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Sworn to Loathe You #3
Not Friends
Friends come and go. I wish this one would go.
Sadie… I know Denver Talcott hates me as much as I hate him, but since we’re sharing custody of the same friend, I can’t get rid of him. Believe me, I’ve tried.
Worse, he’s now working at the same startup as me. My dream job cannot be his dream job, because my dream is to not see him on a daily basis.
Denver… You wouldn’t think a prickly introvert could also be a busybody, but it’s possible. I’ve met one. Sadie raises my blood pressure with her mere presence, and she can’t ever know that. She’d weaponize it. And then sell the recipe to other sadists.
Plus, I have another secret—this pesky attraction I feel towards her.
It’s got to be one of those inappropriate reactions to stress, like when you laugh while being reprimanded, or see your to-do list and decide to take a nap.
I’ll be fine. It’ll be fine. I just won't ever look at her. Except now we're desk mates at work...
Sadie… I know Denver Talcott hates me as much as I hate him, but since we’re sharing custody of the same friend, I can’t get rid of him. Believe me, I’ve tried.
Worse, he’s now working at the same startup as me. My dream job cannot be his dream job, because my dream is to not see him on a daily basis.
Denver… You wouldn’t think a prickly introvert could also be a busybody, but it’s possible. I’ve met one. Sadie raises my blood pressure with her mere presence, and she can’t ever know that. She’d weaponize it. And then sell the recipe to other sadists.
Plus, I have another secret—this pesky attraction I feel towards her.
It’s got to be one of those inappropriate reactions to stress, like when you laugh while being reprimanded, or see your to-do list and decide to take a nap.
I’ll be fine. It’ll be fine. I just won't ever look at her. Except now we're desk mates at work...
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2022
310 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
Rachel John
52 books517 followersRachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 1, 2025
OH, my Heart! I love this book, Grumpy/Sunshine is a favorite of mine and this is sooooo good! and I loved it when it's combined with other tropes, is a reader's dream(well, by this reader)😂 delightful Read!
It is a fun book to read, with plenty of hilarious moments and laugh-out-loud scenes. Both characters are so much fun. Sadie and Denver seem like such an unlikely couple at the beginning until you peel back their layers and realize they absolutely complement each other. I loved the way they talked so maturely and bluntly honesty without the drama. Enjoyed listening to their internal dialogues and getting both perspectives of the situation. I highly recommend this sweet and entertaining romance with a slow burn that culminates in off-the-chart chemistry.
If you love:
Enemies to lover
Great Banter
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Fake Dating
Workplace Romance
Opposite attracts
He Falls First/She Falls Harder
Kissing only/ Clean Romance
"Those rare moments of connection with her were like flakes of gold in a miner's pan. I wanted to search for more, even if the pursuit would bankrupt me".
It is a fun book to read, with plenty of hilarious moments and laugh-out-loud scenes. Both characters are so much fun. Sadie and Denver seem like such an unlikely couple at the beginning until you peel back their layers and realize they absolutely complement each other. I loved the way they talked so maturely and bluntly honesty without the drama. Enjoyed listening to their internal dialogues and getting both perspectives of the situation. I highly recommend this sweet and entertaining romance with a slow burn that culminates in off-the-chart chemistry.
If you love:
Enemies to lover
Great Banter
Grumpy/Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Fake Dating
Workplace Romance
Opposite attracts
He Falls First/She Falls Harder
Kissing only/ Clean Romance
"Those rare moments of connection with her were like flakes of gold in a miner's pan. I wanted to search for more, even if the pursuit would bankrupt me".
September 13, 2023
I don't write many reviews. I just read too many books to do that. But once in a while I will, and this one is worthy of it. I love everything I've ever read by Rachel John, but this one is possibly her best yet. I'm not generally one to laugh out loud when reading a book, but the dodgeball scene got me. And Sadie and Denver were such great characters. It takes skill to make two people who could actually be very unlikeable, each in a different way, so likeable and real. I think it might be the dialogue, which is so believable. Or maybe how the author shows you why the characters are who they are without the omnipresent author voice telling you the why. Whatever it is, it's so good.
October 25, 2022
4.5
This one took a little while for me to get into, and then I was hooked. I ended up really enjoying this one and came to love Sadie and Denver. I haven't read the first books in the series, but I thought this stood well on its own. Sadie and Denver do not like each other. They butt-heads whenever they cross paths which is quite often. It was fun to see their banter and I thought the author did a good job with the whole enemies-to-lover trope with a believable transition to friends and then more. Overall, this was a fun story and one I would read again.
Content Rated G
Clean romance, kissing. No language or violence.
This one took a little while for me to get into, and then I was hooked. I ended up really enjoying this one and came to love Sadie and Denver. I haven't read the first books in the series, but I thought this stood well on its own. Sadie and Denver do not like each other. They butt-heads whenever they cross paths which is quite often. It was fun to see their banter and I thought the author did a good job with the whole enemies-to-lover trope with a believable transition to friends and then more. Overall, this was a fun story and one I would read again.
Content Rated G
Clean romance, kissing. No language or violence.
October 17, 2022
Ooh, this is one of my new favorite Rachel John books!
She always delivers on sweet romance but this enemies to lovers was so well done with the angst and the tension. The pacing of the slow-burn transition from hating each other to tentative friendship to something more was perfection!
Denver and Sadie have always secretly loathed (and been attracted to!) each other but when they both start working for a new company and become desk mates, it forces them to spend time together....which leads to flirting, more attraction, fake dates... well, you get the idea.
So many things to love about this book!
The office setting plus forced proximity
Dodgeball
The "deal"
The museum scene
The group dates
Kissing in the car
Soooo much flirty banter
The way they learn to communicate
The lipstick shirt
"The Hug"
I was completely engaged from page one and binge-read the entire book in one sitting. This is a story about learning to let go of your past and to trust. Denver and Sadie's discovery that they were meant to be was full of laugh-out-loud scenes and swoony moments. Absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean romance!!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
She always delivers on sweet romance but this enemies to lovers was so well done with the angst and the tension. The pacing of the slow-burn transition from hating each other to tentative friendship to something more was perfection!
Denver and Sadie have always secretly loathed (and been attracted to!) each other but when they both start working for a new company and become desk mates, it forces them to spend time together....which leads to flirting, more attraction, fake dates... well, you get the idea.
So many things to love about this book!
The office setting plus forced proximity
Dodgeball
The "deal"
The museum scene
The group dates
Kissing in the car
Soooo much flirty banter
The way they learn to communicate
The lipstick shirt
"The Hug"
I was completely engaged from page one and binge-read the entire book in one sitting. This is a story about learning to let go of your past and to trust. Denver and Sadie's discovery that they were meant to be was full of laugh-out-loud scenes and swoony moments. Absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean romance!!
I received a complimentary copy of the book but a positive review was not required.
November 11, 2022
I really love this series and this one might be my favorite.
September 13, 2024
Reread via audio—looooved revisiting these two!
Original review:
I already loved this series but I really, really love Sadie and Denver. Their banter is top notch, chemistry fantastic, the love story so sweet, and it is just so funny. I just kept literally laughing out loud.
Things I Loved:
-Carmen
-Quoting P&P
-“Ah, Carpool.”
-Nitro
-Dodgeball
-“Shut up, Rob,”
-Hostage exchange
-“How I could be so irritated and yet so attracted to her all the time? ALL THE TIME.”
-Accidental sleepover
-Isaac
-Lips of Sauron
-THE ALMOST KISS
-First Kiss
-Mustache
-“Talking to him about my fears was easy. Admitting my hope was a whole other level of vulnerable.”
-“I’m not sick of you yet.”
-Denver reunion
-“Ready for me to be blunt?” “Always.”
The progression from Not Friends, to friends, to more was so good. Then you add in the workplace romance situation and a touch of fake dating—I’m telling you, it’s a combo you do not want to miss! You can read this as a stand-alone but the little touches from the previous books were just perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next!
Original review:
I already loved this series but I really, really love Sadie and Denver. Their banter is top notch, chemistry fantastic, the love story so sweet, and it is just so funny. I just kept literally laughing out loud.
Things I Loved:
-Carmen
-Quoting P&P
-“Ah, Carpool.”
-Nitro
-Dodgeball
-“Shut up, Rob,”
-Hostage exchange
-“How I could be so irritated and yet so attracted to her all the time? ALL THE TIME.”
-Accidental sleepover
-Isaac
-Lips of Sauron
-THE ALMOST KISS
-First Kiss
-Mustache
-“Talking to him about my fears was easy. Admitting my hope was a whole other level of vulnerable.”
-“I’m not sick of you yet.”
-Denver reunion
-“Ready for me to be blunt?” “Always.”
The progression from Not Friends, to friends, to more was so good. Then you add in the workplace romance situation and a touch of fake dating—I’m telling you, it’s a combo you do not want to miss! You can read this as a stand-alone but the little touches from the previous books were just perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next!
March 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
GENRE
-romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: just kisses
-⚠️: high school boys being huge jerks (recounted)
After Meredith (bookandacupofcocoa) mentioned the workplace dodgeball at A Desert Book Affair, I knew I needed to go back and reread this. Yay for it being available on Hoopla as an audiobook!
Denver and Sadie really do not like each other. But when they both get hired to work at GoWith Friends and they are paired up to work literally next to and with each other, things begin to change.
Their banter is so fun! Though they are opposites-- introvert/ extrovert, no fashion sense / very fashion conscious, loves weird birds / HATES all birds-- they work together quite well. The whole dodgeball at work is such a fun aspect of this book too!
GENRE
-romcom
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: just kisses
-⚠️: high school boys being huge jerks (recounted)
After Meredith (bookandacupofcocoa) mentioned the workplace dodgeball at A Desert Book Affair, I knew I needed to go back and reread this. Yay for it being available on Hoopla as an audiobook!
Denver and Sadie really do not like each other. But when they both get hired to work at GoWith Friends and they are paired up to work literally next to and with each other, things begin to change.
Their banter is so fun! Though they are opposites-- introvert/ extrovert, no fashion sense / very fashion conscious, loves weird birds / HATES all birds-- they work together quite well. The whole dodgeball at work is such a fun aspect of this book too!
October 23, 2022
Rating 4.5 stars
Positive thoughts:
- I loved how Denver went easy on Sadie after knowing her past and why she uses her grumpy attitude to keep people/guys away. He let her make the decisions so her trust in him could grow and she would feel comfortable around him.
- I loved all the banter. In this book our FMC is the grumpy one and MMC is our sunshine.
- There is a sort of fake dating trope here, because of their job, and we do get some of that vibe too.
Negative thoughts:
- The first 1/4 was a bit slow, where they still weren't working together (reason why I didn't give it a full 5 star). All the action starts when they start working together. But just get past those first 11 chapters (which are short) and it will be worth your while.
Overall:
- It was a clean romance, with so much chemistry. Loved the banter, the teasing, so good!
- It was fast paced (after the first 1/4) and easy to read. A page turner that will get you angsty and smiling, always wanting more of them both.
- Denver is such a gentleman, definitely book-boyfriend material.
Romance: 4/5
Chemistry 4/5
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean on Y'all)
1st kiss: 79% (such good slow burn!)
Humour: 3/5
Tropes:
- Slow burn
- Clean romance
- Grumpy vs sunshine
- Enemies to lovers
- Office romance
I was gifted this ARC in exchange for an honest review by the author.
Positive thoughts:
- I loved how Denver went easy on Sadie after knowing her past and why she uses her grumpy attitude to keep people/guys away. He let her make the decisions so her trust in him could grow and she would feel comfortable around him.
- I loved all the banter. In this book our FMC is the grumpy one and MMC is our sunshine.
- There is a sort of fake dating trope here, because of their job, and we do get some of that vibe too.
Negative thoughts:
- The first 1/4 was a bit slow, where they still weren't working together (reason why I didn't give it a full 5 star). All the action starts when they start working together. But just get past those first 11 chapters (which are short) and it will be worth your while.
Overall:
- It was a clean romance, with so much chemistry. Loved the banter, the teasing, so good!
- It was fast paced (after the first 1/4) and easy to read. A page turner that will get you angsty and smiling, always wanting more of them both.
- Denver is such a gentleman, definitely book-boyfriend material.
Romance: 4/5
Chemistry 4/5
Spice: 0/5 (it's a clean on Y'all)
1st kiss: 79% (such good slow burn!)
Humour: 3/5
Tropes:
- Slow burn
- Clean romance
- Grumpy vs sunshine
- Enemies to lovers
- Office romance
I was gifted this ARC in exchange for an honest review by the author.
August 27, 2023
achei muito gostoso de ler, me dei um quentinho no meu coração
November 2, 2022
I loved this book! I haven’t read all of the books in this series yet, but I still loved reading Sadie and Denver’s story! They were so cute and funny even as Sadie tried to kill Denver with a dodgeball ;)
Can you unfriend someone in real life? Because if you can, Sadie would gladly unfriend her annoying neighbor, Denver. Unfortunately, she’s stuck with him at her house and at her work. But as she spends more and more time with Denver, she finds out that it's actually kind of fun messing with him. And it might be even more fun to work with him ;)
Okay, first of all the banter in this book was awesome! Sadie and Denver have amazing banter and insults against each other. They are so funny, and I loved watching them prank their office mates too. And the dodgeball thing was just amazing! It’s hilarious because they are trying so hard to pretend that they don’t like each other.
But they slowly fall for one another and break down each other’s walls too. I really liked how there wasn’t a specific moment where they fell in love or started liking each other. Because in a way, they had never really hated each other. They just had to learn to let go of their past judgements of the other person.
And it was sweet to watch their character development. Sadie had a lot of trust issues she needed to work through while Denver was always trying to save people. I think it was cute to see how they matched and balanced each other out. Sadie needed to learn how to relax while Denver had to learn how to make commitments.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves romcoms! It is a clean, sweet, amazing read :)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review
Can you unfriend someone in real life? Because if you can, Sadie would gladly unfriend her annoying neighbor, Denver. Unfortunately, she’s stuck with him at her house and at her work. But as she spends more and more time with Denver, she finds out that it's actually kind of fun messing with him. And it might be even more fun to work with him ;)
Okay, first of all the banter in this book was awesome! Sadie and Denver have amazing banter and insults against each other. They are so funny, and I loved watching them prank their office mates too. And the dodgeball thing was just amazing! It’s hilarious because they are trying so hard to pretend that they don’t like each other.
But they slowly fall for one another and break down each other’s walls too. I really liked how there wasn’t a specific moment where they fell in love or started liking each other. Because in a way, they had never really hated each other. They just had to learn to let go of their past judgements of the other person.
And it was sweet to watch their character development. Sadie had a lot of trust issues she needed to work through while Denver was always trying to save people. I think it was cute to see how they matched and balanced each other out. Sadie needed to learn how to relax while Denver had to learn how to make commitments.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves romcoms! It is a clean, sweet, amazing read :)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review
January 5, 2024
[ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ]
[ ❤️🔥 ]
I was gifted an ARC copy as a non-USA based reviewer, my very first one! I’ve since set up my NetGalley so I’m getting geared up to read some ARC’s I’ve been approved of on there too - yay!
I haven’t dived into the genre of romance books too much yet, I knew however that I wanted to explore more myself. I’ve tried just a handful in the past that felt “meh” or “too cringy” for my taste.
▫️I know that there are different plot subtypes that people prefer more than others. I find there is a lot more “personal preferences” at play in this area so I was happy to stumble upon a GREAT READ for me off the bat!
▫️I was so pleasantly surprised by this one! I absolutely LOVED this novel 🥰
I get a bit turned off by books with reading styles that have a lot of cheesy/corny dialogue that seem disingenuous, esp for daily life situated romances. When it gets too out of touch with reality, it loses the “swoon” factor for me but…
▫️ The dialogue in this book I loved so much. I could really connect with the characters in what they discuss with each other, friends, family - all very believable and relatable!
▫️I loved the workplace setting and the entire tech platform that was created - it just fit together so well
▫️Highlight: 🦜 (added so much humour!)
#emmasbookvibes
You will like this if you like:
——————————————
▫️#enemiestolovers
▫️#friendstolovers
▫️Flirty Banter
▫️Adorable Kiss moments
▫️Crushin’ jitters
▫️Duel POV
▫️Newer to the Romance genre (like me!)
▫️Up to date references, believable day-to-day dialogue
▫️Real world setting
▫️And of course, supporting #indieauthors
[ ❤️🔥 ]
I was gifted an ARC copy as a non-USA based reviewer, my very first one! I’ve since set up my NetGalley so I’m getting geared up to read some ARC’s I’ve been approved of on there too - yay!
I haven’t dived into the genre of romance books too much yet, I knew however that I wanted to explore more myself. I’ve tried just a handful in the past that felt “meh” or “too cringy” for my taste.
▫️I know that there are different plot subtypes that people prefer more than others. I find there is a lot more “personal preferences” at play in this area so I was happy to stumble upon a GREAT READ for me off the bat!
▫️I was so pleasantly surprised by this one! I absolutely LOVED this novel 🥰
I get a bit turned off by books with reading styles that have a lot of cheesy/corny dialogue that seem disingenuous, esp for daily life situated romances. When it gets too out of touch with reality, it loses the “swoon” factor for me but…
▫️ The dialogue in this book I loved so much. I could really connect with the characters in what they discuss with each other, friends, family - all very believable and relatable!
▫️I loved the workplace setting and the entire tech platform that was created - it just fit together so well
▫️Highlight: 🦜 (added so much humour!)
#emmasbookvibes
You will like this if you like:
——————————————
▫️#enemiestolovers
▫️#friendstolovers
▫️Flirty Banter
▫️Adorable Kiss moments
▫️Crushin’ jitters
▫️Duel POV
▫️Newer to the Romance genre (like me!)
▫️Up to date references, believable day-to-day dialogue
▫️Real world setting
▫️And of course, supporting #indieauthors
November 12, 2022
I've been waiting for Denver's story since I read the first book in John's Sworn to Loathe You series and after meeting Sadie in Carpool Crush, I knew the two of them were meant to be together. This enemies to lovers book was full of great character chemistry, funny moments, and a plot that kept me engaged in the story.
I really enjoyed this sweet romance. Sadie has a chip on her shoulder from some past experiences and is determined to dislike charismatic and way too attractive Denver. When the two of them begin working for the same online dating company, they are forced to not only work together, but find themselves in some fake dating situations for the sake of the company. I loved the forced proximity/work place romance. The two were so cute, between their text messages and blunt honesty, I was hooked and cheering for them from the start. I loved the accidental sleepover and ways they showed up for each other. I also enjoyed that once Denver knew he genuinely liked Sadie, he was committed and there wasn’t unnecessary drama.
This is a clean romance with all the swoony vibes.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this sweet romance. Sadie has a chip on her shoulder from some past experiences and is determined to dislike charismatic and way too attractive Denver. When the two of them begin working for the same online dating company, they are forced to not only work together, but find themselves in some fake dating situations for the sake of the company. I loved the forced proximity/work place romance. The two were so cute, between their text messages and blunt honesty, I was hooked and cheering for them from the start. I loved the accidental sleepover and ways they showed up for each other. I also enjoyed that once Denver knew he genuinely liked Sadie, he was committed and there wasn’t unnecessary drama.
This is a clean romance with all the swoony vibes.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 17, 2025
I read this book first in this series. Maybe that’s why I didn’t like it very much, idk. I’ll have to read the others and see. I listened to the audio and I kinda wonder if that’s what was bad too. The voice actress just wasn’t good. #sorrynotsorry
November 5, 2022
3.5 stars. This started out super slow. And the dating/friend company they work for was a weird backdrop. But after about 35% in, I was hooked and read the rest of the book in one sitting.
January 4, 2024
A fun read! If you’re looking for some sassy and sarcastic characters, this is the book for you!
May 5, 2024
DENVER IS SUCH A GOLDEN RETRIEVER BF IM SCREAMING
August 7, 2023
Loved it. RTC
September 14, 2023
I will start this off by saying I read TWO books this week that didn't have the dreaded third act break up, and this was one of them! For those that are looking for more books like that, the other was The Co-op.
I'll follow that up with, I think I'm being a bit generous with this rating but I'm sticking with it.
First things first, this is a CLEAN romance. Not closed door, not pan out the window, but CLEAN. They kiss. That's all folks. Now I love a good clean romance, but good ones are hard to find because there's always some weird piece in them where they have to talk about why they aren't banging on page. It's always "I'm a football player who has been celibate for the last 5 years" and I'm like....but why did we even need to bring it up? It always feels a bit forced and a bit weird. But this book didn't even talk about it. Not only that, but it didn't make you think they WEREN'T gonna be banging. It just...wasn't part of the plot. Chef's kiss. Like there wasn't any weird celibacy or purity talk. We had other things to focus on in this plot.
Like enemies to lovers. My favorite. Like forced proximity. Also a favorite. Like they become best friends. I'm feral now, thanks.
This is book 3 in a series I have not read, so going into it there's a lot of backstory about why Sadie and Denver don't get along that you will miss out on if you start here. However, it is explained decently well so you kind of come into it like a new friend, like oh why don't these two get along? Rather than a roommate that lived with them and got to experience it in real time.
Sadie is mean, and closed off. Mood. Denver is an extrovert who flirts with everyone and everything, without even realizing it. And what's great about this book is they BOTH can't stand each other. It's not the typical "enemies" to lovers where they are mean to each other while quietly pining away. No, no. These two really don't like each other. And they bicker non-stop. Then eventually that bickering kind of becomes fun, and then they kind of become friends, and then they really become friends.
She's smart. She doesn't need him for literally anything. He's secret rich (or well off) and is honestly just looking to live his life and be happy.
Also, again, no third act breakup which could have totally been a thing but it wasn't! Not at all. And they communicate. And they have awkward moments where they have to share their feelings. Delightful.
I'll follow that up with, I think I'm being a bit generous with this rating but I'm sticking with it.
First things first, this is a CLEAN romance. Not closed door, not pan out the window, but CLEAN. They kiss. That's all folks. Now I love a good clean romance, but good ones are hard to find because there's always some weird piece in them where they have to talk about why they aren't banging on page. It's always "I'm a football player who has been celibate for the last 5 years" and I'm like....but why did we even need to bring it up? It always feels a bit forced and a bit weird. But this book didn't even talk about it. Not only that, but it didn't make you think they WEREN'T gonna be banging. It just...wasn't part of the plot. Chef's kiss. Like there wasn't any weird celibacy or purity talk. We had other things to focus on in this plot.
Like enemies to lovers. My favorite. Like forced proximity. Also a favorite. Like they become best friends. I'm feral now, thanks.
This is book 3 in a series I have not read, so going into it there's a lot of backstory about why Sadie and Denver don't get along that you will miss out on if you start here. However, it is explained decently well so you kind of come into it like a new friend, like oh why don't these two get along? Rather than a roommate that lived with them and got to experience it in real time.
Sadie is mean, and closed off. Mood. Denver is an extrovert who flirts with everyone and everything, without even realizing it. And what's great about this book is they BOTH can't stand each other. It's not the typical "enemies" to lovers where they are mean to each other while quietly pining away. No, no. These two really don't like each other. And they bicker non-stop. Then eventually that bickering kind of becomes fun, and then they kind of become friends, and then they really become friends.
She's smart. She doesn't need him for literally anything. He's secret rich (or well off) and is honestly just looking to live his life and be happy.
Also, again, no third act breakup which could have totally been a thing but it wasn't! Not at all. And they communicate. And they have awkward moments where they have to share their feelings. Delightful.
December 16, 2023
Sadie and Denver
Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, coworkers, fake dating,
Sadie’s sarcasm and wit is the literal best!
I loved this book from the very start. To be fair, I loved Sadie and Denver from Carpool Crush and I had high expectations. It absolutely did not disappoint!
I like how they slowly became friends, I love how Sadie tells him the things “he does wrong”. The things about him that annoyed Lauren from book 1, Sadie just calls him on it. They both had to make amusements and become vulnerable with each other.
This all was like kick my feel squealing, grinning, happy feels!
Dodgeball 🫠
The whole epilogue 🥰
Favorite moments (there’s too many to list but here are a few):
“Sadie actually raised my stress-levels just by being in the same room as me, but she wasn’t allowed to know that. She’d weaponize it. And then sell the recipe to other sadists.”
“We hired you for your creep-o-meter skills. Use them.””
“This was a hostage exchange.”
“How I could be so irritated and yet so attracted to her all the time? ALL THE TIME.”
“I’d missed eye contact with her, even the kind where her eyes were saying she wished I’d get pushed in front of a bus.”
“The Eye of Sauron. But lips. The Lips of Sauron.”
“You’re going to take my beautiful gesture and turn it into a war?””
Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, coworkers, fake dating,
Sadie’s sarcasm and wit is the literal best!
I loved this book from the very start. To be fair, I loved Sadie and Denver from Carpool Crush and I had high expectations. It absolutely did not disappoint!
I like how they slowly became friends, I love how Sadie tells him the things “he does wrong”. The things about him that annoyed Lauren from book 1, Sadie just calls him on it. They both had to make amusements and become vulnerable with each other.
This all was like kick my feel squealing, grinning, happy feels!
Dodgeball 🫠
The whole epilogue 🥰
Favorite moments (there’s too many to list but here are a few):
“Sadie actually raised my stress-levels just by being in the same room as me, but she wasn’t allowed to know that. She’d weaponize it. And then sell the recipe to other sadists.”
“We hired you for your creep-o-meter skills. Use them.””
“This was a hostage exchange.”
“How I could be so irritated and yet so attracted to her all the time? ALL THE TIME.”
“I’d missed eye contact with her, even the kind where her eyes were saying she wished I’d get pushed in front of a bus.”
“The Eye of Sauron. But lips. The Lips of Sauron.”
“You’re going to take my beautiful gesture and turn it into a war?””
October 19, 2022
So, so many moments were I did actually laugh out loud between Sadie and Denver. Dodgeball anyone!? So many funny moments with friends. So many times I highlighted a funny part or scene. I've always liked Denver when he popped up in the stories. Yeah! for him for finally getting his own HEA. Enemies to love is a favorite of mine and theirs was a good one. I enjoyed a pop culture reference thrown in and the author can really turn a phrase. My favorites "Those rare moments of connection with her were like flakes of gold in a miner's pan. I wanted to serach for more, even if the pursuit would leave me bankrupt." and "The Sadie whiplash." I liked seeing and reading about Sadie thawing and when we got to see her for real. As we learn about both of them I appreciated them more and liked them even more. Especially Sadie. I loved each of their internal dialogue. Lots of layers for these two and sweet moments. Tons of hilarious moments with those two. They were so good together. The romance is clean but still strong on the attraction and romance. Fantastic introduction and hints into the next story. I already like the guy and am intrigued with both of them. 3 thumbs up for the epilogue and bonus epilgoue!
October 21, 2022
Not Friends is a sweet rom com between Sadie and Denver. Sadie and Denver don’t see eye to eye and haven’t since when Sadie (and Jenny) were Denver’s temporary roommates. Now Sadie and Denver both have new jobs at the same company and are paired up together. Denver is a secret BFF for the company and to help maintain his cover Sadie pretends to be his date on these outings. Sadie thinks Denver is a total flirt and doesn’t have a serious bone in his body but slowly her initial impression of Denver changes as they spend more time together actually getting to know each other. Denver doesn’t know what it is about Sadie but she’s drawn him in and he wants to know everything about her but he knows she’s cautious and that gives him the time to rethink he’s own priorities.
I’ve always enjoyed the enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes and this one works really well especially since Sadie and Denver seem like such an unlikely couple at the beginning until you peel back their layers and realize that absolutely compliment each other. Not Friends is the 3rd book in @racheljohnwrites series and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
Thank you @racheljohnwrites for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
I’ve always enjoyed the enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes and this one works really well especially since Sadie and Denver seem like such an unlikely couple at the beginning until you peel back their layers and realize that absolutely compliment each other. Not Friends is the 3rd book in @racheljohnwrites series and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!
Thank you @racheljohnwrites for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
October 25, 2022
Romance level: kissing🔥.
Rachel did a masterpiece. Dislike w/attraction turned to not friends, to friends, to more😍.
I loved their banter & love-hate relationship! Their sarcasm & wit whenever they were together was epic! He was the sunshine & she was the grump!
It was so fun to see them be in tune w/each other & hate it. I really loved how he teased her, but when needed, he was her #1 supporter.
Those hugs & jaw kisses. Their first kiss was perfect 🔥 Their chemistry was so good. I loved how they talked about their boundaries & gained each other's trust. Their banter was everything 😂. The Lips of Sauron😂.
I loved how on point their communication was👌🏻. Their relationship flowed effortlessly & it was really cute! Loved how open they were to discuss the situation, their feelings & appreciate the other💙.
I loved their blunt moments! They were so precious. Also, No 3rd act break up! 🙌🏻. I loved the final scenes & the epilogue! I am so excited for what's to come w/ Rachel's books.
Favorite scenes:
🌮Tacos
👕T shirts
🧼Man soap
🐒Velcro monkeys
🛋️Stealth cuddling
👫🏻Maze
🤝🏻Hand holding
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
Rachel did a masterpiece. Dislike w/attraction turned to not friends, to friends, to more😍.
I loved their banter & love-hate relationship! Their sarcasm & wit whenever they were together was epic! He was the sunshine & she was the grump!
It was so fun to see them be in tune w/each other & hate it. I really loved how he teased her, but when needed, he was her #1 supporter.
Those hugs & jaw kisses. Their first kiss was perfect 🔥 Their chemistry was so good. I loved how they talked about their boundaries & gained each other's trust. Their banter was everything 😂. The Lips of Sauron😂.
I loved how on point their communication was👌🏻. Their relationship flowed effortlessly & it was really cute! Loved how open they were to discuss the situation, their feelings & appreciate the other💙.
I loved their blunt moments! They were so precious. Also, No 3rd act break up! 🙌🏻. I loved the final scenes & the epilogue! I am so excited for what's to come w/ Rachel's books.
Favorite scenes:
🌮Tacos
👕T shirts
🧼Man soap
🐒Velcro monkeys
🛋️Stealth cuddling
👫🏻Maze
🤝🏻Hand holding
🍁
* I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author. This doesn't influence in any form my review/opinion of the book*
May 14, 2025
Plot: Sadie has hated Denver for the last year. After watching him blow through girlfriends like they were candy, she was determined to never get close to him. When being paired together at their new job, this proves to be difficult. Should she be professional and suck it up, or let him know how she really feels? After having to complete some projects together outside of work hours, her heart softens and she learns more about him. Will it be enough to break the hatred? What will her friends, all his exes, think? Can she trust him with her heart? Can she trust herself with it?
What I liked: I liked that Denver really did try to show her his good side, even when he knew she wasn’t a fan. I also liked that they were able to get to know each other beyond their assumptions. Plus, the scene where he shows up just in case she needed someone? Loved it.
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like that she was so ready to just dismiss this guy without knowing him enough. I also didn’t like their coworkers spreading rumors. Like, come on, everyone is an adult. This isn’t high school
Swearing: none
Physical intimacy level: swoony, closed door
Star rating: 3 stars
Trope: workplace romance, best friends’ ex (kinda), he falls first, fake dating (kinda)
What I liked: I liked that Denver really did try to show her his good side, even when he knew she wasn’t a fan. I also liked that they were able to get to know each other beyond their assumptions. Plus, the scene where he shows up just in case she needed someone? Loved it.
What I didn’t like: I didn’t like that she was so ready to just dismiss this guy without knowing him enough. I also didn’t like their coworkers spreading rumors. Like, come on, everyone is an adult. This isn’t high school
Swearing: none
Physical intimacy level: swoony, closed door
Star rating: 3 stars
Trope: workplace romance, best friends’ ex (kinda), he falls first, fake dating (kinda)
October 26, 2022
Enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, but in a sweet way
The guy is willing but the girl is always "willfully misunderstanding" him. What starts as a "I hate his/her guts" is really an attraction that keeps increasing as they grow closer together and also learn about themselves too.
What I loved was the way they talked about the almost-kiss bluntly, maturely without drama. It was beautiful to see them open up and be honest not just with each other but also with self.
Finding the right person is so important to have a great life. Love will conquer all inhibitions and make life better.
Denver is so caring and affectionate. Passionate but still making sure that Sadie gets the space that she needs. Sadie in turn is slow to finally plunge in all. But once she realizes how much Denver is doing for her, she's the first to acknowledge her feelings.
I thought it was really nicely balanced. It's a lovely read.
The guy is willing but the girl is always "willfully misunderstanding" him. What starts as a "I hate his/her guts" is really an attraction that keeps increasing as they grow closer together and also learn about themselves too.
What I loved was the way they talked about the almost-kiss bluntly, maturely without drama. It was beautiful to see them open up and be honest not just with each other but also with self.
Finding the right person is so important to have a great life. Love will conquer all inhibitions and make life better.
Denver is so caring and affectionate. Passionate but still making sure that Sadie gets the space that she needs. Sadie in turn is slow to finally plunge in all. But once she realizes how much Denver is doing for her, she's the first to acknowledge her feelings.
I thought it was really nicely balanced. It's a lovely read.
September 4, 2025
3.5 stars.
I normally steer away from the books that feature a hero or heroine who had dated a lot, serially, or characters from previous installments of a series. However, the first two books of the series were such adorable surprises with just the right amount of angst without stupidity, that I decided to take a risk and read this one. I have to say that I think Rachel John is in the rare company of authors that I've read who can write this kind of character and still make him or her likable.
Sadie and Denver were well rounded characters and there wasn't any real OP drama. The details of the hero's past were also very sparse and it didn't seem like he was a just a serial casual dater. The two MCs were genuinely nice characters, and we also got to see characters from previous installments which was a nice treat. Overall, I'm going to continue with this series whenever I need a little pick me up. :)
I normally steer away from the books that feature a hero or heroine who had dated a lot, serially, or characters from previous installments of a series. However, the first two books of the series were such adorable surprises with just the right amount of angst without stupidity, that I decided to take a risk and read this one. I have to say that I think Rachel John is in the rare company of authors that I've read who can write this kind of character and still make him or her likable.
Sadie and Denver were well rounded characters and there wasn't any real OP drama. The details of the hero's past were also very sparse and it didn't seem like he was a just a serial casual dater. The two MCs were genuinely nice characters, and we also got to see characters from previous installments which was a nice treat. Overall, I'm going to continue with this series whenever I need a little pick me up. :)
October 27, 2022
(4.5 stars) - best of the series!
This grumpy-frenemies-to-friends-to-lovers is absolutely wonderful! The beginning takes some time to set things up, but once it got going, I couldn't put it down!
Sadie is still the cold-blooded, ego killer from the previous book, but we get to see inside her head now, & it makes her more accessible as well as sympathetic.
Denver is still the easy-going charmer, but we get to see inside his head, too, and he's not the superficial flirt he seems to be.
Watching the layers of barriers peel back between them is fun & fascinating - especially when they realize that they're actually pretty compatible in a complimentary way.
I've enjoyed the whole series so far, but watching the two of them find their way to each other across the huge gulf between them has been the best yet!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
This grumpy-frenemies-to-friends-to-lovers is absolutely wonderful! The beginning takes some time to set things up, but once it got going, I couldn't put it down!
Sadie is still the cold-blooded, ego killer from the previous book, but we get to see inside her head now, & it makes her more accessible as well as sympathetic.
Denver is still the easy-going charmer, but we get to see inside his head, too, and he's not the superficial flirt he seems to be.
Watching the layers of barriers peel back between them is fun & fascinating - especially when they realize that they're actually pretty compatible in a complimentary way.
I've enjoyed the whole series so far, but watching the two of them find their way to each other across the huge gulf between them has been the best yet!
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
November 1, 2022
The moment in Chapter 4 i read the line " I'm Sadie, I'm naturally suspicious, i like to people watch", i was bowled over because if i have to describe myself, that would be the tagline. The more i read the more i was intrigued because it was like i was reading bout myself. I have so much common with Sadie, it's uncanny. Always suspicious of people's motivation, always over thinking things and getting to a tragic ending in my mind. If the book was a few chapter longer, i wouldn't have minded at all because the way both Sadie and Denver were coming into terms with their relationship was beautifully portrayed. No extra drama, just two people who thought they hate each other coming together and realizing they are actually made for each other. In between get lots of funny bits from their work place. Just loved the book. And now i will keep a look out for my own Denver.
December 10, 2022
Denver and Sadie may have butted heads in the past but after some forced office proximity, they realize they have more in common than they thought—including a mutual attraction. It was such a delight to see each of their layers get peeled back, and watch annoyance and animosity disappear and be replaced with affection, admiration, and love.
I loved everything about this sweet rom-com! Spot on pacing, incredibly well-developed characters, witty dialogue, swoony romance, and a clever & engaging story.
Read if you enjoy:
💛 grumpy (her) sunshine (him)
💛 enemies to friends to lovers
💛 forced proximity
💛 office romance
💛 dual POV
💛 office dodgeball
💛 parrots with quite a vocabulary
💛 slow burn and great chemistry
💛 closed door romance
💛 character growth arc
💛 no unnecessary drama or angst
Many thanks to the author for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
I loved everything about this sweet rom-com! Spot on pacing, incredibly well-developed characters, witty dialogue, swoony romance, and a clever & engaging story.
Read if you enjoy:
💛 grumpy (her) sunshine (him)
💛 enemies to friends to lovers
💛 forced proximity
💛 office romance
💛 dual POV
💛 office dodgeball
💛 parrots with quite a vocabulary
💛 slow burn and great chemistry
💛 closed door romance
💛 character growth arc
💛 no unnecessary drama or angst
Many thanks to the author for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
February 10, 2023
Rom-Com at its finest!
For those that love spice, this is not for you. But for me, this was perfect!
At first, I didn't like where it was headed, since Denver had a gf and I don't like cheating. But they broke up pretty early on and he and Sadie had a sweet slow burn romance.
From enemies, to coworkers, to frenemies, to friends, to finally dating! He had to break down her walls, get to know her, and earn her trust and he did that in the best possible way. Never once hurting her or pushing his own needs.
For Denver, his friends made him see that going casual wasn't for him and he learned Sadie may just be the girl he's been waiting for! Poor guy had been pin ponged along throughout this series but he finally found, in Sadie, a girl that wanted him and only him and...it made me swoon 😍
Absolutely loved it! Hope there is more to come!
For those that love spice, this is not for you. But for me, this was perfect!
At first, I didn't like where it was headed, since Denver had a gf and I don't like cheating. But they broke up pretty early on and he and Sadie had a sweet slow burn romance.
From enemies, to coworkers, to frenemies, to friends, to finally dating! He had to break down her walls, get to know her, and earn her trust and he did that in the best possible way. Never once hurting her or pushing his own needs.
For Denver, his friends made him see that going casual wasn't for him and he learned Sadie may just be the girl he's been waiting for! Poor guy had been pin ponged along throughout this series but he finally found, in Sadie, a girl that wanted him and only him and...it made me swoon 😍
Absolutely loved it! Hope there is more to come!
October 25, 2022
Really enjoyed this enemies to lovers Romance! Sadie and Denver had known each other a while and never seemed to get along. In fact, they kinda fought like cats and dogs. But after they both started working for the same company and were paired together as partners, all bets were off.
I loved seeing the progression of their friendship and eventual relationship. The way they both started to let their guards down and take a chance on each other. They had so many great moments and I loved how they ended up together. The brutal honestly and blunt nature of both Sadie and Denver was refreshing and left little room for misinterpreting things. The scene when they both admit that they love each other was one of my favorites!
I really enjoyed both characters and I loved how they got along together. The epilogue was especially cute! If you’re in the mood for a quick to read sweet romance with great chemistry between the main characters this is a very good choice!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved seeing the progression of their friendship and eventual relationship. The way they both started to let their guards down and take a chance on each other. They had so many great moments and I loved how they ended up together. The brutal honestly and blunt nature of both Sadie and Denver was refreshing and left little room for misinterpreting things. The scene when they both admit that they love each other was one of my favorites!
I really enjoyed both characters and I loved how they got along together. The epilogue was especially cute! If you’re in the mood for a quick to read sweet romance with great chemistry between the main characters this is a very good choice!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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