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Apple Valley Love Stories #2
My Own Best Enemy
This isn’t a wedding. This is war …
I get it. We were in elementary school. Just a couple of kids on the playground. But after Nash Hendrix called me Enemy instead of Emily, his stupid nickname ruined my life.
Now our best friends are getting married, and they expect me to stand across the aisle from Nash the Ruiner without killing him?
Whatever. I can survive being maid of honor. It’s only for one weekend.
Until it’s not.
When I get roped into wedding planning at the same places Nash is fundraising, I’m ready to blow up our temporary truce.
All I wanted was to start over. New job. New permanently-single status.
But the more time we spend together, the more I feel like … not murdering him.
Is it possible Nash and I don't hate each other?
No way. He’s still my enemy.
My big, dumb enemy.
My big, dumb, gorgeous, sweet-talking, dog-loving —
Emi, you’re doomed.
I get it. We were in elementary school. Just a couple of kids on the playground. But after Nash Hendrix called me Enemy instead of Emily, his stupid nickname ruined my life.
Now our best friends are getting married, and they expect me to stand across the aisle from Nash the Ruiner without killing him?
Whatever. I can survive being maid of honor. It’s only for one weekend.
Until it’s not.
When I get roped into wedding planning at the same places Nash is fundraising, I’m ready to blow up our temporary truce.
All I wanted was to start over. New job. New permanently-single status.
But the more time we spend together, the more I feel like … not murdering him.
Is it possible Nash and I don't hate each other?
No way. He’s still my enemy.
My big, dumb enemy.
My big, dumb, gorgeous, sweet-talking, dog-loving —
Emi, you’re doomed.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2021
617 people are currently reading
3121 people want to read
About the author
Julie Christianson
16 books606 followersJulie Christianson writes sweet romantic comedies—but only when she’s not reading them. Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, she loves her hilarious family, her three crazy rescue dogs, and laughing at her own jokes.
Julie dreamed of being an author the first time she held a crayon, and after the library where she worked closed in 2020, she decided to try her hand at penning her own small-town romcoms.
She’s a former high school English teacher and lapsed marathon runner, the mother of two great kids, and the wife of one very funny man. Her goal is to write books that make you laugh out loud, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
To connect with Julie, follow her on instagram (@juliechristiansonauthor), Facebook (@juliechristiansonauthor) or visit her website, juliechristianson.com.!
Julie dreamed of being an author the first time she held a crayon, and after the library where she worked closed in 2020, she decided to try her hand at penning her own small-town romcoms.
She’s a former high school English teacher and lapsed marathon runner, the mother of two great kids, and the wife of one very funny man. Her goal is to write books that make you laugh out loud, fall in love, and live happily ever after.
To connect with Julie, follow her on instagram (@juliechristiansonauthor), Facebook (@juliechristiansonauthor) or visit her website, juliechristianson.com.!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
December 14, 2021
"To be clear, I'm not suggesting Emi Jones isn't capable of taking care of herself. But that doesn't stop me from wanting to vanquish her enemies. The only problem is, for most of her life, she's thought of me as the worst enemy of all."
Nash Hendrix will steal your heart in this one, let me tell you. With his inability to resist the research-loving librarian Emi, I loved the endless banter as the two are forced in proximity thanks to their roles in an upcoming wedding.
Holding a grudge towards Nash since childhood, Emi had a lot of personal growth in this story. Nash may have owed an apology and explanation, but I especially loved seeing Emi self-reflect on her own fears and reasonings for continually pushing people away. Recovering from a recent breakup, my heart absolutely hurt to see her thrust into helping plan a wedding that isn't her own. Gah!
This was really funny, too! From humiliating kickboxing classes to Gordon the gecko, the humour was great, especially with Nash always available to save the day. And the ending? Adorable! I'll never look at Lucky Charms cereal the same way again.
Nash Hendrix will steal your heart in this one, let me tell you. With his inability to resist the research-loving librarian Emi, I loved the endless banter as the two are forced in proximity thanks to their roles in an upcoming wedding.
Holding a grudge towards Nash since childhood, Emi had a lot of personal growth in this story. Nash may have owed an apology and explanation, but I especially loved seeing Emi self-reflect on her own fears and reasonings for continually pushing people away. Recovering from a recent breakup, my heart absolutely hurt to see her thrust into helping plan a wedding that isn't her own. Gah!
This was really funny, too! From humiliating kickboxing classes to Gordon the gecko, the humour was great, especially with Nash always available to save the day. And the ending? Adorable! I'll never look at Lucky Charms cereal the same way again.
November 9, 2021
Fun Story!
Enemies to lovers is a fun troupe this one made me smile. Emi is quirky and so endearing but she sure held on to a lot of resentment toward Nash. The poor guy. I really felt for him. I enjoyed the natural progression of their relationship and I especially loved when they finally got around to liking each other. Kissing is better than fighting. 😊
Enemies to lovers is a fun troupe this one made me smile. Emi is quirky and so endearing but she sure held on to a lot of resentment toward Nash. The poor guy. I really felt for him. I enjoyed the natural progression of their relationship and I especially loved when they finally got around to liking each other. Kissing is better than fighting. 😊
October 31, 2022
Extremely unsympathetic heroine
Emily ("Emi") Jones has told herself she hates Nash Hendrix ever since her first day of class in the third grade, at Apple Valley Elementary School, in a fictional small town in Oregon, when she was introduced to the class as Emily Jones, and young Nash snarkily referred to her as "Enemy Jones." The students in the class began gleefully chanting that nickname, and it stuck to her for the next 10 years, throughout elementary school, junior high and high school, much to her anguish. Emi became firmly convinced, and has never changed her mind throughout the last two decades, that Nash's nickname is the entire reason she was an alienated loner with no friends the whole of her school years. However, in spite of telling herself she hated Nash, even though he never did anything else to her again after that one incident in third grade, Emi would secretly watch him play on the school baseball team during junior high and high school, acting very much like a girl with a big crush. She never had a boyfriend until she started dating a new boy in school her senior year, Travis Wainwright. After graduating high school, she dated Travis mostly long distance for the next nine years, ultimately, briefly, becoming engaged to him, until he dumped her seven months ago for another woman.
Emi is an anxiety-ridden perfectionist who has spent her entire life constantly afraid of rejection. Her only real friendship is with her BFF Brooke, who is the heroine of the first book in this series. They were college roommates all the way through their four years of undergraduate work as well as the years it took for Emi to earn a master's degree in library science and Brooke to pursue a teaching degree. Emi is currently a librarian in her old hometown, Apple Valley, where she returned a year ago in order to be finally in the same place as Travis. She is still there after he dumped her. But she is currently applying for work all the way across the country in order to escape from the bad memories of her broken romance and her unhappy childhood.
At the start of this story, Emi is trying hard to overcome her lifelong anxiety disorder by keeping a journal and trying to take risks, in order to move beyond her constant fear of the humiliation of failure. There is no indication she is seeing a therapist. Because Brooke is getting married to Nash's best friend Mac, as maid of honor and best man, they are brought together constantly for many wedding planning events throughout this novel.
Emi is an extremely unlikable heroine. She describes herself, to herself, as a nice person who's constantly polite, but for the first 70% of the book she is constantly rude, to the point of downright nastiness, every time she is near Nash. In contrast, he is consistently pleasant to her, never returning her rudeness. Her motivation for being a bully to Nash is that she hates him, and obviously wants to punish him, because she has convinced herself that he ruined her life when he impulsively gave her an extremely mild nickname 20 years ago, when they were both 8-year-old children.
This entire premise is so nonsensically immature on Emi's part, it is hard to believe that within the course of the two weeks during which the story events occur, Nash would fall in love with her and her with him.
The story is told in the first person point of view of both Emi and Nash. From his side of the fence, we learn that though he has worked for Mac's family's construction company his entire adult life, Nash doesn't feel like he has truly found his path in life. Other than having his BFF Mac, in his own way he is just as socially alienated and maladjusted as Emi. He has never made a commitment to any woman, only very casually dating over the years. Since this is a G-rated novel, there's no indication that he has ever been sexually involved with anyone. Mainly because the author steers as far away from sexuality as is possible, to the point of the protagonists coming off as borderline asexual. There is nothing more sensual between them, even at the end of the novel where the HEA of marriage is in the offing, than a few kisses, and no part of each other's body is ever touched by them except their faces and each other's hands.
The small town setting is very limited in its presentation. There are multiple scenes at the library where Emi works, several scenes at a local coffee shop, a couple of scenes at a local bar, and multiple scenes at different bridal-venue stores. Other than that, there is not a strong sense of place or personality for the town of Apple Valley. This, however, is fairly typical for the genre of Hallmark-style, small-town romances. Fans of that type of book may enjoy this story, if they can get past Emi's incessant meanness.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 2 stars
Hero: 3 stars
Subcharacters: 3 stars
Romance Plot: 2 stars
Setting: 2 stars
Overall: 2 stars
Emily ("Emi") Jones has told herself she hates Nash Hendrix ever since her first day of class in the third grade, at Apple Valley Elementary School, in a fictional small town in Oregon, when she was introduced to the class as Emily Jones, and young Nash snarkily referred to her as "Enemy Jones." The students in the class began gleefully chanting that nickname, and it stuck to her for the next 10 years, throughout elementary school, junior high and high school, much to her anguish. Emi became firmly convinced, and has never changed her mind throughout the last two decades, that Nash's nickname is the entire reason she was an alienated loner with no friends the whole of her school years. However, in spite of telling herself she hated Nash, even though he never did anything else to her again after that one incident in third grade, Emi would secretly watch him play on the school baseball team during junior high and high school, acting very much like a girl with a big crush. She never had a boyfriend until she started dating a new boy in school her senior year, Travis Wainwright. After graduating high school, she dated Travis mostly long distance for the next nine years, ultimately, briefly, becoming engaged to him, until he dumped her seven months ago for another woman.
Emi is an anxiety-ridden perfectionist who has spent her entire life constantly afraid of rejection. Her only real friendship is with her BFF Brooke, who is the heroine of the first book in this series. They were college roommates all the way through their four years of undergraduate work as well as the years it took for Emi to earn a master's degree in library science and Brooke to pursue a teaching degree. Emi is currently a librarian in her old hometown, Apple Valley, where she returned a year ago in order to be finally in the same place as Travis. She is still there after he dumped her. But she is currently applying for work all the way across the country in order to escape from the bad memories of her broken romance and her unhappy childhood.
At the start of this story, Emi is trying hard to overcome her lifelong anxiety disorder by keeping a journal and trying to take risks, in order to move beyond her constant fear of the humiliation of failure. There is no indication she is seeing a therapist. Because Brooke is getting married to Nash's best friend Mac, as maid of honor and best man, they are brought together constantly for many wedding planning events throughout this novel.
Emi is an extremely unlikable heroine. She describes herself, to herself, as a nice person who's constantly polite, but for the first 70% of the book she is constantly rude, to the point of downright nastiness, every time she is near Nash. In contrast, he is consistently pleasant to her, never returning her rudeness. Her motivation for being a bully to Nash is that she hates him, and obviously wants to punish him, because she has convinced herself that he ruined her life when he impulsively gave her an extremely mild nickname 20 years ago, when they were both 8-year-old children.
This entire premise is so nonsensically immature on Emi's part, it is hard to believe that within the course of the two weeks during which the story events occur, Nash would fall in love with her and her with him.
The story is told in the first person point of view of both Emi and Nash. From his side of the fence, we learn that though he has worked for Mac's family's construction company his entire adult life, Nash doesn't feel like he has truly found his path in life. Other than having his BFF Mac, in his own way he is just as socially alienated and maladjusted as Emi. He has never made a commitment to any woman, only very casually dating over the years. Since this is a G-rated novel, there's no indication that he has ever been sexually involved with anyone. Mainly because the author steers as far away from sexuality as is possible, to the point of the protagonists coming off as borderline asexual. There is nothing more sensual between them, even at the end of the novel where the HEA of marriage is in the offing, than a few kisses, and no part of each other's body is ever touched by them except their faces and each other's hands.
The small town setting is very limited in its presentation. There are multiple scenes at the library where Emi works, several scenes at a local coffee shop, a couple of scenes at a local bar, and multiple scenes at different bridal-venue stores. Other than that, there is not a strong sense of place or personality for the town of Apple Valley. This, however, is fairly typical for the genre of Hallmark-style, small-town romances. Fans of that type of book may enjoy this story, if they can get past Emi's incessant meanness.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 2 stars
Hero: 3 stars
Subcharacters: 3 stars
Romance Plot: 2 stars
Setting: 2 stars
Overall: 2 stars
September 24, 2021
Yes!!! Absolutely, yes!! You guys. I’ve been super excited for this book to come out since I read The Mostly Real McCoy and since Julie and I became friends. I’m totally a fan of Julie as a person and as an author. Man! This book was a breath of fresh air. 😍😍😍 First off, Julie is suuuper clever and hilarious! Her little witty comments and internal dialogue for Emi and Nash cracked me up! Pretty sure I highlighted at least 40% of the book. 😅
I’m a HUGE fan of Emi and Nash!! Their love story was perfect and I loved how it all tied together perfectly at the end. Julie has hit a home run with this one! The chemistry was THERE! Getting to see both individual’s reactions to situations just made it that much better.
A big theme throughout the book is bravery. I loved seeing the little things that Emi would do to be brave. It was inspiring for myself to be more courageous and bold. Even when it’s a little thing like trying a new topping on my pizza.
PS…I’m really looking forward to the next book if you didn’t already guess that.
Some scenes that I LOVED:
-The Kickboxing Class🤣🤣 I feel validated with that scene.
-‘Til Death Do Us Part (the whole scene plus the butterfly inducing kiss)
-The Puppet Show
-Karaoke
-Their First Kiss
-Emi’s Song Therapy
-Salad Dressing
-Both Epilogues!!
I’m a HUGE fan of Emi and Nash!! Their love story was perfect and I loved how it all tied together perfectly at the end. Julie has hit a home run with this one! The chemistry was THERE! Getting to see both individual’s reactions to situations just made it that much better.
A big theme throughout the book is bravery. I loved seeing the little things that Emi would do to be brave. It was inspiring for myself to be more courageous and bold. Even when it’s a little thing like trying a new topping on my pizza.
PS…I’m really looking forward to the next book if you didn’t already guess that.
Some scenes that I LOVED:
-The Kickboxing Class🤣🤣 I feel validated with that scene.
-‘Til Death Do Us Part (the whole scene plus the butterfly inducing kiss)
-The Puppet Show
-Karaoke
-Their First Kiss
-Emi’s Song Therapy
-Salad Dressing
-Both Epilogues!!
December 18, 2022
2.5 stars
DIDN’T CLICK.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
You know when you don’t get off on the right foot with a romance and then it just never clicks into place as you keep going? That’s basically what happened here.
My biggest issue was that the “enemies” aspect of my favorite trope wasn’t the strongest. I thought it was kind of a weak excuse for why Emi didn’t like Nash for 20+ years. To hold a petty grudge THAT long didn’t work. And I never recovered.
I spent most of my time wishing Emi had some growth sooner rather than later. Randomly kissing Nash and then deciding she was still angry with him sent me through whiplash. One of the few times I don’t think this trope worked in the most favorable way.
I’ll stop here, because my star rating indicates exactly how I felt about this one. I hope to try another book by this author because I adored book one, but we’ll see!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
DIDN’T CLICK.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
You know when you don’t get off on the right foot with a romance and then it just never clicks into place as you keep going? That’s basically what happened here.
My biggest issue was that the “enemies” aspect of my favorite trope wasn’t the strongest. I thought it was kind of a weak excuse for why Emi didn’t like Nash for 20+ years. To hold a petty grudge THAT long didn’t work. And I never recovered.
I spent most of my time wishing Emi had some growth sooner rather than later. Randomly kissing Nash and then deciding she was still angry with him sent me through whiplash. One of the few times I don’t think this trope worked in the most favorable way.
I’ll stop here, because my star rating indicates exactly how I felt about this one. I hope to try another book by this author because I adored book one, but we’ll see!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
March 3, 2022
Dear Nash , you deserved better - I gave my only star just for you
September 18, 2021
Another sweet and fun romantic comedy from Julie Christianson! I enjoyed My Own Best Enemy and I’m excited for book three. This is a great series to pick up if you’re in the mood for a laugh! 3.5/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 24, 2021
2.5 stars
Sweet childhood enemies to lovers story, this is definitely great for clean romance lovers if you like Sarah Adams books I'm sure you like this too.
Sweet childhood enemies to lovers story, this is definitely great for clean romance lovers if you like Sarah Adams books I'm sure you like this too.
September 22, 2021
Have you ever picked up a book, started reading it, and instantly knew you were going to have the hardest time putting it down? Well, that's what happened to me with this book. Nothing else in the world existed while I was reading. From the very first page, I was transported back to Apple Valley where got a front row seat to the Emi and Nash fireworks show. Y'all. I can't tell you how much I loved these two!
Sworn enemies since elementary school, Emi and Nash have to work together to make sure their best friends' wedding goes off without a hitch. It proves to be difficult when Emi has a deep "hatred" for Nash that she just can't seem to let go of. But you know what they say, "there's a fine line between love and hate". 😉
I loved watching these to work through their past and their feelings. It wasn't always easy and just as they took a step forward, something happened to put them two steps back. Their love/hate relationship had the chemistry flying off the pages! All I can say is sit down, buckle up, and enjoy the rollercoaster ride you are about to embark on! I seriously could NOT get enough of these two!
And it would be remiss of me if I didn't say... you guys... I have a couple warnings for you! Doesn't it feel like that's becoming a thing with books lately?! It does to me!
*WARNING* Do NOT eat or drink anything while reading this book! Picture this. You're minding your own business, eating dark chocolate milano cookies and all of the sudden crumbs are flying out of your mouth because you just couldn't contain your involuntary bursts of laughter! Y'all. Thank goodness it wasn't the Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Sensation hot chocolate I was drinking. That could've ended badly! Haha.
*WARNING* Make sure you clear your schedule before picking up this book because once you start, you are NOT going to want to stop! Lets just say that I had a meeting at work on my day off but I couldn't be bothered to get ready for it, so I called in for the meeting instead. The struggle was real y'all! 😂
I know this book is just being released but y'all! I need Lucy and Fix's story like now! Their first interaction had me squealing with delight. But I'd be lying if I say that's the only reason why I need their book ASAP. You guys... I need to know what happened to Mrs. Dodd! She is definitely one of my most favorite side characters ever! You know the mentioning of cookie crumbs flying out of my mouth above? She's one of those reasons! You guys are going to love her!
I have to say that I am SO glad I discovered Ms. Christianson! Her books are the perfect break from reality that I need! I can always count on her kidnapping me and not letting me go until the very end! I absolutely love it when that happens! 😍
And can we just take a minute to admire these two? I think they are perfect! What do you think?
Sworn enemies since elementary school, Emi and Nash have to work together to make sure their best friends' wedding goes off without a hitch. It proves to be difficult when Emi has a deep "hatred" for Nash that she just can't seem to let go of. But you know what they say, "there's a fine line between love and hate". 😉
I loved watching these to work through their past and their feelings. It wasn't always easy and just as they took a step forward, something happened to put them two steps back. Their love/hate relationship had the chemistry flying off the pages! All I can say is sit down, buckle up, and enjoy the rollercoaster ride you are about to embark on! I seriously could NOT get enough of these two!
And it would be remiss of me if I didn't say... you guys... I have a couple warnings for you! Doesn't it feel like that's becoming a thing with books lately?! It does to me!
*WARNING* Do NOT eat or drink anything while reading this book! Picture this. You're minding your own business, eating dark chocolate milano cookies and all of the sudden crumbs are flying out of your mouth because you just couldn't contain your involuntary bursts of laughter! Y'all. Thank goodness it wasn't the Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate Sensation hot chocolate I was drinking. That could've ended badly! Haha.
*WARNING* Make sure you clear your schedule before picking up this book because once you start, you are NOT going to want to stop! Lets just say that I had a meeting at work on my day off but I couldn't be bothered to get ready for it, so I called in for the meeting instead. The struggle was real y'all! 😂
I know this book is just being released but y'all! I need Lucy and Fix's story like now! Their first interaction had me squealing with delight. But I'd be lying if I say that's the only reason why I need their book ASAP. You guys... I need to know what happened to Mrs. Dodd! She is definitely one of my most favorite side characters ever! You know the mentioning of cookie crumbs flying out of my mouth above? She's one of those reasons! You guys are going to love her!
I have to say that I am SO glad I discovered Ms. Christianson! Her books are the perfect break from reality that I need! I can always count on her kidnapping me and not letting me go until the very end! I absolutely love it when that happens! 😍
And can we just take a minute to admire these two? I think they are perfect! What do you think?
November 3, 2021
Such a cute story!
I really enjoyed this one. Emi is hilarious, kind, and quirky, and Nash was such a swoony hero, with his own scars and faults. Together they made sparks fly and I loved their enemies-to-lovers story. A cute and swoony clean romance- so so good!
I really enjoyed this one. Emi is hilarious, kind, and quirky, and Nash was such a swoony hero, with his own scars and faults. Together they made sparks fly and I loved their enemies-to-lovers story. A cute and swoony clean romance- so so good!
March 15, 2022
DNF - I really wanted to like this, but 27% of the way in and the whining hasn't stopped, the dialogue has been stale, and I'm not hooked on either main character.
October 3, 2021
“Emi’s good with words. I’m an action guy. Oil and Vinegar. Not Salad dressing.”
My Own Best Enemy by Julie Christenson is a delightful romcom! The story is the second in the Apple Valley series, but is definitely a stand alone novel. Emi and Nash, the main characters, are two people that I connected with and enjoyed getting to know. I loved their alternating points of view throughout the book and how they both were introspective of their own lives as they walked through challenging events. It was refreshing to see how they changed over time.
I enjoyed my time in Apple Valley, and look forward to book three. The author weaves in the funniest scenes from kick-boxing classes to wedding planning as Nash and Emi discover what it means to forgive themselves and each other. These delightfully flawed characters bring their own joy, quirks, and introspection to the story to make this a great read. I recommend it.
I was given a copy by the author and not required to write a positive review.
My Own Best Enemy by Julie Christenson is a delightful romcom! The story is the second in the Apple Valley series, but is definitely a stand alone novel. Emi and Nash, the main characters, are two people that I connected with and enjoyed getting to know. I loved their alternating points of view throughout the book and how they both were introspective of their own lives as they walked through challenging events. It was refreshing to see how they changed over time.
I enjoyed my time in Apple Valley, and look forward to book three. The author weaves in the funniest scenes from kick-boxing classes to wedding planning as Nash and Emi discover what it means to forgive themselves and each other. These delightfully flawed characters bring their own joy, quirks, and introspection to the story to make this a great read. I recommend it.
I was given a copy by the author and not required to write a positive review.
September 24, 2021
Emi and Nash have been enemies since elementary school or so as EMI likes to believe. And now they have to work together to plan their best friends' wedding.
This book was downright funny, sweet and swoony.
Emi & her hatred for Nash was too cute to witness. And Nash denying his feelings for Emi yet making sure she's okay is the best thing ever happened.
I loved their back & forth banter, the karaoke nights, Emi's out of the tune singing, the grand marshmallow gesture & pretty much everything else.
Thoroughly enjoyed it & laughed throughout.
(Thank you so much for the ARC, all thoughts are my own).
This book was downright funny, sweet and swoony.
Emi & her hatred for Nash was too cute to witness. And Nash denying his feelings for Emi yet making sure she's okay is the best thing ever happened.
I loved their back & forth banter, the karaoke nights, Emi's out of the tune singing, the grand marshmallow gesture & pretty much everything else.
Thoroughly enjoyed it & laughed throughout.
(Thank you so much for the ARC, all thoughts are my own).
January 18, 2022
Sweet, romantic, and predictable! But an enjoyable read!
August 20, 2024
Synopsis:
Emi is a made of honor and needs to help with the wedding arrangements when the bride is away. Except she hates the Best Man, and she won’t be able to stay away from him.
Includes:
✨Childhood Enemies to Lovers
✨Mutual Pining
✨Small Town
✨Best Man/Made of Honor
✨Secrets
✨Abandonment Issues
🌶️Heat Level:
Just (Swoony) Kisses
Make out Sessions
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥
My Opinion:
This one was very fun and the characters interactions were very cute. In my Opinion, the second Half of the book was better, more engaging than the beginning. This one also has a great Character depth, their feelings were very believable, and the chemistry was on point. It also brings hard topics without being triggering. If you like enemies to more with a swoony small town romance, I think you’ll like this one.
TW:
Emi is a made of honor and needs to help with the wedding arrangements when the bride is away. Except she hates the Best Man, and she won’t be able to stay away from him.
Includes:
✨Childhood Enemies to Lovers
✨Mutual Pining
✨Small Town
✨Best Man/Made of Honor
✨Secrets
✨Abandonment Issues
🌶️Heat Level:
Just (Swoony) Kisses
Make out Sessions
Attraction/Tension:🔥🔥🔥
My Opinion:
This one was very fun and the characters interactions were very cute. In my Opinion, the second Half of the book was better, more engaging than the beginning. This one also has a great Character depth, their feelings were very believable, and the chemistry was on point. It also brings hard topics without being triggering. If you like enemies to more with a swoony small town romance, I think you’ll like this one.
TW:
March 28, 2022
Funny and cute. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers trope along with the growth of both main characters.
August 14, 2024
I loved Emi in the first book of this series. She was such a good friend to Brooke and I was so excited to read her story and see her get her HEA especially after getting hurt from a bad breakup with her fiance. Emi may seem a little harsh at first but it is totally understandable after all she has been through. I loved her quest to be brave and try new things. Every time she sang Brave I was cheering her on. Nash and Emi started off as enemies because of something he said to her back in Emi’s school days. Again those things stick with you and Emi has some work to do to let it go. Nash is so sweet and protective but is holding onto some past hurt too. I loved the forced proximity and all the places Nash and Emi keep running into each other from kickboxing to karaoke and even wedding shopping. The kiss in the dress shop was the absolute best and this book was super swoony! Loved the situation with the gecko and the ending!
October 4, 2021
worst money spent ever. No way this is #1 in new seller
September 17, 2023
This was a reread for me via audio and I really enjoyed the narrators and loved being back in Apple Valley.
Emi and Nash—what a funny, sweet, awkwardly perfect enemies to lovers ride! I adore Emi’s nerdy, quirkiness and both her and Nash’s separate healing, self-discovery journeys that bring them together.
Things I Loved:
-Brave
-Emi’s journal
-“NASH KNOWS I AM SMELLING HIM. So much for what’s left of my dignity.”
-Kickboxing. All of it. 😆
-Thanks you
-Panic gecko
-Emi’s family 🤍
-The before and the after
-Gecko skin to skin
-“Regrediting needs to be a thing.”
-Lucky Charms
-Mrs. Dodd
-The end!
There is so much great banter and fun as these two took their time figuring out that they could be something more than the enemies they had always been.
I loved how this story explored that actions have consequences, but also, that our perspectives and responses make all the difference.
I love Mrs. Dodd and Lucy, and now I cannot wait to dive in and listen to the next book!
Emi and Nash—what a funny, sweet, awkwardly perfect enemies to lovers ride! I adore Emi’s nerdy, quirkiness and both her and Nash’s separate healing, self-discovery journeys that bring them together.
Things I Loved:
-Brave
-Emi’s journal
-“NASH KNOWS I AM SMELLING HIM. So much for what’s left of my dignity.”
-Kickboxing. All of it. 😆
-Thanks you
-Panic gecko
-Emi’s family 🤍
-The before and the after
-Gecko skin to skin
-“Regrediting needs to be a thing.”
-Lucky Charms
-Mrs. Dodd
-The end!
There is so much great banter and fun as these two took their time figuring out that they could be something more than the enemies they had always been.
I loved how this story explored that actions have consequences, but also, that our perspectives and responses make all the difference.
I love Mrs. Dodd and Lucy, and now I cannot wait to dive in and listen to the next book!
January 4, 2022
I’ve been dying to read Emi and Nash’s story since I read The Mostly Real McCoy and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.
I want Emi to be my best friend! She is quirky, loyal, and hilarious. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with someone who buys a panic gecko?
Nash was very dreamy and I loved how he pushed all of Emi’s buttons. It made for some laugh-out-loud moments.
This was a true enemies-to-lovers story. It wasn’t rushed and the back and forth felt realistic. It was a slow burn, with lots of denied feelings, and all of the chemistry. It was like a book hug, I wasn’t ready for it to end.
This is definitely perfect for clean romance lovers who need a laugh and who want to read a swoony story.
I want Emi to be my best friend! She is quirky, loyal, and hilarious. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with someone who buys a panic gecko?
Nash was very dreamy and I loved how he pushed all of Emi’s buttons. It made for some laugh-out-loud moments.
This was a true enemies-to-lovers story. It wasn’t rushed and the back and forth felt realistic. It was a slow burn, with lots of denied feelings, and all of the chemistry. It was like a book hug, I wasn’t ready for it to end.
This is definitely perfect for clean romance lovers who need a laugh and who want to read a swoony story.
September 23, 2021
The second book in the Apple Valley Romance series, My Own Best Enemy is a sweet enemies-to-lovers rom-com. I was very excited for this book, after reading the first book. Emi’s life was ruined when Nash Hendrix called her Enemy instead of Emily in elementary school. But with their best friends getting married, she needs to get through the wedding, just through the weekend. Until she is pushed into wedding planning...at all the same places Nash is fundraising. All Emi wanted was to start over, but the more time that she spends with Nash, the more confused she becomes. Are they still enemies?
I thought that this was a cute book! Emi was very relatable and after a few pages I felt like I was able to understand her. It was great to see things from her perspective after reading about her in The Mostly Real McCoy. She seemed very real. Even when I was frustrated with her, and there were a few times where I was, I empathized with her. I really enjoyed seeing her grow and become more self-aware, especially as she planned Brooke’s wedding. It was also super cute to see her with Nash.
Nash was super sweet! I loved how he was basically part of the McCoy family. He was very guarded and had a lot of bad experiences around relationships. However, he couldn’t seem to get away from Emi. He was falling for Emi so fast and I loved hearing his thoughts. I also really enjoyed the addition of pets, the gecko was hilarious! You will understand when you read the book :) I also enjoyed seeing the further development of characters throughout the Apple Valley world. Crossing my fingers for a book for Tess!
I thought that this was a great addition to the series! It was sweet and funny. I don’t think that I enjoyed it as much as I did the first one, but it was definitely a fun book. I would recommend it to those who enjoy rom-coms, especially those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
I thought that this was a cute book! Emi was very relatable and after a few pages I felt like I was able to understand her. It was great to see things from her perspective after reading about her in The Mostly Real McCoy. She seemed very real. Even when I was frustrated with her, and there were a few times where I was, I empathized with her. I really enjoyed seeing her grow and become more self-aware, especially as she planned Brooke’s wedding. It was also super cute to see her with Nash.
Nash was super sweet! I loved how he was basically part of the McCoy family. He was very guarded and had a lot of bad experiences around relationships. However, he couldn’t seem to get away from Emi. He was falling for Emi so fast and I loved hearing his thoughts. I also really enjoyed the addition of pets, the gecko was hilarious! You will understand when you read the book :) I also enjoyed seeing the further development of characters throughout the Apple Valley world. Crossing my fingers for a book for Tess!
I thought that this was a great addition to the series! It was sweet and funny. I don’t think that I enjoyed it as much as I did the first one, but it was definitely a fun book. I would recommend it to those who enjoy rom-coms, especially those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
September 8, 2024
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Julie Christianson – “THANKS YOU” for creating characters that are SO stinking easy to love! Apple Valley, Abieville, and all those that reside in these two awesome towns are simply the best.
“Kickboxing is worse than anchovies. And Nash Hendrix is worse than both.”
Emi holds a SERIOUS grudge against Nash Hendrix…rivals since high school when Nash decided to call her “Enemy” instead of Emily. A nickname that has haunted her since. Suddenly Emi and Nash are forced together to help plan their mutual friend’s upcoming wedding. Emi soon starts realizing that maybe Nash isn’t that bad after all. Honestly, Nash is the BEST if you ask me. Gah, I just adored his character so much. He didn’t deserve all the hate being served his way from one rude, yet poor choice he made back in high school. Kids are kids, and a lot of times kids say things they don’t really mean…things that stem from their own personal hurts and challenges.
Even though Emi has been holding this grudge against Nash, her character is so easily loveable as well. Her awkwardness is top notch. She’s “an original” as Nash puts it. That description couldn’t be more spot on. So many hilarious moments in this book, from hideous yellow bridesmaid dresses that give Little Bo Peep a run for her money to a pet gecko! It’s just constant chaos and so incredibly entertaining.
And the ending of this story, gahhhhh! Talk about the perfect intriguing setup for book three, Pretending I Love Lucy! You already know that story is going to be amazing when there’s a crazy meddling grandma involved! I can’t wait to continue in this series.
**For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
Julie Christianson – “THANKS YOU” for creating characters that are SO stinking easy to love! Apple Valley, Abieville, and all those that reside in these two awesome towns are simply the best.
“Kickboxing is worse than anchovies. And Nash Hendrix is worse than both.”
Emi holds a SERIOUS grudge against Nash Hendrix…rivals since high school when Nash decided to call her “Enemy” instead of Emily. A nickname that has haunted her since. Suddenly Emi and Nash are forced together to help plan their mutual friend’s upcoming wedding. Emi soon starts realizing that maybe Nash isn’t that bad after all. Honestly, Nash is the BEST if you ask me. Gah, I just adored his character so much. He didn’t deserve all the hate being served his way from one rude, yet poor choice he made back in high school. Kids are kids, and a lot of times kids say things they don’t really mean…things that stem from their own personal hurts and challenges.
Even though Emi has been holding this grudge against Nash, her character is so easily loveable as well. Her awkwardness is top notch. She’s “an original” as Nash puts it. That description couldn’t be more spot on. So many hilarious moments in this book, from hideous yellow bridesmaid dresses that give Little Bo Peep a run for her money to a pet gecko! It’s just constant chaos and so incredibly entertaining.
And the ending of this story, gahhhhh! Talk about the perfect intriguing setup for book three, Pretending I Love Lucy! You already know that story is going to be amazing when there’s a crazy meddling grandma involved! I can’t wait to continue in this series.
**For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
September 16, 2021
Fans of the enemies-to-lovers troupe will love this sweet second Rom-Com offering from Julie Christianson. Carrying on from where "The Mostly Read McCoy" left off, readers find themselves back in Apple Valley but this time following Mac's BFF Nash and Brooke's BFF Emi as they seek to help their friends while also avoiding each other. Spoiler alert: they fail. In the process, however, they find that forgiving and seeking to understand themselves could lead to something better than the lonely lives they are both currently leading.
This story was absolutely delightful!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
This story was absolutely delightful!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 20, 2022
This was a cute enemies to lovers story. Emily has known Nash since elementary school, when he called her Enemy instead of Emily. All the kids have teased her ever since, and she blames him for everything bad that has happened since then. But when she is asked to be the maid of honor for her best friend and Nash will be the best man, she must put her feelings aside to help her best friend and not cause drama. But Nash still riles her up every time she bumps into him. I won’t say anymore. It’s just a super cute book that was hard to put down. I really like this author.
April 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, possibly more so than the first one. I felt like it still had the fluffy aspect of it but since it’s an enemies to lovers, it added a little bit more of a conflict to it.
I wish they would describe more of what happens after they get together though. It just all ends so quickly.
I wish they would describe more of what happens after they get together though. It just all ends so quickly.
October 31, 2021
This book put a huge smile on my face. I loved every single moment of this adorable love story. Now I want to start a bravery journal of my own and dance around the house like Emi.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
November 28, 2021
I enjoy book series set in the same area where secondary characters each get their shot. I also enjoy the characters and community Julie Christianson has created. This was a fun book, but enjoyed the first book in the series a bit more.
March 7, 2022
Cute and sweet…
It was fun to see the difference in the story as their relationship grew, even though they had known one another their whole life. The hurts each faced we’re not light nor easy, and I loved seeing them walk through that in a healthy way.
It was fun to see the difference in the story as their relationship grew, even though they had known one another their whole life. The hurts each faced we’re not light nor easy, and I loved seeing them walk through that in a healthy way.
June 9, 2022
I swear I reviewed this back when I read it but apparently not. All I remember is that it was pretty engaging and was mostly cute, but a bit of a slow burn. Also the miscommunication was a bit frustrating at times. I think it was a 3.5 that I would round up to 4.
September 14, 2021
I love this series! I was introduced to Emily (or Emi as she now prefers) in book 1 of the series. I love Emi! She is quirky but fastidious, caring and kind to everyone but Nash Hendrix! Nash was a frightened little boy when his dad left his family and he took it out on Emily by calling her Enemy. Now he is scared to commit to anything but his work. His past has placed so many fears in his heart. This story is fast paced and DELIGHTFUL! I couldn't put it down!
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