the movie 'four weddings and a funeral' but with a romcom enemies to lovers trope.
*The first party: It had a potential to be a nice read then.
Things I didn't like:
*The writing: Yes, I love a easy language written book. But, the writing of this book was too childish and the dialogues were quite repetitive. For example: "why are you looking me like that?" "You are weird"
*Not enough comedy: The lead may not be the best OTP of books but they still had the element of romance. But, I didn't find any scenes in the novel humourous.
January 9, 2021
This book has my whole heart!!!
January 15, 2021
exactly hate sex best trope in romance
my full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKEneIyA8OU/
my full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKEneIyA8OU/
October 10, 2021
THEY WERE SO????? THE BANTER???? THE HATE FUCKING????? AHSDUVUVUBUTURUEHEBDBFFBRIS
February 18, 2022
This book is exactly what I love and yet I don’t know why I didn’t like it at all. I was bored every time I picked it up, which is why it took me months to finish it and because I dragged it so much I couldn’t get into it
January 17, 2021
This book was a pleasant surprise for me, I went through it so fast because it kept me hooked at all times. If you’re looking for an enemies-to-lovers recommendations, here you have a new one, but I might warn you that this is also the sort of book where the guy is definitely aware of his feelings. Overall, it was a cute read, with the right amount of steam, but I would have liked some more chapters since the ending felt pretty abrupt.
January 16, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶🌶🌶.75/5
I found this book from another Goodreads user so thank you random citizen! I don’t normally gravitate towards Kindle only books, but it was cheap and the sample had me hooked.
I liked the characters—Ronan and Norah—and the first half of the book was so compelling. I always love a good enemies to lovers moment and Elle Sharpe held up her end of the bargain. It had a good amount of laughs and the overall tone of the write was very similar to my sense of humor.
It was steamy especially in the first half. I will say that once it got to the actual having ~relations~ part, it wasn’t very detailed and didn’t feel like the first few scenes. Further, the second half just seemed more underdeveloped and rushed than the first. The ending came fast after the fight and I ended up skimming a tad. If I were to articulate exactly what I mean, it would have to be that the first part of the book felt like it was published and edited by a trade press, while the second felt more self-published or less edited.
The scene at Norah’s family’s house was wild and honestly if Norah was that angry at Ronan she should have been 10x that level at her parents. I know she was trying to “test” him but he got the absolute shaft at that party and I felt so bad and uncomfy. She was totally a dick to him and not seeing him for three weeks before that? Didn’t make sense.
I liked the party format but I do think we could have benefited more from their lives between parties. However, I think it worked for the length that it was and I see why nothing else was included. It was a very quick read—I finished it in a night and I definitely had a good time.
🌶🌶🌶.75/5
I found this book from another Goodreads user so thank you random citizen! I don’t normally gravitate towards Kindle only books, but it was cheap and the sample had me hooked.
I liked the characters—Ronan and Norah—and the first half of the book was so compelling. I always love a good enemies to lovers moment and Elle Sharpe held up her end of the bargain. It had a good amount of laughs and the overall tone of the write was very similar to my sense of humor.
It was steamy especially in the first half. I will say that once it got to the actual having ~relations~ part, it wasn’t very detailed and didn’t feel like the first few scenes. Further, the second half just seemed more underdeveloped and rushed than the first. The ending came fast after the fight and I ended up skimming a tad. If I were to articulate exactly what I mean, it would have to be that the first part of the book felt like it was published and edited by a trade press, while the second felt more self-published or less edited.
The scene at Norah’s family’s house was wild and honestly if Norah was that angry at Ronan she should have been 10x that level at her parents. I know she was trying to “test” him but he got the absolute shaft at that party and I felt so bad and uncomfy. She was totally a dick to him and not seeing him for three weeks before that? Didn’t make sense.
I liked the party format but I do think we could have benefited more from their lives between parties. However, I think it worked for the length that it was and I see why nothing else was included. It was a very quick read—I finished it in a night and I definitely had a good time.
January 18, 2021
I don't know how to rate this book, I like the banter and interaction between Norah and Ronan, you know a friends who keep arguing with each other but honestly just one step away from kissing each other if it's not because of their pride? that's them. In this case it was mostly Norah who doesn't want to back down because of her insecurity and upbringing. Also, I definitely hated Norah's mom, no question. They may seems coming from different background but they share some similar upbringing that makes them not so different. I like both characters, both are caring and smart but it lack something I still can't pink point. I definitely think I would enjoy this book better if this missing point that I can's figured out is there. It was a pretty clean read it still has one explicit scene.
December 22, 2022
really good enemies to lovers, the only reason it wasn't 5 stars, is because i wanted more relationship development since we only see them interact at parties we barely get to know what they like or how they would be together for longer than a day.
but, if you want witty banter, this is for you.
but, if you want witty banter, this is for you.
July 3, 2021
Juste non du coup
January 18, 2021
3.5 stars /
read this for the 4w&af trope and it was so totally worth it🥺 romanoura have all my heart and i’m so,, i just wish the book was slightly better-polished and it’d easily be a 4/4.5 stars!
read this for the 4w&af trope and it was so totally worth it🥺 romanoura have all my heart and i’m so,, i just wish the book was slightly better-polished and it’d easily be a 4/4.5 stars!
January 22, 2022
Norah is not impressed by Ronan Baylor, heir to a hotel chain and TA of her business class. He was ruthlessly honest and it made her dislike him immensely. So, when he is invited to a graduation party her roommate is throwing, angry sparks fly.
At first I rather disliked Norah. She kept going on and on about how much she thought Ronan was an a**hole, but they did have a steamy encounter. After which she again turned cold. So then we jump to four years later where Norah and Ronan meet again (at the 2nd party of the story). While Norah keeps telling him how much she dislikes him, I actually rather liked Ronan. We get his POV through the whole story, so we know he is very interested in Norah. Through bits and pieces it is revealed why Norah cannot perform as a singer.
The writing was really good and I read the book in 1 day. It kept me interested and I thought the story was also rather realistic about family expectations, pressure, self worth. In that way it is less a romance as it is chick lit in my view.
*** I received an ARC via Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
At first I rather disliked Norah. She kept going on and on about how much she thought Ronan was an a**hole, but they did have a steamy encounter. After which she again turned cold. So then we jump to four years later where Norah and Ronan meet again (at the 2nd party of the story). While Norah keeps telling him how much she dislikes him, I actually rather liked Ronan. We get his POV through the whole story, so we know he is very interested in Norah. Through bits and pieces it is revealed why Norah cannot perform as a singer.
The writing was really good and I read the book in 1 day. It kept me interested and I thought the story was also rather realistic about family expectations, pressure, self worth. In that way it is less a romance as it is chick lit in my view.
*** I received an ARC via Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review. ***
May 17, 2021
Yeah, I just couldn't. The only reason I finished this book was because I felt Ronan deserved a happy ever after. Norah was so grating. She behaved like a petulant child, not a fully grown adult. I cannot stand games in relationships and that is exactly what Norah did to Ronan from start to finish. She didn't deserve him. I wished he had walked away from her and found himself a grown-up, self-assured woman who appreciated him but no such luck. The only reason I have given it 2 stars over 1 is because I really liked the character of Ronan. Norah ruined the book completely and I wouldn't read it again or recommend it. Sorry for my harsh words but it was a baseless, unnecessary story and Norah was downright nasty at times. Revenge kisses and handjobs? Screams narcissist in my opinion.
July 31, 2021
2.5 stars- the scene where Ronan was thinking about holding Norah’s hand was everything
December 9, 2020
Published: December 7, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Elle Sharpe lives in California and enjoyed writing about coupes who are dragged into love kicking and screaming. No smooth, easy love stories for her characters. She writes witty romcoms with a steamy twist.
“I guess you’ll have to stay until the end of the game to find out.”
Norah is unapologetically herself. She is sarcastic, smart, and she cannot stand Ronan Baylor. Ronan is a wealthy hotel heir and a staunch businessman. He comes across as slightly arrogant and uses his attitude to keep people at arm's length. What happens when their best friends get engaged, and they are the best man and maid of honor?
I enjoyed this book. It was charming, had a lot of humor and wit, and a pair of charismatic narrators who are so obviously meant to be, despite their stubbornness.
This is quite a debut for Elle Sharpe. Her romcom has all the right elements: great characters, humor, wit, sass, and it’s steamy.
I enjoyed the characters quite a bit. I feel like Ronan was a bit more developed than Norah, but I loved Norah so much. She was so rough around the edges, and her snappy comebacks made me giggle every single time.
This is quite a different romance novel, and I appreciated that a lot. While there were some steamy scenes, Elle Sharpe used them as accessories and not the main course. The story was front and center, and the sexy stuff was just a nice little dash throughout the book.
I loved Norah’s personality and the fact that she pretty much said whatever she was thinking. Her vulnerabilities were there, yet she was a strong character. She fully admitted she had no idea what she was doing, and she just went with it. Her zest was delightful. She also has such a charm about her, and I loved her internal dialogue regarding her feelings. She was a great, albeit sometimes immature, character.
This was an easy read, with a plot that kept you engaged. I loved the casual mix of negotiation thrown between Ronan and Norah. Their buildup was so well done. And I was cheering for them.
I would have lost it if that fifth party had been their wedding. I also subscribed to Elle’s newsletter to get the bonus chapter, which was okay. It just further cemented that love does conquer all, even despite our efforts to throw life off course.
Please be aware, online, the book is under “Five Parties with my Worst Enemy,” even though the cover has the number 5.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Elle Sharpe lives in California and enjoyed writing about coupes who are dragged into love kicking and screaming. No smooth, easy love stories for her characters. She writes witty romcoms with a steamy twist.
“I guess you’ll have to stay until the end of the game to find out.”
Norah is unapologetically herself. She is sarcastic, smart, and she cannot stand Ronan Baylor. Ronan is a wealthy hotel heir and a staunch businessman. He comes across as slightly arrogant and uses his attitude to keep people at arm's length. What happens when their best friends get engaged, and they are the best man and maid of honor?
I enjoyed this book. It was charming, had a lot of humor and wit, and a pair of charismatic narrators who are so obviously meant to be, despite their stubbornness.
This is quite a debut for Elle Sharpe. Her romcom has all the right elements: great characters, humor, wit, sass, and it’s steamy.
I enjoyed the characters quite a bit. I feel like Ronan was a bit more developed than Norah, but I loved Norah so much. She was so rough around the edges, and her snappy comebacks made me giggle every single time.
This is quite a different romance novel, and I appreciated that a lot. While there were some steamy scenes, Elle Sharpe used them as accessories and not the main course. The story was front and center, and the sexy stuff was just a nice little dash throughout the book.
I loved Norah’s personality and the fact that she pretty much said whatever she was thinking. Her vulnerabilities were there, yet she was a strong character. She fully admitted she had no idea what she was doing, and she just went with it. Her zest was delightful. She also has such a charm about her, and I loved her internal dialogue regarding her feelings. She was a great, albeit sometimes immature, character.
This was an easy read, with a plot that kept you engaged. I loved the casual mix of negotiation thrown between Ronan and Norah. Their buildup was so well done. And I was cheering for them.
I would have lost it if that fifth party had been their wedding. I also subscribed to Elle’s newsletter to get the bonus chapter, which was okay. It just further cemented that love does conquer all, even despite our efforts to throw life off course.
Please be aware, online, the book is under “Five Parties with my Worst Enemy,” even though the cover has the number 5.
December 19, 2020
Utterly delightful. What a fun read! I loved this book. The easy, intelligent, witty banter between Norah and Ronan, makes this an enjoyable, entertaining page-turner. The supposed enemies hold on to their belief for 4 years and through a series of festive events, fate throws them together, at times with explosive results. I was laughing out loud and loved this writer's imagination, use of language and vocabulary. Norah and Ronan are actually crazy about each other but for a long time, neither is prepared to admit. They act on their attraction to each other but it takes a long time, particularly for Norah to imagine and accept reality without fighting Ronan. During their intimacy, they make war, not just love. Their characters, as well as the other participants' of this novel, were very well described and are very likeable. The protagonists end up with a well deserved HEA. There is so much tension, uncertainty and unhappiness this year, that I strongly recommend this book as a brilliant way to de-stress your mind at least while reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2020
Norah is determined to not like Ronan, a wealthy businessman and heir to a chain of hotels. She saw him as arrogant and used her attitude to throw fuel onto the anger she felt. But sometimes extreme feelings like that can easily tip in the other direction.
When the two of them are maid of honor and best man at their best friends’ wedding, along with the other “parties” they ended up at together, each encounter lets them become a little more used to each other enough to adjust their behavior. It seemed fairly obvious that despite the banter, there were real feelings underneath. Will their encounters turn into something else? Will they find out that the strong emotions are not intense dislike but a strong attraction they should pay attention to?
When the two of them are maid of honor and best man at their best friends’ wedding, along with the other “parties” they ended up at together, each encounter lets them become a little more used to each other enough to adjust their behavior. It seemed fairly obvious that despite the banter, there were real feelings underneath. Will their encounters turn into something else? Will they find out that the strong emotions are not intense dislike but a strong attraction they should pay attention to?
August 25, 2024
2.5 stars. No idea when I got this (probably years ago after I read Hating Games and was looking for more of the same) but it was one of the few unread contemporary books on my kindle so I tried it out.
I liked the middle part of this book more and more, for a while this was moving towards being a four star read. But then it kind of went to shit halfway through the penultimate party. I was able to overlook the obvious absence of an editor and slightly flat characterizations (and the lazy "billionaire" trope) as long as the book was funny, and parts of it was laugh out loud hilarious. In the end it was fairly charming but not really pulled together well enough. I kinda liked it?
I liked the middle part of this book more and more, for a while this was moving towards being a four star read. But then it kind of went to shit halfway through the penultimate party. I was able to overlook the obvious absence of an editor and slightly flat characterizations (and the lazy "billionaire" trope) as long as the book was funny, and parts of it was laugh out loud hilarious. In the end it was fairly charming but not really pulled together well enough. I kinda liked it?
December 12, 2020
My first ever comment on GR - I loved this book so much I thought I should leave a review.
The first half of the book kept me so hooked I missed my train stop on my way back home from work!
Loved the banter and the writing style of this author. Characters' witty and quick dialogue was what really drew me in I think. I agree with other reviews in that there was less banter at the end and would have loved to see a bit more of them as a couple (besides that bonus chapter that you can download).
Overall a fun read and I would definitely read something else from this author!
The first half of the book kept me so hooked I missed my train stop on my way back home from work!
Loved the banter and the writing style of this author. Characters' witty and quick dialogue was what really drew me in I think. I agree with other reviews in that there was less banter at the end and would have loved to see a bit more of them as a couple (besides that bonus chapter that you can download).
Overall a fun read and I would definitely read something else from this author!
March 9, 2022
Apart from the ending which I felt like it was too rush, I really really liked it, as Ronan would say. The characters were all well described and constructed, it was not like other romance books that just put together 2 persons without any detail. This was very good, i got to know the story and the back story of the main characters through the years and the events they got to be together. It was fun, it was amusing, not like other books that just focus con lame, ridiculous and surreal sex scenes. This is a good book, let me say. Enjoy. I did.
December 13, 2020
There is time to throw one last party after graduating before Norah and Jen head off into the world of real life. Whilst getting the drinks ready Norah is unimpressed to find Ronan at the party. An MBA graduate and one of her class TA's (and heir to Baylor Hotels) he has somewhat of a superior air about himself. Giving Norah a hard time throughout her business degree. But with each other's best friends spending time together they end up having to interact.
A hate to lovers romance follows over the course of the years after college. With the graduation party being the first of five parties that they attend and end up getting closer than expected. They each have their own issues they are bringing to the table which affects how they view relationships, work and friendships.
A hate to lovers romance follows over the course of the years after college. With the graduation party being the first of five parties that they attend and end up getting closer than expected. They each have their own issues they are bringing to the table which affects how they view relationships, work and friendships.
December 11, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book.
The writer has a wonderful way of narrating. Whether we liked the characters or not, and in this case I like both of them, the way the story is told deserves all the praise. All recommendations for this chiklit. The best I've read lately. I look forward to the following romances/chiklits of this author.
I was not asked for the coment and this is my first coment ever, that's how much I liked it.
The writer has a wonderful way of narrating. Whether we liked the characters or not, and in this case I like both of them, the way the story is told deserves all the praise. All recommendations for this chiklit. The best I've read lately. I look forward to the following romances/chiklits of this author.
I was not asked for the coment and this is my first coment ever, that's how much I liked it.
January 28, 2021
This is the kind of read I enjoy the most, lots of crazy situations, some comedy, two characters who can't seem to stand each other but in fact that isn't really the case and just the right amount of smut to fully enjoy the read.
This author is new to me, and although the book needs some more polishing with respect to some grammatical issues, I think it's a very good debut and I'd like to read more from her.
This author is new to me, and although the book needs some more polishing with respect to some grammatical issues, I think it's a very good debut and I'd like to read more from her.
December 19, 2020
An enemies-to-lovers romance about Norah and Ronan who met in college and didn't exactly mesh well but who definitely have chemistry.
The book is funny and has quick banter the thing is that for being MCs they have and romantic interest they have few moments together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book is funny and has quick banter the thing is that for being MCs they have and romantic interest they have few moments together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2022
Cute! I liked how the story was broken up into different sections following each party they attended and how that meant the relationship developed over years.. but they weren’t really enemies. More like the adult version of pulling a girl’s hair to get her to notice you, they annoyed each other but nothing was ever damaging or harmful. Still a fun romance though!
October 28, 2022
Het was oke hoor. Einde helaas heel erg afgeraffeld... Heb me echt aan haar moeder lopen irriteren ...
Opzich was dit allemaal niet nodig geweest. Haar lelijkheid naar hem was niet echt terrecht. Ze kon hem gewoon negeren ofzo.
Ben blij dat ze wat minder stage fright heeft.
Hij was gewoon zo opgevoed. En hij vond haar echt leuk.
Opzich was dit allemaal niet nodig geweest. Haar lelijkheid naar hem was niet echt terrecht. Ze kon hem gewoon negeren ofzo.
Ben blij dat ze wat minder stage fright heeft.
Hij was gewoon zo opgevoed. En hij vond haar echt leuk.
August 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It was a good mix of funny, witty banter with lots of chemistry. I did enjoy reading from both Ronan and Norah's POV. It provided a better look into the "I hate him/her" bit and we get to see more dimensions of the characters. I enjoyed the story line. Would read more from this author..
December 12, 2020
I received this as an arc for my honest review
This was my first book by Elle Sharp, but I hope not the last. It was funny and entertaining. I liked the hate to love theme. And Norah was a great heroine.
This was my first book by Elle Sharp, but I hope not the last. It was funny and entertaining. I liked the hate to love theme. And Norah was a great heroine.
December 12, 2020
Hilariously entertaining. Love how Norah focuses her bad thoughts of Ronan to help her channel her fear of stage fright. Their hate lovemaking never have I seen before. An interesting read for sure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews