The Alphahole's Guide to Marrying Your Enemy

by Piper Marlowe

My best friend's little sister is an infuriating, cantankerous, pretentious do-gooder who thinks me making a billion before I hit 30 means I'm a filthy, unethical robber baron—and she lets me know it every time she sees me.
The fact that she's a sexy little minx notwithstanding, I wouldn't date her if she was the last woman on Earth. As a matter of fact, I've repeatedly fantasized about shipping her to Mars.
But first, I need to get my mother to sell me her pigeon-plagued abandoned warehouse in Brooklyn so I can flip it into luxury lofts. And the only way to get her to sell it to me is to prove I have a soul.
So I'm going to marry my best friend's bleeding-heart little sister, and once I get that building, I can pretend she lives on another planet.
Just...one more hate-boink, for the road. And another on the road. And another. And another.
How many times can two people hate-fonk before they stop hating each other?
I think I'm finding out.
----
Check out the other two books in the How to Marry a Billionaire
The Billionaire's Guide to the Marriage Deal
The Playboy's Guide to the Fake Fiancee

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2022

About the author

Piper Marlowe is an absolute legend, if you know where to look. And trust us, you don’t.

For national security reasons, her identity is a secret. As a matter of fact, there’s a good chance that at this very moment, she’s undercover, speaking with a bad Lithuanian accent to a bunch of shady characters. She can neither confirm nor deny that she’s writing ultra-fun, uber-witty, hot-darn-sexy romance to distract from the stress of her current clandestine operation.

Or maybe romance writing is the cover for a cover?

She could tell you, but then she’d have to…you know. That.

Encrypted burner email: piper.marlowe.books [at] gmail

Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon / Amazon Worldwide

Max really needs his mom to sell him this warehouse that he wants to turn into luxury condos. But she won't sell it to him unless he can prove he's trying to become spiritually whole. Who better to ask fake marry him than the one woman he hates, Sydney, his best friend's little sister. The annoyingly do-gooder who looks down upon money and power hungry billionaires like himself. But his mom approves of her, so she's perfect. He'll get his building then divorce her and everything will go back to the way it should be. Right...

Sydney genuinely cannot stand her brother Easton's best friend Max. When he asks her for a marriage of convenience so he can get his money grubbing hands on a building, she should say no. But he'll find an investor for her best friend's new technology, so she says yes. She just has to make sure she doesn't kill him before she can divorce him. Or fall in love with him...

Funny, witty, and so freaking hot! I loved this enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience rom com. Sydney and Max truly cannot stand each other, are of diametrically opposed beliefs, yet, you just knew all that animosity was easily going to turn into something definitely not hate. And as it did, I was cheering them on and fanning myself. I loved both of them - Sydney with her fierce determination to do some good in the world, sassy and funny as hell, and Max, snarky, money grubbing but disguising a heart of gold, but only for his friends and the woman he ends up falling for. I can't wait to read Sydney's friend Kellie's story, I hope it's next!



ARC provided by Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.

Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max/Sydney
Best friend's sister
hate each other
She tries to make up for being born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
Journalist
Trying to help her best friend get her dream into reality
He needs a piece of property his mother owns.
Just asking isn't enough because his mother isn't swayed by business.
He asks Sydney to be his fake wife to help convince his mother he's changed and he offers to get her in touch with the right investor for her best friend.
Neither one of them expects to like the other. Or to be as attracted as they are.
The proximity they are forced into forces them to see each other in a whole new light.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Max and Sydney's story. The last of the trio to finally get love and HEA. I loved the chemistry between them even though they hate each other. But they've mistaken it as hate. It's more like sexual tension, just brewing between them. And I loved their banter, it was so entertaining. I had so mcuh fun reading, not only, their story but all the three couple's stories.

[Luckylovesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Max is kinda gross, not going to lie.

[Aminah Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm going to convert it into condos. It won't be the same bird-shit palace it is now."

My first book from this author, and I'm sure it won't be my last! This was a fun little rom-com to read and I really loved Max in particular. Max is your regular super rich billionaire who apparently has no care for the little guys. His POV is hilarious to read though and it's obvious that underneath it all, he is actually a softie.

"The best part of being me is I hire people to do all the cooking and washing."

And whilst Sydney also comes from the same type of family, she's constantly trying to prove that she doesn't take all the money for granted, and is out fighting everyone else's causes.

"Sydney's animus is cleansing your aura of toxicity. It's so wonderful. I could cry."

When Max's so L.A. mum gives him an ultimatum, he's forced to proposition Sydney into a fake marriage, in order to get what he wants. Reading his thought process whilst getting to that stage was hilarious, you could practically see the cogs turning. I loved that these two genuinely did hate each other, because it made him having to ask even funnier.

"No. Lyft. I always use Lyft,"...
"That's my major competitor."
"Why do you think I use it?"

And big bonus points for their bickering and chemistry feeling natural! I could totally imagine them arguing and interacting in real life. Plus, I love how because this was done as a comedy, neither character came off as annoying. Max could've easily come off as annoyingly arrogant, and Sydney too argumentative and trying to push for a cause. Instead you couldn't help but laugh at Max and see where Sydney was coming from, especially when she recounts the story of her aunty.

My only real downside was that although you could feel the chemistry and feelings building, I think them 'falling in love' happened a bit too quickly and maybe could've have taken longer to develop. Plus, I would've liked to have seen more of Sydney actually working... we know that she's a journalist and do see a little of her work life, but I think given her character, it would've made sense to see more of it. But this was still really enjoyable - 4.3* for me. I'm definitely going back to check out the other stories for some of the side characters in this. Dylan and Easton made me laugh, and I can imagine them being similar to Max in their own books.

"It's my wedding day, asshole, not junior high graduation."
"So, you don't want any bourbon?"...
"Did I say that? Give it to me."

Also looking forward to Kelly getting a book as she seemed like she was going to have her own story!

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

TAGTMYE can be read as a complete standalone. But I would recommend reading Dylan, and then Easton's books first for a more enjoyable reading experience.

[Just Love books · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn’t anything that Max wouldn’t do to get his hands on the building that he wants, even if it means proving to his hippy dippy mother that he has a soul or his charka’s are in alignment or whatever else nonsense that she claims that she needs in order to sell him the building… and what better way to prove to Maryann that he can love something other than money than to get married… well fake married really and Sydney is just the girl for the job, after all there is absolutely no way that he would ever fall for the one woman in New York that hates his guts… right?

..

This is quite easily the best book in the entire series, I just loved getting to see these two complete opposites falling for each other as they faked their way through their marriage. The enemies to lovers trope is an all time favourite of mine and Marlowe has truly out done herself with this book, if you ask me this was the best way to end this hilarious reformed playboy billionaire series.

..

Both main characters were amazing, I loved getting to see them banter and poke at each other only to be slowly falling in love. Sydney was such a kick butt leading lady, I loved that she was so different from all the cookie cutter society ladies and that she actually wanted to make a difference in the world. I just loved getting to see her unwrap all the layers to Max and really find that he was this closeted softie.

..

Max was just the perfect playboy that gets slapped with love and I just ate this up! I just loved getting to see him interact with his mother and all of her hippy dippy beliefs, really Maryann was just a hoot with all of her wacky requirements. I really liked that in a big way Maryann was the one to help Max find his happiness with Sydney.

..

This is the final instalment in the Guide’s series and let me just tell you this was the best way to tie together one of the most hilariously cute billionaire series that I have read. The Alphahole’s Guide To Marrying The Enemy is a definite must read!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alphahole's Guide to Marrying Your Enemy is the third book in the fun and sexy rom-com series by Piper Marlowe. This book does pretty well as a complete stand alone but personally I think that it is at its best after reading the other two books in the series.

After finishing book 2, The Playboy's Guide to the Fake Fiancee, I couldn't wait for Max Anderson and Sydney Taylor's story. I love Sydney's snarky character and just how she rebels against being a New York City socialite in every way she possibly can. She's intelligent and quick witted creating some really fun banter between her and Max- a guy that while he may be one of her brothers best friends, she absolutely cannot stand him. And that feeling is pretty mutual for Max as well. Max is a womanizing asshole and only cares about adding to his already ridiculous fortune.

Again, Piper Marlowe has brought humor, heat and fun to every page of this story. Max and Sydney are complete opposites in their beliefs and goals in life. They clash in so many ways that it was a miracle that Max was able to convince her to marry him in the first place- but that just meant more hilarious banter and barbs for me to enjoy. And while these two might fantasize about how to get rid of one another there is layers of chemistry and heat between these two that simmered for a long while before they actually acted on it.

While I didn't love this story as much as I did the others in the series, I still enjoyed the journey and felt like Max and Sydney together and all the drama, manipulation, chemistry and ultimately love to get them to their unconventional HEA was perfect for who they are.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney and Max were an enjoyable couple to read. So often in enemies-to-lovers there is a switch that flips and suddenly they realize they could be into each other and start acting nicer toward one another. This one, even at the very end they sling insults and barbs at each other, just with more affection and less vitriol.

I thought the justification behind actually, legally getting married was a bit thin and their City Hall “ceremony” should have raised a billion red flags, and the fact that it was just shrugged off by the staff never sat right with me. I feel like someone should have questioned Sydney’s willing participation despite appearing to be there of her own free will. As funny as the “vows” were I struggle to believe that no one questioned or tried to refuse the marriage. Otherwise, I didn’t have an issue with the marriage of convenience, fake relationship plot.

Both characters were interesting, flawed people and basically the opposite sides of the same coin. While Max was obsessed with making money and having more, Sydney was determined to turn her back on her family money and was basically the very picture of angry feminist without being too over the top with it. Their combined personal development was only minimally based on the other person and they each had the building blocks for it already.

Overall, The Alphahole’s Guide to Marrying the Enemy is a fun, easy rom com with some steamy sex scenes, a little depth, and enjoyable characters. I’ll definitely be going back and reading the first two books in the series when I need something light and fun.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Piper Marlow's The Alphahole's Guide to Marrying Your Enemy, I enjoyed the characters, Max and Sydney and their back and forth. They were a great enemies to lovers couple, that differed on many issues, mostly because Max was determined to be a jerk to pretty much everyone and hide his good points. While Piper the complete opposite along with being his best friend's little sister.
Max just wants to live his life the way he wants to, he doesn't want his mother and her woo woo personality to try and force him to be someone he's not. Unfortunately he needs her to sell him an abandoned warehouse so he can build new condos there. So when his mother refuses on the basis that buildings have souls he doesn't know what to do to convince her, and he soon finds out she needs to see him on a path to spiritual awareness, whatever that means. But after he runs into his best friend, Easton's little sister, Sydney he comes up with a brilliant plan to convince his mother, he just needs to convince Sydney to marry him for a bit...
Sydney hates Max with a passion, they've never gotten along and she thinks he's an ass. So when he proposes a deal, literally, that will benefit both of them she doesn't know what to think. While she'd rather not have to spend any more time with him than necessary she knows that her friends and their biomedical upstart company needs his help to get funding. So she reluctantly agrees to his proposal to get married, Sydney just didn't expect for more to passion to come from their constant fighting...

[Persephone-L17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Sydney are mortal enemies. Completely opposite poles. Maxwell Anderson is an arrogant prick, a businessman, who knows he's handsome as hell and he always gets what he wants. However, if he wants his luxury condo business to prosper, he needs to convince his mother to sell him a property that she owns, and the only way to convince her is to get married. And Sydney seems to be the key to making his plans come true. Instead, Sydney wants to help her best friend find an investor for her technology project, so a marriage of convenience may be the best solution for both of them even if they don't tolerate each other. They soon realize that physical attraction and mutual hatred can be a dangerous, powerful and unexpected combination.

After taking a break I think it was an excellent choice to restart my reading habits with this book. It's fun, entertaining and I really enjoyed the evolution that the characters showed both individually and as a couple. Max is the one who in my opinion had the greatest development, since at first he was perceived as someone egocentric but as the pages progress you realize that he has a heart. Sydney is a woman with a tough character, she only softens with her little niece. However, Max manages to break down her walls and win her over. I liked that both manage to work as a team, joining forces for a good cause. So now you know, if you are looking for an entertaining read, this book is a very good option.

***𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰***

[Curtis E Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper Marlow seems to have a gift for pulling on the heart strings, the hamstrings, the laugh strings and the WTF strings at just the right time. While the title may be long (The Alphahole's Guide to Marrying The Enemy) I can definitely say, it fits the bill just right. If you have been involved with reading any of the prior stories, you can understand the Alphahole part…for sure.

Yet, with each story, I have discovered that what is perceived on the front side may not actually be what is real on the backside. Thus is life, and in love there are no clear paths to happiness. Especially when that path involves two enemies like Max and Sydney. But as we all know, “ there’s a thin line…” and boy howdy do these two blur that line.

Piper definitely has the knack for working all the angles and I found myself laughing out loud one moment and deep in contemplation the next. She is that good at pulling the feels. While Max and Syd may be sworn enemies, when the heart is true to friends, family and passions anything is possible. HEA’s anyone? Of course what good is a heartwarming story without some added support from the parental parties…meddling for those that know no better…LOL.

All in all this is a great story and definitely one that rolls true with the prior stories and characters in the series. Great job Piper and this story is worth all the stars I can give.

Now, on to the next adventure!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s characters.

Max is in a difficult situation. He has promised his investors his mother’s graffiti ridden building to turn into condos. But she is holding back until he proves his worth. So he comes up with a lame idea to marry his best friends little sister. If he doesn’t kill him for it.

Sydney’s friend needs an investor and she will do anything for her friend. Even marry her nemesis. But what will happen when this blows up in their face? Because we know this is a recipe for disaster.

I did enjoy this read. The delivery was spot on and the characters are fun and energetic. Max is the perfect example of a alpha man who is protective of what is his. And Sydney is a spitfire and pushes for what she wants.

Overall this book is your classic enemies to lovers genre. It was a page turner of activity and flowed nicely. It had a great mix of fun, romance and heartbreak. I thought the ending felt off a bit, like there should have been more to it. But other than that it was an excellent read.

[Kayla C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the previous book, The Playboy’s Guide to the Fake Fiancée, and wanted to love this one as much. Unfortunately, I found this story a bit lackluster. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes but I think this book missed a lot of the steps that move a couple from enemies to lovers, and gave me some whiplash as I was left wondering how we went from A to Z so fast. I did enjoy their interactions, and the fact that we start to discover more and more about the characters beyond their initial appearances. Their developing motivations, particularly in Max’s case, kept me interested in the story, and I liked their characterizations and personality quirks. There is a bit of humor, a bit of good karma, some good old-fashioned jealousy and a couple misunderstandings that make moments of the book pop out more than others. Overall, I did enjoy this book, but I found a lot of jumps in the build-up to the relationship and felt like I missed out on key moments. I was left with the sense that while Max and Sydney are a good pairing, some of their story was left untold.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max was raised in an affluent lifestyle and his primary concern is increasing his wealth which doesn’t sit well with his mother. He wants to develop a building she owns but she wants something from him in return which is how he finds himself marrying his best friend’s sister who infuriates him like no one else.

Marrying her brother’s best friend was not on Sydney’s to do list however she will do anything for those she cares about and that includes an arranged marriage with Max. She expected them to spar during each and every conversation but the one thing she hadn’t expected was the chemistry between them.

Sydney and Max were so humorous together as they had a way of knowing exactly what to do or say to get the other to react and the outcome is sure to bring a smile to your face. Their differences is what made them perfect for each other and the feelings they had for each other proved to be undeniable.

[Sharon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one funny book. But even more so than that it was extremely well written with some fabulous characters to boot.
Max and Sydney come from the same privileged world but are so completely different to one another. Max is all about the next deal he can conquer and proudly boasts that he never loses. Sydney on the other hand just wants to help any and everyone who are less fortunate than herself. And on paper these two are so total opposites and a relationship between the pair should never work. But boy it so does. Once they stopped fighting against each other feelings quickly developed and it made for some wonderful reading.
I am fairly certain this is my first book by this author but after finishing this story it definitely won’t be the last. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Read.Review.Repeat Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is one funny book. But even more so than that it was extremely well written with some fabulous characters to boot.
Max and Sydney come from the same privileged world but are so completely different to one another. Max is all about the next deal he can conquer and proudly boasts that he never loses. Sydney on the other hand just wants to help any and everyone who are less fortunate than herself. And on paper these two are so total opposites and a relationship between the pair should never work. But boy it so does. Once they stopped fighting against each other feelings quickly developed and it made for some wonderful reading.
I am fairly certain this is my first book by this author but after finishing this story it definitely won’t be the last. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book."

[Candice from cair_paraval_chronicles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book three in the series and can be read as a stand alone.
I have only read this book in the series.

Trope: Enemies to lovers, billionaire romance, fake marriage

The story started off with tension and wonderful witty dialogue between the the 2 characters; Max and Sydney, and very suddenly they were faking a marriage. I would have loved a bit more tension between them and felt it was a little bit rushed.
I did not really follow Sydney's character as both come from rich families, but she often showed surprise about the rich life style Max leads.

The slow burn led to some real hot times!

In saying that this was a quick read and I guess a perfect vacation read.


ARC provided for an honest review.

[Imari McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series.
It didn't disappoint either. Max and Sydney's banter was absolutely funny.
Their marriage started as a convince for the both of them. They were both looking to attain business ventures. But sometimes that hate turns into love.

Sydney is Max befriend little sister. Sydney is a strong confident woman who loathes max Arrogant ways.
They always say opposites attract. Thest two absolutely did with their crazy hot chemistry.
I can't wait to see if the other characters get books as well

I received an Arc copy of this book and I am Voluntarily leaving this review.

[Amanda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, light-hearted funny romance read. It pulled you in right from the start, the characters were hilarious in their own ways....and I say that because each one has their own issues for deciding to join forces. And, while Max is the typical billionaire, he is genuinely a good guy. Then we have Sydney, she knows what she wants and is a go-getter and do-gooder. It was hilarious to read Max's inner monologs, and the dynamic relationship they have together is priceless. Throughout the book, we get laughs, the romance which is hot, and a storyline that's entertaining and a page-turner. Most definitely a great rom/com for anyone looking for that.

[Christine Fass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been dying to read more about Sydney since we first met her in The Billionaire's guide to the Marriage Deal. I love Sydney's drive and desire to work hard and make her own way. Max is the perfect challenge for her, they come from the same world but have gone in completely different directions. Max's mom is really annoying but in a motherly way. Max and Sydney enter the same type of arrangement as her brother Easton and his wife Pheobe but they naively think that they will be able to walk away...that's adorable. I really liked Max and Sydney's chemistry and I loved how they actually leared a lot about themselves by pushing each other.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is a smart business man who knows what he wants. Right now he happens to want a certain building. Sydney also knows what she wants and it’s not Max. But you scratch my back…I scratch your back, turns into a marriage of convenience. Marriage of convenience turns into hot chemistry and a undeniable connection. These two were destined to be together if they liked it or not….good thing they end up liking it! This was a cute read with funny banter and a great layered story. This is a fun series and I’m enjoying each book.

[Lady M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, enemies to lovers is not my favorite. In fact, I just read one that wasn't great, so I was initially not anxious to start this one. But I've loved the other 2 books in the series, so I tried to keep an open mind. I should not have hesitated! This is why so many people love this trope. Great characters that have redeeming qualities, fun banter, and sexy times. I loved how max slowly, almost accidentally evolved. This whole series was fun, and I can't wait for more from this author.

[V. Lashan Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun Romance! Loved it!

Sydney and Max’s story was a fun read!

This was a fun read with good character development. I absolutely LOVED the hilarious banter!

Hilariously funny with erotic romantic, there is nothing better!

No spoilers with my review! This is a must read for 2022!

Overall I give this book 4 golden stars ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[Ann Olsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frenemies to lovers

Can Max and Sydney convince his mother they're really in love, especially since they can barely stand being in the same room? Will Max hold up his end of the bargain or will he walk away when things begin to collapse? Will either one of them admit how they truly feel?
I enjoyed reading this conclusion for the series.

[Billie Skye (The Paperback Princess) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playful and laugh-out-loud funny, The Alphahole’s Guide to Marrying Your Enemy is an absolute delight! I adored the banter between Max and Sydney, and their chemistry was perfection. An all-around enjoyable rom-com that I highly recommend.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and Sydney can't stand each other and would never marry each other even if they were the last people on Earth but you know what they say ... never say never. The Alphahole's Guide to Marrying Your Enemy is a fun rom com bursting with banter, humor and heat that will put a smile on your face!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting, fun and so hard to put down romantic journey. Really enjoyed this highly entertaining, action packed and emotionally thrilling romantic adventure filled with witty and engaging charters and hard to resist laugh out loud moments.

[Nichol Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Marlowe's writing style really draws you in. They perfected the banter between Max and Sydney. I was 10000% invested through the very last page. I liked that regardless of how they changed as people or how their relationship with eachother changed they never lost the banter *chef's kiss* This will definitely be a re-read book for me.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining one in this series.

Max and Syd felt like two sides of a coin.

I enjoyed reading this book as much as the other two.

Hoping for an extended epilogue of these 3 pairs 😁

[Marcela Palacios · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max was an asshole but I liked him haha. Sydney was an amazing character too.