Acacia Ashley has one love: the written word. Specifically the rich, earthy, prose of Mr. Ernest Hemingway. Her love for Hemingway goes so deep that she opened a bar in his honor. Every year in July she plays host to Hemingway Days in Candy Cane Key, and every year she has to stay on guard in case Edwin Wheeler decides once again to find a way to ruin the solemnity of the occasion.
Edwin Wheeler doesn't care about books or old men, but the sea? The sea is where he spends his days in search of the almighty dollar. But when he grows bored of plying tourists with fruity drinks, he’s often found needling the resident bookworm, Acacia. She's hated him ever since the incident four years ago. Why does getting a rise out of her give him a bit of a rise as well?
When the bell tolls signaling approaching stormy weather that threatens both of their businesses, the pair realizes a farewell to arms may be the best way to avoid a dangerous summer.
MAN OF THE MONTH CLUB is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two) every month. In 2023, escape to Candy Cane Key, Florida, and celebrate All the Holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious Paradise Men. Can’t wait to see you there!
Most of these are always written in third person, as if the author isn't the one actually writing them. So, I'm going to be a rule-breaker and write it in first person instead. I'm a native Chicagoan, vegetarian, and lover of big words. I randomly burst out into song, and have been known to carry on entire conversations (with those worthy of the challenge) in song lyrics. The same can also be said for movie quotes. I'm quirky, sarcastic, I've been told at times I can be a bit esoteric, but overall I'd rather be dancing in the rain than waiting for the storm to pass.
And I LOVE connecting with people- so go on, hit the "friend" button. :)
Can I give this book 10 stars? This was a short, sweet and sexy story - actually I say that about a lot of books but this one is all that AND more because it's also funny, intelligent, and almost poetic. Ms Sanders is an amazing writer! It's perfect for me because I prefer books that are not too long (who has time to finish so many novels in today's busy world?), or too heart wrenching or I will end up crying too much (panda and puffy eyes are a no thank you).
Edwin and Acacia run a boating business and a bar respectively, see each other every day (a few times a day even?) and in his mother's words, have been "tap dancing" around each other for many years. They knew each other for 5 years, and then "THE INCIDENT" happened and 5 years later they're still at odds. Until they realize just why they disliked each other so much. I enjoyed the push and pull as their relationship developed and the witty banter between these 2. There is a HEA and no cliffhanger.
I really liked this book for the: - Literary references - I'm not that huge of a Lit nerd but it made for a very interesting read - Cheesy and witty puns - Amazing banter and chemistry between characters - Interesting and intricately woven plot - lots of pleasant surprises (not so much shocking plot twists, well maybe with Asher as the exception) - Entertaining side characters (I need to read Felicity and Klaus's story next)
Above all, Ms Sanders is a wonderful storyteller. This story is so well written, lighthearted, full of laughs, tickles your intellect and has just the right amount of smuttiness. I felt like it's an Ali Hazelwood kind of novel where the characters are smart women, and there is engaging conversation between the characters. I also enjoy reading the Mea Culpa section, the background stories, even if it's to say it's lacking, is always very interesting.
This was my second book from Ms Sanders, the first being Beard on Tap, a while ago - I went to look for that book and then ended up re-reading the entire thing and now I also have a whole list of books from Ms Sanders that I need to catch up on lol.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful!! I really enjoyed this book! This one was a bit longer than my usual ones I like to read, but that's not why I am giving it 4*! The author references other characters from several of her other books, it got a little confusing.
Edwin and Acacia met five years ago, they are enemies. One night when Edwin had a boat full of women he was coming into dock and one of the women flashed everyone they throw up. On that same night Acacia was having her annual Hemingway Day at her bar. They had just put the wreath in the ocean when it happened. Acacia believes that Edwin did this on purpose to her so they've been enemies ever since, throwing jabs at one another. Acacia is planning this years Hemingway Day but also helping plan the Christmas in July Candy Cane Key host every year. One of Acacia's patrons suggest that she and Edwin burry the hatchet and she asks him to go out to dinner. So she does, they have a nice meal and try to work things out. Then they kiss, Acacia goes home but then she wants more of the kiss from Edwin. She heads over to his home and when he opens the door she starts to kiss him. Edwin carries her inside. They make out then make love. Edwin doesn't know what Acacia wants out of their relationship but he knows she's his forever. He's hoping it's not a one night stand. The annual Christmas in July parade goes through town and Edwin and Acacia enjoy it together. Edwin confesses to her that he loves her and thinks he has been for five years while they argued. Acacia tells him he can't say he loves her they just went on one date. Then they head into her bar to get ready for the Hemingway Party. Edwin has to break the news to Acacia that there's a tropical storm coming and it could turn into a hurricane. Acacia tries to go on with the party but soon realizes she needs to take care of her people. Several of them are stranded in her bar, so they hunker down. They stay the night in a storage closet in her bar, when Acacia wakes Edwin isn't there. She goes to find him out in a booth, she confesses to him that she loves him. Acacia tells him she thinks she's been in love with him for five years as well. Eight months later, Edwin and Acacia are getting married soon. They don't want to tell anyone that she's pregnant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Acacia Ashley has one love: the written word. Specifically the rich, earthy, prose of Mr. Ernest Hemingway. Her love for Hemingway goes so deep that she opened a bar in his honor. Every year in July she plays host to Hemingway Days in Candy Cane Key, and every year she has to stay on guard in case Edwin Wheeler decides once again to find a way to ruin the solemnity of the occasion.
Edwin Wheeler doesn't care about books or old men, but the sea? The sea is where he spends his days in search of the almighty dollar. But when he grows bored of playing tourists with fruity drinks, he’s often found needling the resident bookworm, Acacia. She's hated him ever since the incident four years ago. Why does getting a rise out of her give him a bit of a rise as well?
😊What i liked -
✔ Enemies To Lovers/Small Town/Sort Of Second Chance. ✔ I loved how different yet similar they are. ✔ Edwin was so sweet and swoony. ✔ Loved all the sidekicks as well. Many fun and sweet moments. (though is sidekick may not be the correct word to use) ✔ Emotional, Bantery, romantic slow burns, with a tropical stormy HEA. (psst, loved the drink names too )
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Hmm not a huge fan of misunderstandings.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners 💝Romance Lover 💞Enemies To Lovers Romance 🏡Small Town Romance
This is my first time reading this author. This book easily stood alone, but I could tell that some of the side characters in this book had other books. Though those stories were not a big part of this book. This book star frenemies Edwin and Acacia. They have known each other over ten years and she is 35 to his 42. They are both single, are slightly obsessed with each other and hating each other over honestly a silly reason. They also bicker a lot and try and irritate each other and, in a way, it was their love language.
They decide to bury the hatchet and try and get along and that was some of my favorite parts of this story. Edwin is an awesome guy, and he takes care of his mom and his community. He does run a party boat, but he really is an awesome, good guy. Acacia, she runs a bar, and she has turned her patrons into friends.
This was a really awesome story and romance; I adored this couple. This book also has a pretty bad storm hit them and it's a bit of a scary moment in the book for characters. I mention that for anyone who might have gone through something and is sensitive to that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Acacia and Edwin have been at each other's throats for five years and the reason is so petty as to almost be ridiculous. Acacia owns a bar where she honors her favorite author on the anniversary of his birth every year. Her Hemingway celebration is very popular among their tiny island until one year when Edwin and his charter boat business ruined the moment. Acacia has hated him ever since. But things start to change and they begin to bury the hatchet. Things develop as they tend to do in a romance novella and a happily ever after is achieved.
While this is a cute and quick read, I had a hard time liking the heroine. She was petty and mean. She'd spent five years belittling Edwin, which she complained people used to do to her. She liked to say that he gave it back to her just as hard, but I didn't find that was the case. He let her barbs roll off him more times than not and never retaliated in kind. Did he tease her? Of course. It wouldn't be an enemies to lovers trope without the banter. But Acacia acted as a bully more often than not, and I thought Edwin should have walked away from her long ago. She was ridiculously selfish, especially as a hurricane barreled toward them and she refused to let go of her Hemingway party. Edwin, on the other hand, was sweet and completely book boyfriend worthy. His protective nature and gentleness made up for her stupidness in this story.
Enemies in Earnest is a part of the Man of the Month series. It is a steamy, enemies to lovers romance. Acacia is a Hemingway enthusiast who moved to Candy Kane Key to open her Hemingway themed bar, Temperance. Edwin is a hunky boat captain who runs party cruises around Candy Kane Key. The two have fought against each other for almost 10 years. Acacia was convinced that 5 years ago, he purposely ruined her well-known Hemingway celebration when his bawdy party went past. However, they both have also secretly been crushing on each other. When Acacia finally asks him to dinner, they make a truce and begin a relationship. Both realize they made incorrect assumptions about each other. The sexual tension is thick, and the chemistry sizzles. The witty banter was also hysterical. Loved this story with a great HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bookworm Acacia (h35) owns a Candy Cane Key bar dedicated to Ernest Hemingway and even hosts an annual event called Hemingway Days. Edwin (H42) runs a charter boat business, enjoys his time at sea, and has a history of needling Acacia. The pair have known each other for years, and during that time, they've had a love-hate relationship, often engaging in witty banter, and irritating each other, but they continue to be in each other's lives due to their businesses and living in the same area. The push and pull dynamic between Acacia and Edwin grows as their relationship develops, and they feel an underlying attraction for one another. As a storm approaches Candy Cane Key, threatening both their businesses, Acacia and Edwin realize they’ll have to put aside their enmity and work together. A slow burn, enemies to lovers romance with a side of heat and humor.
This is Book 7 Man of the Month Club | July Starring Acacia Ashley and Edwin Wheeler. Wow this one is full of surprises and love. I can honestly say I loved Acacia and Edwin. These two are polar opposite’s yet they are the perfect fit for one another. I loved how hard they fight their attraction with words and distance but one thing is always true about love and what the heart wants, it always comes back to you. I loved how caring and kind Edwin is in the face of Acacia’s hurt and misunderstanding but in the end this story will have you looking for your loved one and holding them tight and being more open and understanding.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Edwin and Acacia were the perfect enemies to lovers couple. They butt heads all the time and after 5 years Edwin wants to mind the bridge even if it means never speaking to her again. But one hotheades kiss changes everything and suddenly (or not) they can't seem to stay away. But she has been hurt before so having her admit she loves him back might be the biggest fight Edwin has ever faced and he's not letting her go the second time around.
***Review copy requested anf reviewed on behalf of OMGReads blog***
Acacia runs the bar on Candy Cane Key, while Edwin pilots a charter boat for parties. They start of as opposing forces after a misconception five years ago. During a major storm and forced talks, they start to show their attraction and cravings for each other. The characters are well developed, with great backstories, determination, entertaining situations and banter. The storyline has drama, irritating remarks, twists, surprises, revelations, danger, steam, progresses perfectly to a heartwarming ending. Loved the chemistry and friends that support them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Acacia and Edwin have battled each other for the last 5 years. It seems that Acacia has an honorary party to honor Hemingway on the anniversary of his birthday. Edwin seems to have crashed it 5 years ago and they have butt heads since. When a hurricane moves in it takes only one kiss to change the outlook of how these two feel about one another. They move from enemies to friends to lovers. Find out if Acacia ever lets Edwin into her heart. There are surprises, drama, danger, and steam. I enjoyed this cute story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A trip to Candy Cane Key to meet Edwin and Acacia and they love to hate the relationship that they seem to have. Ms. Saunders gives us a sweet novella that sees two complete opposites, that have this banter, or should I say bickering, between them which seems to be more foreplay than hate. They have been enemies for years but was it all a misunderstanding? When danger approaches the Candy Cane, we find the two of them revealing true feelings and secrets that they have been keeping for a few years. The attraction that they have for one another finally wins and the sparks fly.
A beautiful story about two characters Acacia and Edwin who do nothing but fight and bicker and have a kind of love-hate relationship. Neither of them want to admit that there are feelings for each other and only when something happens do both see the light. But does Acacia dare to admit that she loves him because she has been hurt before and actually doesn't dare to open her heart anymore. Will Edwin succeed in making her realize that things can be done differently and that he can be trusted?
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review
But then in Candy Cane Key you would expect nothing less! Acacia and Edwin have a hilarious verbal sparing war happening, with tongues so sharp they gut as well as wound. But they are both guilty of making judgements, are both stubborn beyond the norm and both blinded by their feelings for the other.....not that they realise it! A fun, flirty, crazy, hilarious battle of wits to HEA which is the perfect addition to Candy Cane Key. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
A enemies to lovers trope is what Acacia and Edwin have with each other. They have love/hate relationship for each other that has gone on for years, but when push comes to shove and a big storm comes to their town, they are able to put aside their differences and work together. And just maybe they will be able to see the heat of attraction that lies beneath all the animosity. Loved the witty banter, as Acacia is a word aficionado and Edwin matches her tit for tat.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
Acacia and Edwin have a known each other for 10 years, 5 of which they’ve been at loggerheads but their true feelings have been slowly growing whilst they’ve been busy denying the truth. A touching emotional read, interspersed with snarky banter, literary celebration, humour, pranks, misunderstandings, hidden feelings, reconciliation, secrets revealed, romantic picnics, stolen steamy moments, a tropical storm and a wonderful HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Edwin and Acacia were the perfect enemies to lovers couple. They butt heads all the time and after 5 years Edwin wants to mind the bridge even if it means never speaking to her again. The attraction between the two is off the charts. But one hot kiss changes everything and suddenly they can't seem to stay away. she has been hurt before so having her admit she loves him back might be the biggest fight Edwin has ever faced and he's not letting her go the second time around. This story keeps you on your toes until the very end.
I enjoyed Enemies in Earnest Man of the Month Club July. Acacia and Edwin have been nemeses for about five years. Edwin isn’t really sure why. They had a moment years ago but it passed quickly. Fast forward and suddenly sparring doesn’t have the same satisfaction. An awkward date and a possible hurricane make them analyze their feelings. It’s a sweet story and I loved the characters. It has a few slow spots but overall is a good story. I would recommend this book and the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Edwin and Acacia are like oil and water, constantly butting heads the last five years. Like most people in the same predicament, the reason is petty. Edwin spends the days toting around tourists on his boat and irritating Acacia when he can.
A storm rolls in, it is like a change in tides, a hot kiss and both are looking at each other differently.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fun, entertaining and sweet story with a poetic twist. The story is an enemies to more plot about Edwin and Acacia. These two are interesting and there is a fine line between love and hate in this story. She owns a bar and throws an annual birthday event for her favorite author every year. He is a boat captain who ruined one of her celebrations. Can we say grudge match. This is a nicely developed story. I like the characters and how their story developed.
Acacia and Edwin have k own each other for uears and have been at each other's throats for 5 of those years over something so minor that it shouldn't matter. Will they be able to let bygones be bygones and learn to like each other? Follow along as the bookworm and the party boat captain have a change of heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a well written book with strong characters in Acacia and Edwin. It's an interesting romance with the two being total opposites yet wanting each other even though they hate one another. I loved the bickering as well as the romance and enjoyed reading their story.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It was a slow build as Acacia and Edwin hold an incident between them or more accurately Acacia does. Edwin eventually gets through her barriers and they realize how much they have in common. I like how the storm takes down the last barrier between them.
They'd exchanged barbs and snide remarks for five years before their hearts aligned. Zing! Edwin loved to make Acacia see red and burn at his remarks. Cute story of love and acceptance. She gave as good as she got but was more underhanded in her methods. He moved heaven and earth to give her her wishes and they will enjoy their new life soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely. enemies in earnest is part of the man of the month series. It’s a well written story interesting and worth reading. The characters were amazing together and I loved their romance and their bickering.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Edwin and Acacia had me in their corner cheering for them to finally get their happily ever after. These two had a love/hate relationship that took them from enemies to lovers. Loved the crazy fun banter and I enjoyed their journey of love. Enemies in Earnest is a great addition to the Candy Cane Key multi-author series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Edwin and Acacia are awesome characters. The Hemingway references made their story that much more amazing. Loved the slow burn for them to get their issues worked out and when they did finally make their actions known it was explosive, sexy, and so fun to read. Happy Reading!!
The author has taken us back to Candy Cane Key and pulls us into the lives of Edwin and Acacia. The story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, danger and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another incredible read in the Man of the Month Candy Cane Key series. Edwin is the perfect person to leave a book loving Acacia speechless. I loved their perfect story, and I really love each authors contribution to this incredible series.
I received this as an arc and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was a cute enemies to lovers romance. The story had a good pace and was entertaining. Acacia and Edwin had some great banter going on and I enjoyed that. It was a cute story.