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Intimate Enemies

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From Shana Abé comes this exquisitely emotional, beautifully written novel about two warring clans on a Scottish isle united by a fragile pact...and the hearts of two unforgettable lovers.

Lauren MacRae is only a woman. But her father's death has left her the leader of the Clan MacRae. Now it is up to her to defend her beloved Isle of Shot from the invading Northmen, even if it means going to her clan's sworn enemy, the powerful English overlord, Arion du Morgan, for help. But Arion's raven hair, green eyes, and smoldering sensuality soon make Lauren forget just why she turned to him—as he awakens within her a wayward desire.

Like Lauren, Arion risks the mutiny of his soldiers by forming this risky alliance. But he was brought up to believe that the Isle of Shot belongs not to the Clan MacRae, but to England—and he will defend it to his dying breath. Once, when they were children, Arion saved Lauren from a tortuous fate. Now, the copper-haired beauty has somehow found a way to banish the emptiness in his soul. And as they join forces to fight for the land they both love, he will risk everything—even his very life—to claim what is his.

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

20 people are currently reading
647 people want to read

About the author

Shana Abe

31 books1,962 followers
Shana Abé is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen books, including the acclaimed Drákon Series and the Sweetest Dark Series.

She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.

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5 stars
168 (29%)
4 stars
195 (34%)
3 stars
151 (26%)
2 stars
37 (6%)
1 star
15 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS).
1,905 reviews325 followers
October 24, 2015
In many ways, INTIMATE STRANGERS is much like an adult fairy tale. Two well-meaning young people were thrown together because of family and circumstances. One person saves the other. Years pass and they meet again; this time, the second person saves the first. They are adults now and there is clearly some form of attraction: call it chemistry-in-the-making.

Lauren MacRae was a devoted daughter when her father was killed by a group of Northmen. Strong and sensible, she felt a huge responsibility towards her clansmen. She has been betrothed to 'the Murdoch', a Scotsman, since childhood and was expected to marry him to strengthen the clans. The Murdoch is Ms. Abe's source for the revolving angst in the storyline. Unfortunately Lauren lives during a time when women hold little value except as wives and mothers. For her kinsmen, she becomes nothing more than a tool: something to be used when needed.

Arion du Morgan was raised by his Uncle Ryder: a leader of the much-hated English group that 'shared' the Island of Shot with the MacRaes. When he was young, Ari felt pressure from all sides until a situation developed that allowed him to live in London. He stayed there until he was finally called back after his sadistic relative died. He understands now that he must show everyone he will make a strong leader.

Ari and Lauren forged an unusual association to save their beloved homes from an invasion by the Vikings. Initially, they are enemies that make best of a bad situation. The attraction between the two climbs steadily. But the expectation of what is important for their people became a continual reminder that their personal happiness was not important. Before the words were said, you know they love each other.

INTIMATE ENEMIES contained plenty of friction between the H/h. Sexual tension rumbled in the background. At the same time the hardships of everyday life bounced off the pages. It seemed as though they were continually tested. Lauren "was a creature of two worlds and of none, a woman with no true home, because her spirit was impossibly torn." This historical romance was an entertaining look at medieval life in Great Britain. Ari and Lauren are both strong and likable characters. They made this story an engaging and captivating read.
Profile Image for BG.
509 reviews144 followers
July 18, 2021

“So help me, I've never spoken a greater truth. I love you, my grand Lauren MacRae.”

“Then—”

“It's why I can't have you. I won't. I will not be the one to ruin you. I will not do that. Your life is too dear to me.”
Profile Image for Maqluba.
396 reviews33 followers
October 6, 2013
Such a beautiful romance.. Sigh... It was really the perfect medieval kidnapped-turned-romeo&juliet-kinda-love story. The hero is quite perfect :) he's rational and smart and doesn't get obnoxiously overprotective of the heroine. The heroine is a great mix of kicka$$ strength and womanly grace which makes her pretty perfect in my book too:) they make a great enemies-turned-soulmates story and they don't get sappy which is....you guessed it.. Perfect.

I have nothing bad to say about this book so I'm not gonna overthink it cuz I don't wanna start making things up so yay! Another favorites for me!!
Profile Image for Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms).
512 reviews72 followers
June 23, 2011
I love that I have found this author. I am working my way through her drakon series, but bought this one because it is about Scotland. I had to finish another book before I really got into this one, but once I got into it, I just tore through it. It is the story of an English Earl, Arion du Morgan and Lauren MacRae, who is daughter of the Laird who holds the land on half of the island of Shot. The other half of the island belongs to the English, and the two are bitter enemies. Lauren suddenly and unexpectedly finds herself having to take control of her clan when her father is killed and her cousin, his heir is seriously wounded. Lauren is a skilled warrior, but the attacks from the Vikings on the island lead her to propose a truce between the ancient enemies who live on and love the island. This very uneasy truce is to be temporary and a story with many twists and turns ensues. It is a love story and for much of the book it appears that it will be a doomed one. Is Arion even going to live or will he die and the story go in another direction? This author really brings her hero and heroine to life, and so far in her books that I have read, they are strong people with serious commitments to those they care for. In this book, Lauren is very torn between loyalty to clan and to what she desires for herself. It almost hurts to read her thoughts and choices. It is interesting to see how individuals within her clan react to her, a woman, taking charge, and then to the events that develop including the arrival of Payton Murdoch, the man she has never met who her father had promised her to. Her marriage to him will strengthen their hold on the island and was planned years ago to keep them safe for many generations. I really can't go into too much on the story without giving things away and the fun of this read is eagerly reading to find out what will happen.

This book is not YA as there are some sex scenes, but they are not trashy or overly graphic. The whole relationship between Ari and Lauren is hot. This author creates a man you can love and a woman you can admire - or vice versa if you are a guy! Then she sets them on fire but in a beautiful way.
Profile Image for Patsyann.
145 reviews
January 19, 2024
He came from a very dysfunctional childhood to be the most courageous, honorable man. And that is the type of hero I love!! Because I want to believe that abused children can be normal, brave adults!!
Love the heroine – she is the ultimate warrior princess with curly red hair. And the story was so great, never a history lesson. There were so many parts that I loved – the best one was when Lauren was in the village and Arion drove up to her on his horse and she faced her clan and never moved and trusted him so completely that he would not run her down.
(The heroine’s name was a little annoying – because it felt like a 20th century name)
Love, love, love this book!!
FAVORITE COUPLES: And the hero and heroine are one of my favorite couples! They have great chemistry - and I know when they first fell in love.
BEST USE OF: Smelly, yellow teethed Vikings!! (because if not for the Vikings, nobody would have met) Fathers and relatives that may or may not have our best interest at heart.
ALPHA MALE 10
SPUNKY HEROINE 10
SOME SEX 8
HEA(HAPPILY EVER AFTER) Yes!!
PROLOGUE/EPILOGUE – both (1st chapter and prologue should have been reversed) Epilogue is one of the best!!
Rating System
10 - Excellent – keeping forever!!
Heat Level
2 – Mild – lovemaking scenes not detailed – the looks between hero and heroine were hotter!!
COVER: So, so cover -
On my favorite book list.
HOLLYWOOD CALLING: With all the battle scenes - would make a good movie.
Profile Image for Helena#bookdreamer.
1,214 reviews10 followers
September 1, 2017
It was well on its way to getting four stars. the plot and emotional angst between the main characters had me holding my breath the whole time in the beginning. Lauren was so fierce saving his life and leading her clan. Through his eyes she only grew more beautiful. but their responsibilities and loyalty to their clan turned them into martyrs. towards the middle Lauren turned submissive and weak such a 360 of who she was from the beginning. Arion also seemed weakened and almost pathetic in his struggle to keep her. this whole novel was one battle after the other. I lost count how many times they risked losing their lives. the resolution wasn't satisfying at the end although it was a happy ending. Disappointed.
Profile Image for Carrie.
898 reviews
July 20, 2015
Amazing story!

Sometimes when I read these stories, they are so predictable, I know every twist and turn before I finish the second chapter. Thankfully I can tell you that is not the case with this story. Obviously the hero and the heroine end up together because it wouldn't do to have them separated. Despite that, there was always a question asking "how could they possibly overcome their divisions? Are they really going to end up together?" There were constant twists of unexpected changes. It was a little bit of a slow start but all of the questions were answered in the end and the path was beautiful.
Profile Image for Monika.
2 reviews
May 26, 2015
This novel will leave you breathless and wanting more. Lauren, the main female character, is spirited and intensely hard-headed with shimmering, golden hair. She is a wonderful female character who will make you laugh and feel like you have never before. The story follows as the title suggests, the two main characters are leaders of their own clans and long time enemies of eachother, yet feel a strange and intense intimacy between them. The adventurous story will take you through hardships and moments of friendship and love like none before.
Profile Image for Thenia.
4,400 reviews180 followers
May 14, 2019
The touching story of Lauren MacRae and Arion du Morgan, two enemies turned star-crossed lovers.

Lauren has had to step in and lead her clan after her laird father's death and his heir, her cousin's injury. Her clan, that has been enemies with the Englishmen they share the island for as long as anyone can remember, faces a new enemy in the form of Viking invaders.

When she helps save the life of the new English Earl in one of the battles, he has an interesting proposal for her, becoming allies to face the common enemy. The idea is sound, but first they have to convince their people, who are beyond prejudiced against each other.

The alliance goes through for a trial period of two weeks, and during those weeks Lauren and Arion go through a number of adventures together, getting to know each other and falling in love. Their people's animosity isn't all that separates them, however, since Lauren is betrothed to another Scotsman whose clan is a great ally to hers.

You really feel for both of them and the intolerable situation they find themselves in, but love prevails, and they eventually manage to reach their well-deserved happily ending, after .
Profile Image for Nessa.
3,902 reviews70 followers
December 19, 2021
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!

THIS WAS A MOVING ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS STORY, BORDERING ON TABOOS. ARION and LAUREN met when they were younger, she a captive of the then Earl and he, his uncle's heir. But, Arion wasn't like his ruthless uncle and set Lauren free, saving her life. Years later, they meet again when she saved his life in a battle with the Vikings and thus a fragile alliance is formed. The plot was pretty basic and easy to read, nothing intense or complicated. The romance between the two were simmering throughout the pages, almost poignant and poetic. It has 'forbidden love' stamped across every word and I'm only happy it ended with a good ending.

The characters were likeable - loyal and fierce but also torn between duty. The heroine's no simpering miss although due to the circumstances of her time, even the strongest filly has to lower her head in the power of authority, in other words - a man, a laird or a husband.

OVERALL this was enjoyable with more action than the romance as the focus, at least in my opinion. Their relationship was mature, a little angsty but I wouldn't have minded if it was so much more passionate.
Profile Image for Melinda.
650 reviews11 followers
August 30, 2019
Lauren MacRae is a fierce Scottish lass, who was once kidnapped and held hostage by the du Morgan family (Arion's uncle, who is a very bad person). Now, Lauren is trying very hard to be the leader her clan wants, even though they prefer her male cousin and have elected him over her. Still, on the battlefield, Lauren shows off her skills with a weapon and demonstrate that she is just as good as a male out there.

Arion du Morgan is the new representative for the English crown and the head of his family, trying to conquer the Isle of Shot and keep out the Viking invaders. He is actually an outstanding and noble person. Who despite being raised by a bad uncle and taught bad things, he wants to do good and keep an open mind.

Lauren and Arion are simply sizzling together. They form an uneasy truce and alliance to help keep out the invaders, but there has been a lot of unrest and mistrust between the clan and the English. No matter how strong Lauren and Arion's feelings are, they must figure something out for themselves and the future of their family.
142 reviews
December 31, 2023
J'ai aimé ce livre. Il se passe plein de choses. Il y a une bonne histoire d'amour. La protagoniste est fidèle à ses valeurs. Et comme elle est la highlander, on a pu s'en passer du cliché de highlander sans aucune capacité de montrer ses émotions
Profile Image for Irene.
773 reviews37 followers
August 11, 2025
This is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, and I really enjoyed it. I don't love enemies-to-lovers, especially when based on deep-seated prejudices that don't change even after getting to know one another, so I was really happy to realize this was going to childhood enemies-to-respected rivals-to-lovers. You still get all the passion and instant attraction but the main couple falls in love as they get to know one another and doesn't fight against/refuse to acknowledge it, which I really appreciated. Like, I guess it is enemies-to-lovers by some definitions (the book starts with FMC spitting in MMC's face), but the prejudices don't last once they realize that the other person has honor. It's definitely more of a forbidden romance trope because after they realize that they want to be together, it's the politics of their clans that prevent them from being together rather than their own refusals. And I love good political turmoil in my historical fiction!

There was one pretty climactic scene where the MMC nearly blew it and almost had me tearing my hair out , but disaster is (narrowly) avoided and all is forgiven. In fact, I was kind of shocked by how likable the MMC was because I was afraid it was going to be more bodice-rippery. But no, he's honorable and we see just enough of his attraction for the FMC for it to be thrilling.

It does fall into the more stereotypical tropes of both leads being ridiculously attractive, the MMC rescuing the FMC multiple times (though she saves his life on the very first page - in battle, to boot - which does help balance things out), having one-dimensional side characters, etc., but I personally did not find the story predictable and was instead riveted the entire time.

Disclaimer: there's a slight possibility that I was more impressed by this book than I would have been normally since I read this immediately after one of the worst historical romances I've ever had the misfortune of encountering, but for now, I'm super happy with how this book unfolded and hope to reread it again in the near future.
Profile Image for Susan.
94 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2022
***So I have now read this twice! I had forgoten that I had read it, however the scene in the caves did seem familar... hmmm, but most of the story , re-read was not as familar and I wasn't as impressed 4 yrs later. I did like all the battles and twists and turns. I DO think second time around I needed more actual romance in warm beds and less cccooold envrionments! Why do authors never have characters have make out or have sex for the first time in a bed! I also was expecting the "alliance" to be a forced wedding between Lauren and Arion. With Lauren much opposed and maybe a kidnapping or forced wedding cermony etc. Arion is really a nice, honorable man and he does treat her with respect. They really got along well, Lauren and Arion, pretty well for being enemies. I liked that Arion really was Lauren's "night in shining armor", always coming to her rescue, even when she didn't know she needed rescuing. I also think the end was rushed and the conflict wrapped up fast with a few "eye rolling" moments. Lauren seened a tad to too strong willed and demanding even when cousin Quinn was back in charge*** Previous review If you like action and adventure and hero/heroine conflict with added forbidden sexual attraction, with added Viking and war battles, you'll like this! Abe writes with the emotions and feelings of the characters. There were a few swoon worthy passages of forbidden love and angst. I found myself predicting scenarios of conflict resolution, none was what I expected. Twists and turns throughout. I liked the Lauren was a fighter and strong female and especially appreciated Arion's masculinity and his honor and respect. I will add that there are a couple of romantic scenes that are breathtaking erotic without involving sex, really developed the desire and anticipation for the reader. If you like stories with very few love scenes, like only at the end, then you will like this.
Profile Image for Michelle.
16 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2016
This is the first romance book I’ve been able to complete in my quest to read more romance. I liked the story. I liked the writing, I liked the setting, I liked the plot and the characters. The heroine was beautiful, strong, and feisty. The hero was suitably attractive, kind, and honorable. They were attracted to each other. The only issue I have with this book is I don’t understand how the two main characters had enough time together to get to know each other let alone fall in love. It seems that in this book pure physical attraction and a mutual believe in / use of honor are enough to plummet these two in a deep and soulful romance lasting enough to inspire then to risk a war to be together.

I don’t get it. Maybe for them that’s enough, but as a reader, I found it sorely lacking. Lots of lust, very little romance.
Profile Image for Rinou.
999 reviews42 followers
December 29, 2011
Cette histoire est pleine de clichés : les Vikings sont sales et très méchants (on nous dit plusieurs fois que leurs dents sentent le poisson pourri), le fiancé lui aussi est méchant mais mielleux, le couple n'arrête pas de se retrouver par hasard juste à temps pour se sauver l'un l'autre.
Lauren a un comportement peu adapté pour l'époque et se bat comme un homme, et Arion est tellement gentil qu'il peut même s'arrêter au milieu de l'acte pour sauvegarder la vertu de la femme qu'il aime ! Mais bien sûr ! Le tout noyé au milieu de blabla sans fin donne un résultat ennuyeux et plutôt banal.
Profile Image for StrangeBedfellows.
581 reviews37 followers
December 11, 2012
This is a wonderful story, rich in drama and emotion. Shana Abe does a great job of portraying two people, bound by a common enemy but divided by loyalties, who find themselves sharing a forbidden attraction. The depth of their feelings is craftily framed within the subtlety of Abe's writing. The love, the fear, the need in these characters are all completely believable. In short, this is a beautiful romance.
Profile Image for Monique Takens.
642 reviews11 followers
February 19, 2015
Ik heb de Nederlands talige versie gelezen ( Intieme vijanden - Candlelight Historische roman 660 )
Goed verhaal met een sterke en eervolle held en heldin . Veel wapen gekletter wat de romantiek een beetje op de achtergrond drong .Een geslaagde vertaling waarbij niet al te overduidelijk tussen de 75 en 100 pagina's geschrapt zijn .
645 reviews
February 11, 2014
Scot Lauren hds hr clan >da klld by Vkgs, saves Englsh Arion, enemy shrg isl; join frcs 2 fght cmmn enmy; distrst, hate, histry & hr chldhd bethrthl split thr attrctn; exclnt, real flgs frm bth sides; gd ending!
Profile Image for Iraida.
169 reviews31 followers
January 10, 2015
Le pondría un 7/10. Me ha encantado aunque la historia no sea para tirar cohetes. Los protagonistas son adorables. Lauren no es la típica heroína llorona, y Arion no se dedica a intimidarla como un macho alfa. Personajes poco convencionales por los que recomendaría este libro a cualquiera.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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