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Just One Word
He’s the guy she loves to hate. Emma Lindsor is a whipsmart, coffee-addicted, Austen-reading book snob, and she won't apologize for it. Not even when she's forced to appear on a panel of writers with her archnemesis, loudmouth Aidan Maxwell, a wildly successful bestseller thanks to his lowbrow crime thrillers. His books outsell hers by millions, but even though he's the hottest thing in bookstores, Emma loathes everything he stands pretentious leather jackets, movie star good looks, shallow celebrity. And his books! Shudder . Car chases? Explosions? Blonde bombshell detectives? So gross. But Emma is finally on the verge of everything she's ever all she needs for her new book to become The Next Big Thing is for New York's most respected critic, Luther Van Dijk, to give it his stamp of approval. Maybe then her famous mother will take Emma's writing career seriously. One big Aidan Maxwell blocks her at every turn. And the more they fight, the more she realizes that there's more to Aidan than a distractingly handsome face. As their paths keep crossing and sparks fly, can they see past their hardwired ideas to star in a love story all their own? This laugh-out-loud story is the feel-good romance you've been waiting for. Grab your copy today and fall in love with Emma and Aidan! ***** 5 Stars! Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite romance tropes but so few authors can pull it off successfully. This one totally succeeds! Needless to say, this is on my list of re-readables, but it's also on my short list for Best of 2019! -Vibliophile, reviewer Previously titled Falling For Her Foe
243 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2022
63 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 26, 2025
Ok, truthfully, it doesn't deserve 5 stars, and I'll explain why in a minute.
But I really loved the story. I was so drawn in by Emma's journey, in particular, and Aiden and Emma's relationship development. Something about Melanie Jacobson's writing really resonates with me. I really felt this story, despite its imperfections.
So, some of the writing was uneven but the biggest, WORST thing was her depiction of the criminal justice system. After all that discussion about nuances and layers in people, and then defendants are just "bad guys," and plea bargains are just a loophole for criminals to get away with evil. Just. No.
But I really loved the story. I was so drawn in by Emma's journey, in particular, and Aiden and Emma's relationship development. Something about Melanie Jacobson's writing really resonates with me. I really felt this story, despite its imperfections.
So, some of the writing was uneven but the biggest, WORST thing was her depiction of the criminal justice system. After all that discussion about nuances and layers in people, and then defendants are just "bad guys," and plea bargains are just a loophole for criminals to get away with evil. Just. No.
August 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. It’s not quite as memorable as some of Melanie’s other books, but I still loved it. I loved the glimpse into the author world with the general fiction vs. literary fiction face-off.
—I loved as they became friends and were trying to help each other become better writers. She helps him and he helps her finish the projects they’re working on, and it’s so fun to see.
—Loved their meet-not-so-cute at the author’s panel. It’s like enemies to lovers, except he doesn’t know they’re enemies. 😂
—I loved as they became friends and were trying to help each other become better writers. She helps him and he helps her finish the projects they’re working on, and it’s so fun to see.
—Loved their meet-not-so-cute at the author’s panel. It’s like enemies to lovers, except he doesn’t know they’re enemies. 😂
August 26, 2024
A good look behind the scenes of creative writing process and philosophies
Overall it was a good book that may illustrate the competing philosophical styles discussed in the book. It was a book that for some reason the Author felt compelled to write. It was entertaining and informative but as frustrating to read at times as the two protagonists found their potential relationship was to get off the ground. The book was quite different from Melanie Jacobson’s books of late but did have in common that it is well written.
Overall it was a good book that may illustrate the competing philosophical styles discussed in the book. It was a book that for some reason the Author felt compelled to write. It was entertaining and informative but as frustrating to read at times as the two protagonists found their potential relationship was to get off the ground. The book was quite different from Melanie Jacobson’s books of late but did have in common that it is well written.
October 8, 2024
I think I read it before…and love it again.
I’m a firm believer that not every HEA is worthy of being a true HEA, but I have found that Melanie Jacobson definitely knows how to do one well, even when the reader feels frustrated and undone in places, like this story offers. I love the element of unspoken strength in someone who knows themselves, even their weaknesses, and the “finding oneself” in discovering that weaknesses aren’t all bad.
I’m a firm believer that not every HEA is worthy of being a true HEA, but I have found that Melanie Jacobson definitely knows how to do one well, even when the reader feels frustrated and undone in places, like this story offers. I love the element of unspoken strength in someone who knows themselves, even their weaknesses, and the “finding oneself” in discovering that weaknesses aren’t all bad.
October 3, 2025
Emma is simply unlikeable. Her disdain and dislike of anything tied to what she considers "popular fiction" is grating at best and off putting at worst. Aiden is a much more likeable character, but way too forgiving of her attitude and meanness, especially given his relationship with his ex-wife. Emma doesn't really seem much different.
April 18, 2023
An interesting look into the world of authors, and their struggles and enjoyments with the process of writing a book. The main characters are both intriguing and lovable, the story line is eventful and thought provoking. The romance was nice and the ending was sweet.
July 16, 2024
Yowzah!
I have been a fan of M. Jacobson for a long time. I wasn't sure about this story at first but Emma and Aiden made me believe that a real love can truly exist if you have the will and patience to see through the layers for one another. Thank you for writing this one!
I have been a fan of M. Jacobson for a long time. I wasn't sure about this story at first but Emma and Aiden made me believe that a real love can truly exist if you have the will and patience to see through the layers for one another. Thank you for writing this one!
December 8, 2024
Sweet, feel good RomCom
This was short and sweet. I loved the beginning as she introduced the characters and it was interesting to read about the author perspective from each MC. It was cozy and feel good.
This was short and sweet. I loved the beginning as she introduced the characters and it was interesting to read about the author perspective from each MC. It was cozy and feel good.
October 13, 2025
Insightful book!
I don’t often go back and reread books because I have so many on my TBR list. But, I really appreciated this re-read. I forgot how much I liked the tension and character development!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I don’t often go back and reread books because I have so many on my TBR list. But, I really appreciated this re-read. I forgot how much I liked the tension and character development!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 20, 2023
Liked it. Would probably re-read
Parental guidance: very clean. No sex or drugs.
Parental guidance: very clean. No sex or drugs.
April 20, 2024
Super fun read! I loved the fact that the two main characters are authors and everything that brought to the story. Thoroughly enjoyed this one!
June 13, 2025
Just one word
I really enjoyed Emma and Aidan's sweet story. Both of them authors but with very different writing styles. After a rough start they realize they can be nice to each other. It was a fun path to a HEA. Very enjoyable book.
I really enjoyed Emma and Aidan's sweet story. Both of them authors but with very different writing styles. After a rough start they realize they can be nice to each other. It was a fun path to a HEA. Very enjoyable book.
November 6, 2023
a thinking one
As advertised, a sweet, thoughtful romance. The HEA is awesome and the book called out to writers. I’m probably crazy, but I liked best that Emerson was a bit feminist about things.
As advertised, a sweet, thoughtful romance. The HEA is awesome and the book called out to writers. I’m probably crazy, but I liked best that Emerson was a bit feminist about things.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews