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The Simple Rules #3
To Not Marry My Enemy
He’ll rue the day we say “I do”.
Ford
Being jilted once was bad enough, and it won’t happen again. This time I’m marrying for business. When my current fiancee dupes me a few days before the wedding, luckily she leaves behind someone who can take her place. It’s the right thing for him to do, since he convinced her our wedding was a sham. If he doesn’t agree, I know just how to get him down the aisle.
River
The first time I met Ford, I knew instantly we were bound to be enemies. I loathe every gorgeous, pretentious inch of the man, even after the I dos. If it’s a marriage he wants, then a marriage he’ll get…starting with our honeymoon. I’ll make our marriage such an unbearable hell that he’ll ask for an annulment. When my plan backfires and I accidentally sleep with my new husband on our honeymoon, things take a turn I least expected. Now I need a divorce…or maybe not?
To Not Marry My Enemy is an enemies-to-lovers short novel with marriage-of-convenience and bi-awakening.
Ford
Being jilted once was bad enough, and it won’t happen again. This time I’m marrying for business. When my current fiancee dupes me a few days before the wedding, luckily she leaves behind someone who can take her place. It’s the right thing for him to do, since he convinced her our wedding was a sham. If he doesn’t agree, I know just how to get him down the aisle.
River
The first time I met Ford, I knew instantly we were bound to be enemies. I loathe every gorgeous, pretentious inch of the man, even after the I dos. If it’s a marriage he wants, then a marriage he’ll get…starting with our honeymoon. I’ll make our marriage such an unbearable hell that he’ll ask for an annulment. When my plan backfires and I accidentally sleep with my new husband on our honeymoon, things take a turn I least expected. Now I need a divorce…or maybe not?
To Not Marry My Enemy is an enemies-to-lovers short novel with marriage-of-convenience and bi-awakening.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2022
82 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Gianni Holmes
107 books1,305 followersGianni Holmes is a USA TODAY Bestselling author who's embracing her love for literature by wielding the pen and creating stories of her own. She's the author of the popular series The Grimm Tales of Smoky Vale and The Taking Care series. Gianni is a former teacher of Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature.
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
These days she can be found writing books, hanging out with her readers, and raising her daughter as a single mother. You can keep in touch with her in the following places:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/authorgiannih...
Newsletter: https://www.gianniholmesauthor.com/ne...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/giannigems
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
September 22, 2022
3.5*** stars
There was something off for me with this book (I was frowning at it a lot) but somehow I couldn’t put it down. The storytelling felt a little bumpy and not as smooth as I use to like it.
But nonetheless, I had a great time with River and Ford. They really had a special love story and connection.
What started as a sham turned pretty sweet and esp Forest was adorable from start to finish.
side note: I love the names of the two pairs of brothers. First the twins Ford & Bentley and even more Forest and River. ♡
another side note: this was NOT a bi-awakening as the premise says. Both Ford and River always knew they were bi only that Ford never had acted on it before.
There was something off for me with this book (I was frowning at it a lot) but somehow I couldn’t put it down. The storytelling felt a little bumpy and not as smooth as I use to like it.
But nonetheless, I had a great time with River and Ford. They really had a special love story and connection.
“I’m such a damn fine actor, I’ll even convince you I’m in love with you.
What started as a sham turned pretty sweet and esp Forest was adorable from start to finish.
side note: I love the names of the two pairs of brothers. First the twins Ford & Bentley and even more Forest and River. ♡
another side note: this was NOT a bi-awakening as the premise says. Both Ford and River always knew they were bi only that Ford never had acted on it before.
September 15, 2022
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.***
To Not Marry My Enemy is an entertaining arranged marriage mixed with enemies to lovers. I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Ford and River. They are both in complicated situations where the only solution is faking their relationship for one year, which neither are too excited about.
I was looking forward to seeing how quickly the hate turned into something more and was surprised at how quickly their dynamic does change. Ford and River's honeymoon reveals many truths about their relationship to one another making for a substantial leap into something more real.
Their marriage slowly morphs into a great show of dedication and protection as both Ford and River learn to communicate and express their emotions with one another. Their feelings for one another quickly deepen, making for such a sweet romance that neither were fully expecting from this arrangement.
Overall this is a great story that has many surprising moments of depth. I loved seeing River and Ford's relationship transform. They are such a fantastic pair together.
To Not Marry My Enemy is an entertaining arranged marriage mixed with enemies to lovers. I really enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Ford and River. They are both in complicated situations where the only solution is faking their relationship for one year, which neither are too excited about.
I was looking forward to seeing how quickly the hate turned into something more and was surprised at how quickly their dynamic does change. Ford and River's honeymoon reveals many truths about their relationship to one another making for a substantial leap into something more real.
Their marriage slowly morphs into a great show of dedication and protection as both Ford and River learn to communicate and express their emotions with one another. Their feelings for one another quickly deepen, making for such a sweet romance that neither were fully expecting from this arrangement.
Overall this is a great story that has many surprising moments of depth. I loved seeing River and Ford's relationship transform. They are such a fantastic pair together.
May 25, 2024
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
September 27, 2022
I have enjoyed some books by this author in the past and this was a nice read, so I'm glad.
This has a fake marriage trope, so of course I picked it up! And even though it wasn't perfect I enjoyed it a lot.
It had all the elements that I need to devour this type of stories: grumpy/sunshine, family shenanigans, embarrassing situations where they have to kiss and the falling hard into love.
It's an easy, enjoyable read. If you are in the mood for some light fun stuff. This is it! ❤️
This has a fake marriage trope, so of course I picked it up! And even though it wasn't perfect I enjoyed it a lot.
It had all the elements that I need to devour this type of stories: grumpy/sunshine, family shenanigans, embarrassing situations where they have to kiss and the falling hard into love.
It's an easy, enjoyable read. If you are in the mood for some light fun stuff. This is it! ❤️
April 15, 2025
Re-read on 14th Apr/25
I didn't like the rest of the books in this series, but this one I do recommend. I'm going to round it down to 4⭐ from my original rating, but only because I would've really liked a prologue of some sort, the author should've told us more about when the main characters first met, because as the book starts, you're already thrust right in the middle of their hate dynamic, so it'd be better if it were told up front instead of giving us bits and pieces along the way.
On this re-read I liked River and Ford even more.
“Are you going to spend our entire marriage being drunk?” I asked.
“It’s the only way I can think of to survive it, so why the hell not?”
I took the bottle from him. “We should at least make a toast.”
He snorted. “To what? May our year be filled with misery and hatred?”
🟣 Enemies to lovers
🟠 Swindler (poor, uneducated) / a very wealthy rancher
🟢 Both around 30
🔵 Both bisexual
🟣 Fake marriage
🟡 No size difference, both the same height, one leaner, the other bulky
🌶️ Good smut, descriptive; oral, rimming, kissing, passionate, not much cuddling or romance, very good; t/b
"“You think I’m hot?”
He thrust his hands into his pocket. “Hell’s hot. No one wants to go there.”
God, but he was mouthy. I would have a year of training that mouth to my liking. Nope, not going there."
River and Ford met when River's friend tried to steal from Ford and a very important piece of information was revealed at the very end of the book - that Ford almost got robbed because he couldn't take his eyes off River.
River didn't know this, but he was somehow jealous of his friend because he wanted to be the one getting Ford's attention, which also gets said at the very end.
When River marries Ford they definitely don't get along and further down the story it takes some time for them to get along, but in bed they understand each other perfectly.
The sex is amazing. It's plentiful too. They're great together.
I just loved them as a couple.
The emotional part does come and it's really good and again full of passion and sex and I loved it.
"He smiled and went down on his knees. “Being nice will get you everything from me, River. Anything you want.”
Except my freedom for the next year. He caught my cock in his mouth and sucked all the way down to the root. Fuck, what freedom? What was freedom when I could have this?"
You don't have to read the other books in the series, they're not as good.
But this one is.
_________________________________
Original review on 24th Sept/24
This book really surprised me. I loved it.
Rating : 5⭐
The story is about River, a tall, dark, handsome swindler and Ford, a blonde, blue eyed rancher, who get fake-married and then accidently stumble into love.
River and his friend Camryn steal from other people. Their life circumstances have forced them into doing so and one of those victims was Ford. But Ford caught them and he made a deal with Camryn to become his fake wife for him to get the inheritance he wants from his rich family.
Camryn bails three days before the wedding, which leaves River taking her place at the altar.
River and Ford have had a tumultuous relationship from the very start. They basically can't stand each other. Their story that leads them from being enemies who can't stand the sight of each other, to being fake married, to actually fall deeply in love, is interesting and ends in a lot of passion between the two.
It's a really good love story with a beautiful epilogue.
I liked it.
I didn't like the rest of the books in this series, but this one I do recommend. I'm going to round it down to 4⭐ from my original rating, but only because I would've really liked a prologue of some sort, the author should've told us more about when the main characters first met, because as the book starts, you're already thrust right in the middle of their hate dynamic, so it'd be better if it were told up front instead of giving us bits and pieces along the way.
On this re-read I liked River and Ford even more.
“Are you going to spend our entire marriage being drunk?” I asked.
“It’s the only way I can think of to survive it, so why the hell not?”
I took the bottle from him. “We should at least make a toast.”
He snorted. “To what? May our year be filled with misery and hatred?”
🟣 Enemies to lovers
🟠 Swindler (poor, uneducated) / a very wealthy rancher
🟢 Both around 30
🔵 Both bisexual
🟣 Fake marriage
🟡 No size difference, both the same height, one leaner, the other bulky
🌶️ Good smut, descriptive; oral, rimming, kissing, passionate, not much cuddling or romance, very good; t/b
"“You think I’m hot?”
He thrust his hands into his pocket. “Hell’s hot. No one wants to go there.”
God, but he was mouthy. I would have a year of training that mouth to my liking. Nope, not going there."
River and Ford met when River's friend tried to steal from Ford and a very important piece of information was revealed at the very end of the book - that Ford almost got robbed because he couldn't take his eyes off River.
River didn't know this, but he was somehow jealous of his friend because he wanted to be the one getting Ford's attention, which also gets said at the very end.
When River marries Ford they definitely don't get along and further down the story it takes some time for them to get along, but in bed they understand each other perfectly.
The sex is amazing. It's plentiful too. They're great together.
I just loved them as a couple.
The emotional part does come and it's really good and again full of passion and sex and I loved it.
"He smiled and went down on his knees. “Being nice will get you everything from me, River. Anything you want.”
Except my freedom for the next year. He caught my cock in his mouth and sucked all the way down to the root. Fuck, what freedom? What was freedom when I could have this?"
You don't have to read the other books in the series, they're not as good.
But this one is.
_________________________________
Original review on 24th Sept/24
This book really surprised me. I loved it.
Rating : 5⭐
The story is about River, a tall, dark, handsome swindler and Ford, a blonde, blue eyed rancher, who get fake-married and then accidently stumble into love.
River and his friend Camryn steal from other people. Their life circumstances have forced them into doing so and one of those victims was Ford. But Ford caught them and he made a deal with Camryn to become his fake wife for him to get the inheritance he wants from his rich family.
Camryn bails three days before the wedding, which leaves River taking her place at the altar.
River and Ford have had a tumultuous relationship from the very start. They basically can't stand each other. Their story that leads them from being enemies who can't stand the sight of each other, to being fake married, to actually fall deeply in love, is interesting and ends in a lot of passion between the two.
It's a really good love story with a beautiful epilogue.
I liked it.
February 19, 2024
"He can’t make me repeat it. I’ll only ever say it once." What a wild thing to think after telling someone you love them 💀💀💀💀💀
I loved the unusual storyline. It was a welcome relief. And this was miscommunication on steroids, without feeling like a trope. Very well done.
Honestly these men are really something else.
And to think they talked such a big game, only to turn out highly incapable of standing on business 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
They literally fucked the first time they were left unsupervised😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
“Ford.”
“Hmm?”
“Your baby’s tired.”
Sksksksks I thought you HATED this man???
"As much as I loved working with him, if he wanted to quit, I would support him in that decision too. I hated seeing him this tired."
Really? You hate seeing him tired, Ford? Is this why you fuck him to the edge of collapse Every. Single. Time? And then....
"We’d only had sex once this week."
Ahhhh. There we go. Only hates too see him too tired to fuck.
Altruism:0, Horn:1.
I loved the unusual storyline. It was a welcome relief. And this was miscommunication on steroids, without feeling like a trope. Very well done.
Honestly these men are really something else.
And to think they talked such a big game, only to turn out highly incapable of standing on business 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️
They literally fucked the first time they were left unsupervised😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
“Ford.”
“Hmm?”
“Your baby’s tired.”
Sksksksks I thought you HATED this man???
"As much as I loved working with him, if he wanted to quit, I would support him in that decision too. I hated seeing him this tired."
Really? You hate seeing him tired, Ford? Is this why you fuck him to the edge of collapse Every. Single. Time? And then....
"We’d only had sex once this week."
Ahhhh. There we go. Only hates too see him too tired to fuck.
Altruism:0, Horn:1.
March 20, 2025
When you and your friend's trying to sceem a guy. But he sees right through it. And forces your friend to agree to marry him and stay married for a year. Then your friend skips away and you ending up marrying the guy. This is that story. It was a fun low angst read, just what I was looking for. And way hotter than I expected 😅 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 4, 2024
Por donde se le mire, este libro no es para mí. No me gustó la relación entre los protas, no me gustó como utiliza personajes femeninos solo para que sean la discordia o las víctimas (además que menciona tan casualmente lo de v¡0lar a una mujer) no me gustó como tooodo se resuelve al final
Nop,nop, nop
Nop,nop, nop
September 13, 2022
They hate each other thoroughly. But Ford needs River. To earn his part of the business he has to marry and stay married for at least a year. Ford is left by his fiancée a few days before the wedding and now River, probably the one who coursed this debacle, has to stand in for her. Under pressure to be clear, or else hell will fall over him.
“How was it possible to dislike and desire someone at the same time?“
River does his duty, yes under pressure, but there are benefits to this horrible marriage.
Everything and everyone is different than they could know, and they could know… if they talked!
I read this story in one sit (at the expense of my sleep lol) I really loved it, even though I found the characters changed a bit too much. From strong headed demanding and pissed-off men to sweet puppies with hearts in their eyes.
I hugely enjoyed their fights and hate sex, it was delicious. The way they got closer to each other was wonderfully done. The development was well done, the characters were engaging, flawed, and had an intriguing story. A successful enemies to lovers story!
“How was it possible to dislike and desire someone at the same time?“
River does his duty, yes under pressure, but there are benefits to this horrible marriage.
Everything and everyone is different than they could know, and they could know… if they talked!
I read this story in one sit (at the expense of my sleep lol) I really loved it, even though I found the characters changed a bit too much. From strong headed demanding and pissed-off men to sweet puppies with hearts in their eyes.
I hugely enjoyed their fights and hate sex, it was delicious. The way they got closer to each other was wonderfully done. The development was well done, the characters were engaging, flawed, and had an intriguing story. A successful enemies to lovers story!
December 8, 2022
Forced marriage, enemies to lovers, and so much cuteness.
This book might be the only one I’ve read where the miscommunication felt real and didn’t mess with the plot or my enjoyment. These guys are enemies after all; they’re not going to talk everything through.
The chemistry between these two MCs was off the charts. Everything was scorching and I loved it. This was not one of those books where the spicy scenes got boring after they finally slept together.
The wrap up was…meh. Too fast, too far-fetched, and just too OTT. A lot of the scenes back at the ranch felt that way to be honest, but I liked the rest of the book enough not to care overly much.
This book might be the only one I’ve read where the miscommunication felt real and didn’t mess with the plot or my enjoyment. These guys are enemies after all; they’re not going to talk everything through.
The chemistry between these two MCs was off the charts. Everything was scorching and I loved it. This was not one of those books where the spicy scenes got boring after they finally slept together.
The wrap up was…meh. Too fast, too far-fetched, and just too OTT. A lot of the scenes back at the ranch felt that way to be honest, but I liked the rest of the book enough not to care overly much.
October 3, 2022
This was an awesome read.
I don’t think I could emphasize enough how much I love the arranged marriage / marriage of convenience trope.
So when I found this little gem, I was powerless to resist.
The writing was so, so good.
And I loved how the author mentioned early on about the lack of communication.
It made it much easier to read, where I usually would have gotten totally annoyed with the couple.
The sex was dirty and hot and so, so f#@king steamy…🔥🔥🔥
And the snarky banter done so well that it only added to their intense chemistry.
Ford and River’s story kept me invested throughout and I could have read chapters upon chapters more of their journey together.
I absolutely loved Ford’s jealousy and possessiveness and enjoyed how these two dropped their walls as they fell in love.
This was my very first book by this author and I have to say I will definitely be going in for more…💙💙
I don’t think I could emphasize enough how much I love the arranged marriage / marriage of convenience trope.
So when I found this little gem, I was powerless to resist.
The writing was so, so good.
And I loved how the author mentioned early on about the lack of communication.
It made it much easier to read, where I usually would have gotten totally annoyed with the couple.
The sex was dirty and hot and so, so f#@king steamy…🔥🔥🔥
And the snarky banter done so well that it only added to their intense chemistry.
Ford and River’s story kept me invested throughout and I could have read chapters upon chapters more of their journey together.
I absolutely loved Ford’s jealousy and possessiveness and enjoyed how these two dropped their walls as they fell in love.
This was my very first book by this author and I have to say I will definitely be going in for more…💙💙
February 22, 2024
Tropes: arranged marriage, enemies to lovers
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: one of the MCS is a swindler, minor character was a past victim of rape, some family trauma
3.5 stars
Ford was engaged to marry Camryn. It was a business arrangement between them, Ford needed to get married because his grandfather had set an ultimatum regarding inheriting the family ranch. She ran out on him 3 days before the wedding making off with some of his money. Ford decided to make River her friend marry him instead, because he needed to get married. They have had an antagonistic relationship. They marry. They bicker and banter and end up having sex. And it's good and they keep having sex. And then feelings sneak in. River is openly bi. Ford was secretly by, but not out, and he'd never been with a man before.
This was an okay book. There was an interesting dynamic between Ford and River. There was a fair amount of conflict to keep things interesting.
I didn't love the book though for two reasons. One, I have a pet peeve with arranged marriage books where the characters don't talk about the fact that it's temporary and start acting as if it's not, and get a little butt hurt and have egg on their face when things blow up a little on them. It just makes me think less of the characters, because they come off as naive and dumb to be prancing around with a cloud over their head. Ford and River did eventually talk well before the end of the book about turning their relationship real and permanent, but I felt like they were being stupid before they talked. And two, I didn't love that River was a swindler / thief. I know he had a good reason for doing it, and I wouldn't have batted an eye if this was a dark romance. But it just wasn't appealing to me. I wish this book had gone harder on the enemies to lovers and humor side.
Some notable moments:
"“You think I’m hot?” He thrust his hands into his pocket. “Hell’s hot. No one wants to go there.”"
"Her smile grew. “My son can be rather hot tempered and short with those he cares about, but his heart is full of love.” Full of something, all right. Too bad she got the key ingredient wrong."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 3/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: one of the MCS is a swindler, minor character was a past victim of rape, some family trauma
3.5 stars
Ford was engaged to marry Camryn. It was a business arrangement between them, Ford needed to get married because his grandfather had set an ultimatum regarding inheriting the family ranch. She ran out on him 3 days before the wedding making off with some of his money. Ford decided to make River her friend marry him instead, because he needed to get married. They have had an antagonistic relationship. They marry. They bicker and banter and end up having sex. And it's good and they keep having sex. And then feelings sneak in. River is openly bi. Ford was secretly by, but not out, and he'd never been with a man before.
This was an okay book. There was an interesting dynamic between Ford and River. There was a fair amount of conflict to keep things interesting.
I didn't love the book though for two reasons. One, I have a pet peeve with arranged marriage books where the characters don't talk about the fact that it's temporary and start acting as if it's not, and get a little butt hurt and have egg on their face when things blow up a little on them. It just makes me think less of the characters, because they come off as naive and dumb to be prancing around with a cloud over their head. Ford and River did eventually talk well before the end of the book about turning their relationship real and permanent, but I felt like they were being stupid before they talked. And two, I didn't love that River was a swindler / thief. I know he had a good reason for doing it, and I wouldn't have batted an eye if this was a dark romance. But it just wasn't appealing to me. I wish this book had gone harder on the enemies to lovers and humor side.
Some notable moments:
"“You think I’m hot?” He thrust his hands into his pocket. “Hell’s hot. No one wants to go there.”"
"Her smile grew. “My son can be rather hot tempered and short with those he cares about, but his heart is full of love.” Full of something, all right. Too bad she got the key ingredient wrong."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
4.5 stars
February 29, 2024
To Not Marry My Enemy is an enemies to lovers, "fake" marriage, bi-awakening story. Ford and River took me on a journey of emotions and I loved every minute of it! Starting as enemies and seeing it turn to love was everything, gave me all the feels. The bets throughout the entire book were fun and very sexy! I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the ending, made my heart happy. Great read!
Just reread via audiobook and Iggy Toma did a fantastic job. He really brought River and Ford to life!
Just reread via audiobook and Iggy Toma did a fantastic job. He really brought River and Ford to life!
September 27, 2022
[2.9] when a wedding arrangement goes south after the bride goes missing, Ford forces her conman companion River to take her place at the altar.
this is one of those stories with a straightforward plot that i'd randomly pick up in the middle of night when feeling extra self-indulgent. i'll admit there's too much steam for my personal tastes, and the characters are fueled by rather one-dimensional motives, but if you're looking for a no thoughts, head empty read, this could be it :)
I received a complimentary copy of the book from GRR (thank you!), and this is my honest review.
this is one of those stories with a straightforward plot that i'd randomly pick up in the middle of night when feeling extra self-indulgent. i'll admit there's too much steam for my personal tastes, and the characters are fueled by rather one-dimensional motives, but if you're looking for a no thoughts, head empty read, this could be it :)
I received a complimentary copy of the book from GRR (thank you!), and this is my honest review.
August 30, 2024
4.25 🌟
March 4, 2025
This was even better the second time i read it.
I love both River and Ford so much, how at first they can't communicate and are constantly bickering but still cannot stay away from eachother. And then how good they are together by the end, Ford is so sweet to River, will give his baby anything he wants and god they really are so swoony 🫠🫠🫠
....
1st review: Either this was so good that it made me cry or I was feeling emotional.
Honestly, it was better than expected. I loved all the books I've read by this author so far and this one did not disappoint. I loved both MCs, the banter, and the swoony moments. The plot was also angsty enough that had me captivated throughout... But the spice was Top. Tier.
I love both River and Ford so much, how at first they can't communicate and are constantly bickering but still cannot stay away from eachother. And then how good they are together by the end, Ford is so sweet to River, will give his baby anything he wants and god they really are so swoony 🫠🫠🫠
....
1st review: Either this was so good that it made me cry or I was feeling emotional.
Honestly, it was better than expected. I loved all the books I've read by this author so far and this one did not disappoint. I loved both MCs, the banter, and the swoony moments. The plot was also angsty enough that had me captivated throughout... But the spice was Top. Tier.
September 15, 2022
Too much heat?.. 3.5 rounded up to a 4.
To Not Marry My Enemy by Gianni Holmes was an interesting read. If I had to put this into a trope I would say it definitely falls under the enemy to lovers trope.
I think that this was really well written it just wasn't my cup of tea, I wanted more emotion and story to this.
I just want to start by saying I'm not a prude I'm used to reading intimate scenes in books, but, this book consisted of mostly intimate scenes. And while someone else might enjoy that I didn't particularly care for it. I like reading about the development between characters and reading their relationship grow and deepen. However, the only time they really talked was when they were betting each other into having hate s3x. I do think the characters are well written and were fleshed out well but I just didn't find the overall storyline that poignant. It sorta seemed like the storyline fell to the background while the characters sleeping together became the forefront.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
To Not Marry My Enemy by Gianni Holmes was an interesting read. If I had to put this into a trope I would say it definitely falls under the enemy to lovers trope.
I think that this was really well written it just wasn't my cup of tea, I wanted more emotion and story to this.
I just want to start by saying I'm not a prude I'm used to reading intimate scenes in books, but, this book consisted of mostly intimate scenes. And while someone else might enjoy that I didn't particularly care for it. I like reading about the development between characters and reading their relationship grow and deepen. However, the only time they really talked was when they were betting each other into having hate s3x. I do think the characters are well written and were fleshed out well but I just didn't find the overall storyline that poignant. It sorta seemed like the storyline fell to the background while the characters sleeping together became the forefront.
*I received an early copy of this book and this is my honest review.*
September 11, 2022
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
The Simple Rules To Not Marry My Enemy by Gianni Holmes is a hate to love romance between a billionaire rancher and a con artist.
How was it possible to dislike and desire someone at the same time.
After being left at the altar once already, Ford decides to marry this time for business since he has to in order to inherit his families ranch. He doesn't expect the second woman to do the same. When she bails three days before the wedding, he decides that her best friend and fellow con artist River will do as a stand in. River has been against the wedding from the start, but even he's surprised when the bride disappears. He's left little choice when blackmailed into the year-long marriage with Ford. River and Ford carrying a lot of hate and animosity towards each other that is secretly covering up a whole lot of want and attraction. When the more they tumble in the sheets leads to a real connection, will River's past wrongs come back to end them.
"No one else, River." You're mine for a year, and I won't share you."
For a book about enemies it was a lot lighter than I expected and that's thanks to the bickering and the scorching chemistry between them from the start. Ford is a secret softie who has walls around his heart because he had his heart betrayed in the past. He realizes the first time they hook up that River means more to him, and it hurts his feelings every time River reminds him that what they have is temporary. River had a hard upbringing and with the way his and Ford relationship starts , it takes him a while to believe his actions are genuine. But when he finally lets Ford and Ford's family into his heart, his earning to be accepted and love his adorable.
I was pretty sure I was falling for him. We'd fought, argued, and miscommunication our way to this moment, and he was the one. I was sure of it.
Since Ford and River have very little trust in each other, this leads to the hit or miss communication trope. Thankfully, it's done well between them and isn't dragged out the entire story. Eventually they act like adults and communication, which greatly improves their relationship. One place they never had trouble communicating was the bedroom. Holy Hell, the sex scenes are plentiful and scorching. They can't keep their hands off each other and River can't get enough of Ford's dirty talk 🔥🔥
"Who knew my darling husband was such a needy little slut for my c*ck?"
Overall, To Not Marry My Enemy by Gianni Holmes was entertaining from beginning to end (seriously that epilogue was the sweetest 🥰) and a great addition to the author's The Simple Rules series. A hate to love romance with forced marriage , lack of trust, extreme steam, and a happily ever after.
Rep: Bi Mc's
The Simple Rules To Not Marry My Enemy by Gianni Holmes is a hate to love romance between a billionaire rancher and a con artist.
How was it possible to dislike and desire someone at the same time.
After being left at the altar once already, Ford decides to marry this time for business since he has to in order to inherit his families ranch. He doesn't expect the second woman to do the same. When she bails three days before the wedding, he decides that her best friend and fellow con artist River will do as a stand in. River has been against the wedding from the start, but even he's surprised when the bride disappears. He's left little choice when blackmailed into the year-long marriage with Ford. River and Ford carrying a lot of hate and animosity towards each other that is secretly covering up a whole lot of want and attraction. When the more they tumble in the sheets leads to a real connection, will River's past wrongs come back to end them.
"No one else, River." You're mine for a year, and I won't share you."
For a book about enemies it was a lot lighter than I expected and that's thanks to the bickering and the scorching chemistry between them from the start. Ford is a secret softie who has walls around his heart because he had his heart betrayed in the past. He realizes the first time they hook up that River means more to him, and it hurts his feelings every time River reminds him that what they have is temporary. River had a hard upbringing and with the way his and Ford relationship starts , it takes him a while to believe his actions are genuine. But when he finally lets Ford and Ford's family into his heart, his earning to be accepted and love his adorable.
I was pretty sure I was falling for him. We'd fought, argued, and miscommunication our way to this moment, and he was the one. I was sure of it.
Since Ford and River have very little trust in each other, this leads to the hit or miss communication trope. Thankfully, it's done well between them and isn't dragged out the entire story. Eventually they act like adults and communication, which greatly improves their relationship. One place they never had trouble communicating was the bedroom. Holy Hell, the sex scenes are plentiful and scorching. They can't keep their hands off each other and River can't get enough of Ford's dirty talk 🔥🔥
"Who knew my darling husband was such a needy little slut for my c*ck?"
Overall, To Not Marry My Enemy by Gianni Holmes was entertaining from beginning to end (seriously that epilogue was the sweetest 🥰) and a great addition to the author's The Simple Rules series. A hate to love romance with forced marriage , lack of trust, extreme steam, and a happily ever after.
Rep: Bi Mc's
July 13, 2024
Spice: 5/5 - these two were fucking electric together
Strict roles
NOT a bi-awakening as it states, just one of the MCs first time in a queer relationship, but this story did not disappoint regardless 💜💜
I LOVED this - i love how to two MCs come together and understand each other and loved their enemies to lovers dynamic - what a smash hehe
Also for the first time, a miscommunication trope didnt bother me! The characters miscommunications actually fit so well with their personalities that i dont even know if i would qualify this as a trope because it just seemed like part of the enemies theme instead. And it was honestly super adorable when one MC got pouty or petulant when they wanted attention lol
And once they started opening up to each other my heart melted for these two and they became so strong for each other and so supportive! Enjoy friends!
Strict roles
NOT a bi-awakening as it states, just one of the MCs first time in a queer relationship, but this story did not disappoint regardless 💜💜
I LOVED this - i love how to two MCs come together and understand each other and loved their enemies to lovers dynamic - what a smash hehe
Also for the first time, a miscommunication trope didnt bother me! The characters miscommunications actually fit so well with their personalities that i dont even know if i would qualify this as a trope because it just seemed like part of the enemies theme instead. And it was honestly super adorable when one MC got pouty or petulant when they wanted attention lol
And once they started opening up to each other my heart melted for these two and they became so strong for each other and so supportive! Enjoy friends!
September 17, 2022
Ford and River's story was such an entertaining read. I loved the way the two of them bickered at the start, but it was even sweeter to see them fall head over heels as their journey progressed. Between Ford's marriage contract and River's shady past, I was fully intrigued by how the two of them would make a fake marriage look convincing for an entire year. To say the two of them got off to a rocky start is an understatement, and yet the sexual tension between them was off the charts. It felt almost inevitable that their honeymoon would reveal their sparks of intense chemistry, but oh my god I still wasn't prepared for how insatiable the two of them were. I don't always like it when characters use their bodies to communicate instead of their words, but Ford and River had me under their spell. I felt the depth of their feelings growing with every hot as heck coupling, and as they began to share softer touches and sweeter, more intimate moments, I thought my heart was going to burst with happiness. Their romance was so much sweeter than I expected it to be, and I absolutely loved how posessive, accepting, and fully committed the two of them were to each other. The added resolution to Ford's family conflict only made their happily ever after sweeter, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the way they built a life together.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 26, 2022
This was an enjoyable read and fun for the enemies to lovers trope. This book had Forest who was getting married off of a mutual arrangement to a woman. Mere days before the wedding she took off and he was going to be jilted. With her running he forced River, her best friend into an arranged marriage for a year. The two loathe each other but their are still sparks and a lot of chemistry. However due to the fact that these two can't communicate worth anything their marriage is chemistry and disaster. However despite this they do find the way to communication and ultimately love. It was good to learn why people did what they did and find everyone with a satisfying hea in a most steamy and enjoyable read. This one is well worth checking out.
September 20, 2022
So far I have enjoyed the other books in this series and this one was just as good. There is instant chemistry between the two MC's, even if it seems to be hate at first. I loved the book and can't wait for the next one.
October 16, 2022
Loved it
This book was a one sitting read.
The transition from enemies to lovers was flawless and their hea was so dang cute!
This book was a one sitting read.
The transition from enemies to lovers was flawless and their hea was so dang cute!
February 14, 2024
Fun brain candy
February 27, 2024
Loved this story
A well written enemies to lovers story is hard to find but this one hits the mark. Lots of steamy sex mixed with awakening love. I recommend this highly to anyone who is a fan of this trope. You won’t go wrong with this book.
A well written enemies to lovers story is hard to find but this one hits the mark. Lots of steamy sex mixed with awakening love. I recommend this highly to anyone who is a fan of this trope. You won’t go wrong with this book.
September 14, 2022
To Not Marry My Enemy is the third book in the Simple Rules serie by Gianni Holmes. This book is about Ford and River. Having a fiancee leave him once was bad enough, this time Ford's fiancee is a business agreement. But when she leaves him a few days before the wedding she thankfully leaves someone behind who can stand in her place. Even though they can't stand each other River agrees.
I loved Ford and River's story. Their story was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
I loved Ford and River's story. Their story was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
November 13, 2022
Honestly one of the hottest books I’ve read 🔥 this was so fun through and through
October 4, 2022
No accountability!
I didn't like River or his friend Cameron. Who doesn't go through hardships? That's no excuse to swindle/rob people out of their hard earned money and then act as if it's no big deal. Most people are not fortunate enough to find a billionaire to fix all of their financial problems and forgive their selfish greediness. Get a job!! Also, I didn't appreciate how the author tried to paint the guy who wanted to press charges against River as some shady person who somehow deserved it. What about everyone else who was swindled? Are they all conveniently bad people as well?
I didn't like River or his friend Cameron. Who doesn't go through hardships? That's no excuse to swindle/rob people out of their hard earned money and then act as if it's no big deal. Most people are not fortunate enough to find a billionaire to fix all of their financial problems and forgive their selfish greediness. Get a job!! Also, I didn't appreciate how the author tried to paint the guy who wanted to press charges against River as some shady person who somehow deserved it. What about everyone else who was swindled? Are they all conveniently bad people as well?
November 17, 2023
First read 9/17/22
Second read 11/17/23
I’m rereading some of my 5 star reads to see if they are still 5 star reads. This one wasn’t quite there but close enough at 4.25.
Just one question. Why do all MM books have to have the most annoying females in them? Anyway still liked it.
NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA
NO VIRGINS
IDK ABOUT MANWHORES BUT ID SAY NO
NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP
PAST DEATH OF A LOVED ONE
Second read 11/17/23
I’m rereading some of my 5 star reads to see if they are still 5 star reads. This one wasn’t quite there but close enough at 4.25.
Just one question. Why do all MM books have to have the most annoying females in them? Anyway still liked it.
NO CHEATING
NO OM DRAMA
NO VIRGINS
IDK ABOUT MANWHORES BUT ID SAY NO
NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP
PAST DEATH OF A LOVED ONE
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