Falling for the Enemy

Malibu Millionaire #2

by Katie Golding

Sometimes, the perfect guy…
Is the one you hate the most.

Jasper Brooks has everything—with his smooth-talking ways and devilish good looks, he’s signed some of the hottest bands of the moment. If only he could get the wrong-number woman he’s been texting for months to reveal herself.

Blake Harris absolutely hates Jasper with every fiber of her being. Avoiding her professional rival is next to impossible in the Malibu music scene, and when a new band puts them head-to-head, their pent-up frustration explodes in a raw session of hate sex. A mistake they keep repeating.

With feelings spinning out of control, Blake bolts back to the mystery man in her phone, determined to finally meet Mr. Perfect. Not realizing that all along, she’s been secretly falling for the enemy…

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Adult Fiction, LGBT

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2022

About the author

Katie Golding is a racing fan with a writing problem. The recovering cheerleader lives in a small town outside of Austin, Texas, mom to a future philanthropist, and wife to a superman. Her writing playlists range from 80s love songs, 90s grunge, 00s punk, to new age underground in less time than it takes her to burn dinner, and she is currently at work on her next romance novel—unless she’s tweeting about it. Represented by Kelly Peterson of Rees Literary Agency.

Reviews

[kavi]

dnf @ 8%

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that Katie Golding has a new fan for life. I’ve been wanting to read some of her stuff and just haven’t made it happen, but after getting my hands on an ARC for Falling for the Enemy, I’ll be one-clicking everything else she does.

I’ll also admit I was experiencing some trepidation heading into this novel, which promises hate sex between work rivals. I’m a true softy at heart, and hate sex isn’t usually my vibe–unless, it seems, it’s written by Katie Golding. With Jasper and Blake, Golding strikes a perfect balance of the sexy, tense, and angry energy readers love from an enemies-to-lovers story mixed with real self-awareness, honesty, and vulnerability that let us know these characters aren’t out to harm one another. Even when they’re getting hot and heavy in a conference room or bathroom in a club, it’s clear that enthusiastic consent is always essential, and it’s thrilling to see Jasper and Blake lose themselves in their intense desire.

The parallel story–Jasper and Blake texting each other, not knowing who they are, and forming an emotional and sexual connection–is just so fun to watch. As a reader, I was just giddy waiting for everything to come together. And when it did, I adored that it happened with honesty and understanding, not fireworks and anger and slamming doors. We see real growth in these characters, both separately and together, and as a reader I felt safe the whole time, knowing that ultimately I was reading about mature people who care for one another.

And the sex. The sex, the sex, the sex. My goodness, it is amazing. Hot and steamy and filthy and vulnerable and adoring all at once. Golding weaves in different types of sexual play and kinks naturally, without shaming or gasping or hand-wringing, and just lets these two hotties have fun and do the things they like. As should we all!

[Mae Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: pregnancy (side character), loved one deployed, anxiety, misogency, toxic work environment, consensual kink (dom/sub)

This is the second book in the series but can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f rivals/idiots to lovers
-epistolary
-You've Got Mail retelling
-hate that I'm attracted to you
-sick comfort
-pegging
- very soft third act

At this point Katie Golding is becoming another Katee Robert for me. She writes perfect steam that builds the intimacy between the couple, honestly that may be the best way that they communicate. I loved everything about this book. The epistolary elements. How these two couldn't see that the person they were falling in love with via text was the person they couldn't get out of their head in real life.

This had just the right amount of angst, as these two stress about are they cheating (nope), do they know (yes), do they know that I know that they know...you get the idea. This had me laughing out loud and then sweating some more. I loved the easter eggs of Ari and Luke. So much chemistry and did I mention how much I enjoyed the epistolary elements of the story. Probably the best You've Got Mail retelling I've ever read.

These two accidentally falling in love was just wonderful and soft as they slowly opened up to the other, finding joy with each other. Honestly I never want this series to end, would revisit these couples in a heartbeat. I'm hoping the epilogue gave us a sneak peek that there will be a book 3.

Steam: 4.5

Disclaimer: The author and I are social media mutuals

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for our gifted review copy of Falling for the Enemy by Katie Golding.

Falling for the Enemy by Katie Golding has it all. Steamy open door romance, enemies to lovers set against the backdrop of the Malibu music scene, and no third act breakup!

While Falling for the Enemy by Katie Golding is the second book in the Malibu Millionaires series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I loved it so much that I asked Katie for an author interview and was thrilled she accepted. You can read more about her inspiration for the story, characters, her writing process, and more in this Q & A.

Jasper & Blake
I fell so hard for these two characters. Let me tell you, Katie can write some really hot banter. If that’s your thing, you’ll love this book. The element of the mystery texting, even thought readers figured it out quickly, added intrigue. Katie gives readers content warnings at he beginning of the book, which I always appreciate.

There’s also emotional and heartfelt scenes. While it’s very hot and sexy, Katie pulls at your heart. You’re rooting for these two from the get go. I’m also a sucker for a story with a music element.

The Verdict

I am Really Into This book! I simply devoured this book. Before I finished it, I purchased The Forever Night Stand.

[Jess Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Golding has done it again!!

The Malibu Millionaire books are quickly becoming my favorite spicy romance novella series! I adored The Forever Night Stand and Falling for the Enemy is a perfect follow up.

This erotic spin on You've Got Mail gave me all the feels. Watching a couple fall in love twice (once in texts and again IRL) is so damn satisfying. Jasper and Blake are so hot while pretending to be cold, so soft while pretending to be hard (okay Jasper is plenty hard), and so perfectly imperfect my face hurt from all the smiles.

Golding is a master of scorching intimate scenes that not only make you fan your face, but also make your heart burst because every single touch is PACKED with emotion. If you like hate sex with adorable aftercare, bitter rivals to vulnerable lovers, and characters who fall in love on the page...while pegging, LOOK NO FURTHER! Ugh! So good! I'm off for a reread.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has possibly the best romantic conflict of all time. Why? Because the heroine is falling in love with the mind of the hero through her text messages, while falling for his body through the FIERY hate sex hookups she's having with her career's rival. It was so riveting to watch the rival for her heart be the same man without her even knowing it. And I kept finding myself rooting for one or the other version of him as if it was two different men, lol.

Golding, as in all her books, knows how to write a heart-melting hero who, even while being super tough and alpha and irreverent, is pulling all the stops out to win his woman. Bonus: the scenes when Jasper and Blake come together for the first time are FIRE, like I wanted to put my Kindle under the air conditioning vent to keep it from overheating. I've read a lot of steamy scenes and it takes a lot to make them stand out to me anymore but wow did these deliver.

An absolutely immersive, emotional, never-forget-it read.

*I received an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[andiii ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved every minute of this book. Genuinely not sure which i loved more, Jasper and Blake’s brain melting fuck hot chemistry or the honesty and realism of their less-sarcastic moments — and as if that wasn’t enough, it’s also an homage to one of the best romcoms of all time, You’ve Got Mail. Katie Golding is the word wizard of my dreams and you better believe i will be buying this the moment it’s out, as well as everything else she writes. Thank you for the ARC and can’t wait to read about Jake and Quinn!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly all vibes and no plot and I’m good with that. It was super SUPER sexy, watching Jasper and Blake embark on this steamy affair meanwhile carrying on an emotionally charged texting relationship where they didn’t realize who the other one was. And then once Jasper figures it out, I was waiting for the shoe to drop and Blake to get clued in and the dark moment to arrive but delightfully, this is all vibes and zero drama and it was just nice not having the third act breakup. It was just steamy, sexy fun.

[Suzi Vanderham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couldn’t put down & repeat read for certain!

The Malibu Millionaires are back, and Katie Golding gave me the spicy spin of enemies-to-lovers / texting friends-to-lovers that I absolutely adore! Starting off with a punch of enemies to lay the groundwork, you really are pulling for Jasper and Blake to get their acts together. Throw in the backstory of two people afraid to meet after a healthy texting / sexting relationship and you’ve got the makings of absolute fire. Great news, Katie delivers that in bushel buckets.

With passion that could burn down a skyscraper, Katie brings Jasper to his knees for the woman he knows he’s falling for and Blake is bending her rigid protection around her heart to meet in the middle. You don’t just get excited with them you also fall so open to the vulnerability that the characters expose. They desperately want each other and are so afraid to fail in a relationship again. Katie has a way of creating a page-turning world I love to visit & keep the characters with me until I can return again.

[Lindsey Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay okay okay I loveeeee Jasper and Blake & love the whole enemies to lovers idea buttttt I ended up getting bored with the story about half way through the book. I kept waiting and waiting for them to find out they were actually texting each other & it took way longer than it needed to. I did love the guest appearances of Luke & Ari tho! 😊 overall, this was a good book, but just a tad boring and a bit basic 🤷‍♀️

[Karla C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much a fun time, low angst, super hot and steamy version of “You’ve Got Mail”. Really liked both MCs growth in their communication and also just all the sexy time. Will definitely read more from Katie Golding.

[Dini - dinipandareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since Katie Golding shared a sneak peek of Blake and Jasper earlier this year I've been super excited to read their story. I had a feeling I'd love the rivals to lovers and hate to love you vibes and I was not wrong—this was everything I was hoping it'd be and more! I enjoyed The Forever Night Stand but it was too insta-love and insta-perfect for me but in this one, I felt the tension and chemistry from the very beginning.

I thought the balance between the softer getting-to-know-you moments and the steamy scenes was much better in this book. Yes, there are still lots of wildly steamy AF scenes that set my Kindle on fire (holy wow, these two! 🥵) but those moments with them simply talking and falling into a comfortable and easy routine melted my heart. I'm realising lately that I'm a sucker for those domestic moments and this definitely served on that front!

Jasper and Blake had such amazing chemistry! Oof, I loved their antagonistic rival banter at the beginning and the way their emotional connection grew stronger each time they'd get intimate. I also really loved the epistolary moments via text messaging which played into the "You've Got Mail" retelling aspect. Save for one aspect that plays into the "conflict" between them, I really appreciated their openness and honesty and how they let themselves be vulnerable with each other. I also liked that although there's a bit of conflict, there is no third-act breakup. There was still enough tension and angst to keep the stakes high and to keep me invested in how things would play out though. Even with some 'insta' moments I didn't mind because of how invested I was in both Jasper and Blake and I just really loved them individually and together! I'd definitely be eager to read more from this series!

[Salpy KS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten that this book was a You’ve Got Mail retelling and was a bit worried going in (this is not my favorite trope at all, actually kind of actively dislike it). BUT! The way the author handled it! I really liked the way the author handled it and I appreciate that I wasn’t left on hold forever just waiting for the second MC to figure out what the first MC already knows (that they are each other’s epistolary loves).

Also! The way the second MC handled it when they figured it out! I mean, good luck every other romance novel where the conflict is that one MC is keeping something from the other, this book has absolutely set my new bar… Depending on the context, I have found it frustrating sometimes when the person who has been lied to throws out the entire relationship because of the lie. Particularly when the relationship has advanced quite a bit. Here, instead, our second MC takes a beat and thinks, “wait, I know this person. They wouldn’t be cruel like this for kicks. So why are they acting like this?” And they give the first person some grace and the benefit of the doubt. This will probably make more sense when you’re reading the book, but I’m trying not to spoil things. It’s just very frustrating when everything that has been established earlier (love, trust, understanding), all of a sudden means NOTHING in the face of a lie. Sometimes that makes sense, but often, it does not and the author is just going for the DRAMA. Not so, here.

Excellent book, emotionally mature characters, beautiful declarations of love and hotttttttt sex scenes. A+

[Surille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly above a 4 rating. I originally thought this would be a pure smutty guilty pleasure quick read. But this novella felt longer in a good way. There were sweet moments, and I got to adequately know the main characters. Some of the texting was realistically cringe..ha. Don't get me wrong though, there definitely is a lot of sexy time..almost every chapter so I can see that being a minus for some readers. There is a scene where Jasper is uh.....by Blake. It's my second time coming across this...the first being from a book by another author, "Earth Earls Are Easy" (which I enjoyed tremendously).

Blake has common sense and patience...she isn't the kind of FMC that I would be yelling at with frustration. And Jasper isn't selfish or careless. I get why he didn't reveal himself immediately. But he did take his sweet time. I did like how he ended up being the emotional mess during the revelation while Blake was calm and reassuring. I was hoping to be affected by the emotions, but it didn't hit me as much for some reason.

To me, there wasn't a lot of angst, and no other drama besides the main texting identity plot. No breakups, no work betrayals, no other woman/man, and no interference. It was supposed to be an enemies to lovers, but it seemed like Blake hated him more in the beginning (which I don't mind). I'm not keen on reading the first book because Jasper convinced me that Luke and Ari are an annoying couple...heh. I much prefer Blake and Jasper.

And what happened to Figaro after Jack came back?

[Samantha Brehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Katie Golding may be my favorite new author. This is the second in the Malibu Millionaire Novella series and I cannot get enough of them. They are both around 150 pages and FILLED to the brim with spice. Somehow, Golding manages to give you a world of heat while continuing to give you an outstanding story.

I really enjoyed Jasper and Blake. I thought that no one could top Luke and Ari from the first book, but let me tell you, Jasper and Blake managed it. Blake is so badass, and I absolutely loved her character. Jasper is a closet sweetheart with a heart of gold, and when we see glimpse of his vulnerability it made me love him so much. (And that tongue ring??) The ending is quite possibly one of my favorite endings ever, it's so real and relatable I just loved everything about it.

This series is definitely going to be a comfort read for me, it's the perfect length for a quick read with no angst and all the spice. It doesn't get any better than that, I am eagerly waiting for next book in the series.

[Fiction Majorette · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://fictionmajorette.blogspot.com...

This was a really fun and steamy read. I loved seeing the differences between Jasper and Blake when they're verbally sparring vs when their being vulnerable via text. I thought the reveal was done in a really great way that was surprisingly low angst. The verbal sparring was really great between Jasper and Blake and I loved how their fighting was so well known amongst the other people in their industry. I think it was really interesting how they both had some pretty thick walls built up around themselves and I thought it was really realistic that it would take a while for them to feel comfortable around someone to let those walls down. Their chemistry was off the charts pretty early on, but the real journey of this book was them both feeling comfortable enough to open up all the way. I do think the magnitude of Jasper's reaction at the end didn't feel aligned with his character through the rest of the book and felt a little like Golding wanted to put in some extra drama at the end.

[Syduction · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was EVERYTHING I didn’t know I needed and more.

Enemies to lovers? ✅
Wrong number? ✅
Insanity hot sex? ✅
Pierced MMC? ✅
Bi-friendly? ✅

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY…..MCs (especially the FMC) with functioning, full neuron firing brain cells and logic? ✅

This could not have been a better read. I went into this looking for something spicy and with minimal conflict and holy hell did it deliver. Like, we’re talking read in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down level. There were so so many opportunities for this to go down a bad, bad rabbit hole of communication-based conflict and I was over the moon every time when it didn’t because they characters actually used the thing between their ears.

All in all, a 5/5 for spice, for character arc, plot development. Truly chefs kiss.

[Tobie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the Forever Night Stand by Katie Golding, and Falling for the Enemy did NOT disappoint! I loved Jasper and Blake's chemistry. The banter, the snark, the sexual tensions. It was off the charts. Watching this "You've Got Mail" spin with these two alphas in their own right, was the best. Their love story, both IRL and through texts, was exciting, made me feel warm inside, and had me fanning myself. I loved how mature both were when the reveal happened, and how much you could truly see their struggle. I can't say enough about how much I love this series!

[E Ironsides · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was stars 🌟 🌟

Really enjoyed this. I'll be back for more. They really should let us give half stars, because it really is a bit better than 4, but just short of 5. And I'm extremely stingy with the 5s. I think the only thing that held me back was the secret just started to drag out too long. It was certainly good enough to have me looking for more. Oh, and something completely shocking, I really liked the pegging too. I was sure that would've turned me off, but not in the slightest.

[Esmee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eigenlijk wel van genoten. Wilde eigenlijk stoppen toen is bs las bij waarschuwingen. Maar daarna zag ik ook dat zij hem zou doen, dus vond ik het oke. Echt zijn geen lange details daarover gelukkig:) het was wel een leuk verhaal. Snapte alleen niet waarom hij zo lang erover deed om te zeggen dat hij die mystery guy was. Zij moest het eigenlijk uit hem krijgen. En hun rivaliteit was te begrijpen, maar uiteindelijk best snel naar de achtergrond geschoven

[Book Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie Golding did it again! Delivered a joyful steamy romance that was delicious to read and had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. This was the perfect, elusive combination of low angst with high tension that kept me turning pages. A spicy You’ve Got Mail retelling that captivated me from start to finish with its sweetness, sass, and cozy kink.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💞💞💞💞💞🥰

[Sarah Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This hot as hell book wasn't afraid to tackle anything! Their love/hate relationship wraps its arms around you until you can’t possibly root for anything other than these two giving in to each other. I loved the nods to its muse as well as all the fun movie references. Katie Golding knows how to get inside your heart and get you all hot ans bothered in the process.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was good. Spice was really really good. However bringing up politics. Even if it’s only 1 sentence. Just no. And the other character finds out his girl is pregnant but he’s not allowed to have an opinion on it because he’s a guy and it automatically falls in girls shoulders on what to do. Just no. Even if she decides to not keep it. It doesn’t make his feelings or onion invalid

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Dini's review for this book and knew I had to read it. She highlighted how amazing the banter and chemistry was and she was not wrong! This book had some of the best "hate" banter and chemistry I've read. It was such a fun, steamy romance! I loved every minute of it. I am going to go back and read the first book in the series now.

[sikin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book it’s less drama, no angst, definitely spicier than book 1. I love how calm Blake is when she finds out about it earlier and decide to just trust him first and see how their relation would take them.

🌶🌶🌶🌶 (jasper has a barbell piercing tongue 🥵

[susana ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wrong number is always a hit for me but I didn't like that he found out about her identity and didn't say anything sigh... I was expecting it but still it made me mad. Anyway, these novellas saved my life <3

[EJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Officially a Fan!

I enjoyed this book! The perfect amount steam, rivalry, humor, sex, and of course, a very happy ending. I also really like Katie Golding’s writing style! I’ll be on the lookout for other books. This particular title is a 10/10 - would definitely recommend.

[Holly]

I really liked the first novella in this series, but I LOVED this one!! This was hate-to-love and rivalry done so incredibly well, and even though it stressed me out a bit, I couldn't stop reading. I assume there's going to be a 3rd book too, just based on comments near the end, and I'm HERE FOR IT

[ashe · Rating 4 out of 5]

enemies to idiots to lovers

this was such a fun read! it helped me get back after weeks of going through a reading slump. the smut was great. the mcs were snarky and filled with sexual tension for each other. i enjoyed every chapter. definitely recommend !

[Sully · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy and sweet, a wonderful combo🥵✔️

LOVED these two! Jasper and Blake had the best banter and animosity that exploded into a passionate and fun dynamic..Such a good quick and spicy read and I can see myself coming back to read again!✨