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Enemies to Lovers #4
Quello che non ami (Da nemici ad amanti)
Rory A. Phillips is sick of being haunted. Sick of hurting. Sick of being so fucking lost. Whenever he ‘sees’ his best friend William, he’s packing up his motorbike and on the move. But is there a place he can run to that will ever be free of William? A place where he could ever learn to love? A place he can call home?
After losing his last living relative, Eric Graham moves to Wellington to start a new job and a new life. Alone—save for his grandpa’s ashes he can’t bring himself to scatter in the sea. The only guy in the city he knows is a homophobic prick that he’d rather have nothing to do with—but he just can’t stop running into him.
Rory and Eric, both grieving and alone, are searching for a way to move on.
And maybe the best way to do that is together.
All books in the "Enemies to Lovers" series can be read stand-alone and in any order.
Second Edition 20th March 2013
After losing his last living relative, Eric Graham moves to Wellington to start a new job and a new life. Alone—save for his grandpa’s ashes he can’t bring himself to scatter in the sea. The only guy in the city he knows is a homophobic prick that he’d rather have nothing to do with—but he just can’t stop running into him.
Rory and Eric, both grieving and alone, are searching for a way to move on.
And maybe the best way to do that is together.
All books in the "Enemies to Lovers" series can be read stand-alone and in any order.
Second Edition 20th March 2013
270 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
45 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Anyta Sunday
111 books2,739 followersSpecialising in slow-burn romances where emotions reign, intimacy lingers, and chemistry sizzles—stories that leave you holding your breath and cheering for love, with just a splash of spice to sweeten the journey.
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
Check out my website:
Contact: http://www.anytasunday.com/?page_id=386
Für deutsche Leser:
http://www.anytasunday.de/
In italiano:
http://www.anytasunday.it/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 11, 2022
Rory was a dick. And I hated him. And then I kinda didn't.
What he really was was lost and hurting because his best friend and childhood secret love had died, which left him angry, devastated and lashing out at anyone close enough to hurt him again. And then came Eric...
Eric was also devastated, but by the recent death of his grandfather, his last living relative. Family-less, lonely and without much hope of things getting better, a kind gesture to a complete douche from his past slowly turned into something that gave his life some true meaning.
As Eric gradually navigated his way through Rory's porcupine personality, they worked their way to a real friendship that they both so desperately needed into something much more. Forgiveness, for past sins. Friendship, shared by lonely souls. And Family, to heal and move forward.
The scene at the end where they both finally let go in order to move on together was very touching and worth reading the book on that merit alone. 4.5 stars.
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July 19, 2017
Eric y Rory se encuentran en un momento complicado en sus vidas y es juntos cómo consiguen superar aquello que les impide ser felices. Muchos sentimientos, tristeza, amor, ternura.
No es un libro perfecto, y algún aspecto no me ha gustado, como esa forma de ver Eric su vida anterior a Rory. Sin embargo, Anyta casi siempre consigue llegar a mi corazoncito y la ternura es el sentimiento que gana cuando acabo sus libros.
Escrito de esa forma sencilla y natural que caracteriza a la autora. Triste y dulce al mismo tiempo.
No es un libro perfecto, y algún aspecto no me ha gustado, como esa forma de ver Eric su vida anterior a Rory. Sin embargo, Anyta casi siempre consigue llegar a mi corazoncito y la ternura es el sentimiento que gana cuando acabo sus libros.
Escrito de esa forma sencilla y natural que caracteriza a la autora. Triste y dulce al mismo tiempo.
February 25, 2020
Definitely the best in the series.
Rory and Eric and their issues are explored in depth, and I couldn’t help rooting for Rory, which is quite a feat, considering all the homophobic insults he spouts in the previous book.
This feels like a proper enemies-to-lovers romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed that, although I think that most sane people wouldn’t have persevered with Rory as much as Eric does, not even for atonement.
Loved the dual POV and the beautifully done final chapters.
Oh, and the thing about the f-words is fabulous!
A really nice read!
Rory and Eric and their issues are explored in depth, and I couldn’t help rooting for Rory, which is quite a feat, considering all the homophobic insults he spouts in the previous book.
This feels like a proper enemies-to-lovers romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed that, although I think that most sane people wouldn’t have persevered with Rory as much as Eric does, not even for atonement.
Loved the dual POV and the beautifully done final chapters.
Oh, and the thing about the f-words is fabulous!
A really nice read!
November 1, 2012
Simply wonderful! I love this author's writing style. Nothing over the top, rather toned down and with that so much more powerful. Believable pace in the development of the story, no insta-love, but slowly getting to know each other, even the positive sides after already knowing all the not so nice sides. It left me with a smile.
March 28, 2014
I enjoyed this a lot. I couldn't put it down and stayed up until 5:30AM. I really like the writing style of this author, very easy on the eyes. The romance was VERY slow burn, and very believable. No insta love, no one was getting a blowjob or getting fucked at the first chapter. The 2 MCs grew on me and I was liking them as I am reading it.
4.5 Stars!!
4.5 Stars!!
February 16, 2017
The characters were likeable. Rory was so far in denial and even further in the closet (the wardrobe scene from 'The Chronicles of Narnia' came to mind, seemed that they would never reach Narnia through all those awful fur coats!) that I was amazed someone took the time to try and understand him, but that someone was slutty Eric, who was tired of his own lifestyle, and just wanted what his good friends had, a loving and meaningful relationship. Eric brought Rory out of his shell, Rory could finally be honest with himself and bury all the grief he had over his friend William. Eric was going through a stressful time himself (death of his only living relative, his grandfather), but because he saw something in Rory, he took his time, was extremely patient when Rory tried to bolt (several times), and was there for him as a good friend should be, listening and providing a shoulder to cry on.
One thing I did find a little strange about this story was the fact that some of the time lines didn't seem to gel (maybe that was just me getting lost in the story), but there seemed to be a huge gap between when Rory's friend died, and when the book was set (Rory was now 28). I know that Rory kept taking off to all points New Zealand, but I didn't think someone would waste that amount of time without keeping in contact with his mum and the rest of his family, when he wasn't even sure of the reception he would get by telling them he suspected he was gay? Is that the kind of life for anyone to lead??
All in all, a decent book, but as I've often found in Kindle books, the editing was non-existent in some parts with words missing, letters missing, mistakes (Eric & Erik within 2 lines?). Such a shame to spoil the story with poor editing, but we, dear readers, come upon this problem time without number don't we?
One thing I did find a little strange about this story was the fact that some of the time lines didn't seem to gel (maybe that was just me getting lost in the story), but there seemed to be a huge gap between when Rory's friend died, and when the book was set (Rory was now 28). I know that Rory kept taking off to all points New Zealand, but I didn't think someone would waste that amount of time without keeping in contact with his mum and the rest of his family, when he wasn't even sure of the reception he would get by telling them he suspected he was gay? Is that the kind of life for anyone to lead??
All in all, a decent book, but as I've often found in Kindle books, the editing was non-existent in some parts with words missing, letters missing, mistakes (Eric & Erik within 2 lines?). Such a shame to spoil the story with poor editing, but we, dear readers, come upon this problem time without number don't we?
March 9, 2017
My favourite of this series
This was my favourite pairing in this series, I love it when a previous character who's behaved awfully in the past goes through a significant attitude change and is redeemed.
Rory was a jerk in two of the previous books but there was always a sense there was more too it than what you saw on the surface. In this book we get to find out what that was as he meets up with Eric again a couple of years after Will and Heath's romance took place.
There was a lot of believability to this story, I felt it could be the case that Rory could travel along the journey he did with Eric to become a more honest person and I liked how he in turn became a support for Eric.
This was my favourite pairing in this series, I love it when a previous character who's behaved awfully in the past goes through a significant attitude change and is redeemed.
Rory was a jerk in two of the previous books but there was always a sense there was more too it than what you saw on the surface. In this book we get to find out what that was as he meets up with Eric again a couple of years after Will and Heath's romance took place.
There was a lot of believability to this story, I felt it could be the case that Rory could travel along the journey he did with Eric to become a more honest person and I liked how he in turn became a support for Eric.
January 17, 2017
Люблю добродетельных персонажей. Люблю, когда герои преодолевают сложности, растут над собой и обстоятельствами. Обожаю этот путь от обреченной растерянности к любви всей жизни... Но тут все это не сработало.
Почему?
Ну, главное, наверное в том, что сладость особенно хороша, когда ее оттеняет немного соли. Здесь же все такие правильные-правильные, чувствительные-чувствительные... Где эгоизм? Где разборки и тестестерон? Не верю я в прикусывающих губы мужиков, вот не верю и все. Эти хождения вокруг да около испортили впечатление.
Еще стоит сказать, что последние 30 страниц я не дочитала, что прискорбно.
Почему?
Ну, главное, наверное в том, что сладость особенно хороша, когда ее оттеняет немного соли. Здесь же все такие правильные-правильные, чувствительные-чувствительные... Где эгоизм? Где разборки и тестестерон? Не верю я в прикусывающих губы мужиков, вот не верю и все. Эти хождения вокруг да около испортили впечатление.
Еще стоит сказать, что последние 30 страниц я не дочитала, что прискорбно.
July 18, 2013
I'm feeling generous so I'll go three stars but this book seriously felt like it was waaaaay longer than 200 pages. It seemed like a whole lot of words and nothing happening for most of the book. I'm all for a good build up but holy hell, enough already. By the end I kinda didn't care what happened.
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March 2, 2013
Picked this up for free from Amazon.
I have only read one of the previous books in this series. Love that it's set in New Zealand. The two boys are so different. And their voices show this clearly. Rory is lost and desperate for peace. Eric knows what he needs to do to move on with his life, but it's too easy to keep procrastinating.
It's funny and moves smoothly to its inevitable conclusion, and all the way, I was cheering for this pair.
Very enjoyable.
I have only read one of the previous books in this series. Love that it's set in New Zealand. The two boys are so different. And their voices show this clearly. Rory is lost and desperate for peace. Eric knows what he needs to do to move on with his life, but it's too easy to keep procrastinating.
It's funny and moves smoothly to its inevitable conclusion, and all the way, I was cheering for this pair.
Very enjoyable.
February 16, 2013
"The F Word" is set two years into the future from the end of "William". The story is about closeted and homophobic Rory and Eric (William's friend).
Rory had a one time mishap with Eric which left Eric rather humiliated. However two years later and with his grandfather's ashes and words Eric leaves for Wellington. Funnily enough Rory is headed there too to stay with his uncle and cousin and to try and run away from his best friends ghost. Eric and Rory meet when Rory's bike breaks down and throughout the book they indulge in an awkward and tentative friendship.
This book was so sad and if you read William you'll know why. Rory's best friend died four years ago, but Rory can't seem to let him go. Mainly because he feels like he deceived his friend for never telling him how much he loved him. That he was gay and was IN love with him. It's unrequited love that will never get its closure and damn it was so sad to read. It wasn't melodramatic with screaming and crying, it was raw pain which I think the author did so well in writing.
I loved Eric and how understanding and willing he was to be Rory's friend. How he tried to be there for him, even when Rory was dismissive and too engulfed in his own pain. Even when Eric was so depressed about his own life and the loss of his grandfather he was still there for Rory. When these guys start to get together it was always tentative Eric scared he might backtrack Rory's progress.
I love these guys and their honesty but most of all their pain of loss. I really hate reading stories that have a major death in them, but we never met William alive. In his death we saw the destruction and pain from his brother and Rory.
It's a shame to see the series end. I think this was probably the best written (and edited) book in the series.
Rory had a one time mishap with Eric which left Eric rather humiliated. However two years later and with his grandfather's ashes and words Eric leaves for Wellington. Funnily enough Rory is headed there too to stay with his uncle and cousin and to try and run away from his best friends ghost. Eric and Rory meet when Rory's bike breaks down and throughout the book they indulge in an awkward and tentative friendship.
This book was so sad and if you read William you'll know why. Rory's best friend died four years ago, but Rory can't seem to let him go. Mainly because he feels like he deceived his friend for never telling him how much he loved him. That he was gay and was IN love with him. It's unrequited love that will never get its closure and damn it was so sad to read. It wasn't melodramatic with screaming and crying, it was raw pain which I think the author did so well in writing.
I loved Eric and how understanding and willing he was to be Rory's friend. How he tried to be there for him, even when Rory was dismissive and too engulfed in his own pain. Even when Eric was so depressed about his own life and the loss of his grandfather he was still there for Rory. When these guys start to get together it was always tentative Eric scared he might backtrack Rory's progress.
I love these guys and their honesty but most of all their pain of loss. I really hate reading stories that have a major death in them, but we never met William alive. In his death we saw the destruction and pain from his brother and Rory.
It's a shame to see the series end. I think this was probably the best written (and edited) book in the series.
March 3, 2017
3.5* rounded up because it feels like Anyta Sunday found her groove here. While I am glad I read the first three books in this series I felt myself exhaling a silent "Finally" at the end of this installment. This book is set in Wellington and as usual I find the writing evocative of New Zealand and it makes me happy. Our two main characters, Rory and Eric, spend a lot of time being prickly with each other which finally fits the "enemies to lovers" tag better than the first three books. The side characters are sparse but perfectly placed.
Because Eric is out and happy with that, while Rory is super twisted and repressed, I think it is easy to be fooled into thinking this is about Eric helping Rory figure out who he is. I think it is a lot more the other way. Rory sure fights claiming it out loud but he knows he is gay. He can't say the word but that does not mean he doesn't know what it is he wants. Eric, however, has a totally misguided sense of himself as a "freak" and a "failure". Thankfully he tries to be a "friend" to Rory and that is an F-word that matters. With that Rory is finally able to tell his mother what he needs to and her response simply does not matter.
I really liked the ending. Given part of the final speech is nearly identical to that in Shane and Trey I was quite worried. But thankfully Ms. Sunday ended it at the perfect moment.
Although ...
Because Eric is out and happy with that, while Rory is super twisted and repressed, I think it is easy to be fooled into thinking this is about Eric helping Rory figure out who he is. I think it is a lot more the other way. Rory sure fights claiming it out loud but he knows he is gay. He can't say the word but that does not mean he doesn't know what it is he wants. Eric, however, has a totally misguided sense of himself as a "freak" and a "failure". Thankfully he tries to be a "friend" to Rory and that is an F-word that matters. With that Rory is finally able to tell his mother what he needs to and her response simply does not matter.
I really liked the ending. Given part of the final speech is nearly identical to that in Shane and Trey I was quite worried. But thankfully Ms. Sunday ended it at the perfect moment.
Although ...
January 22, 2020
Since I'm on Anyta Sunday's book fest I decided to read a story which was published a few years ago.
I'm a huge 'enemies-to-lovers' trope and being my favorite topic in a book I dived into the series.
I have to say I was a little surprised because I expected something else. This book is incredibly angsty, which I absolutely love, but it didn't feel like enemies-to-lovers to me at all. Yes, the first few chapters fooled me a little bit but after that, it was a slow burn friendship towards romance. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't disappointed but surprised.
This book was different from the other Anyta Sunday books I've recently read. The story was even more emotional because of the deep issues both MC had to resolve.
Rory was an ass at first but I didn't hate him. I just felt sorry for him because he was so deep in his problems he hardly existed. But I understood him somehow. I had some problems understanding Eric's character. He lost his family and was alone in this world, trying to find a way to live his life without his beloved grandfather. It's a lot, I understand that, but I had a hard time connecting with him, even though I liked him very much.
The story of Rory and Eric was beautiful and very emotional. It took time for both of them to open up to each other and be friends. The romance in this book takes second place because it is an outcome not a first thought.
The writing style was beautiful, again. There were very interesting secondary characters even though kind of distant to the main MC's relationship.
I really liked it!
I'm a huge 'enemies-to-lovers' trope and being my favorite topic in a book I dived into the series.
I have to say I was a little surprised because I expected something else. This book is incredibly angsty, which I absolutely love, but it didn't feel like enemies-to-lovers to me at all. Yes, the first few chapters fooled me a little bit but after that, it was a slow burn friendship towards romance. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't disappointed but surprised.
This book was different from the other Anyta Sunday books I've recently read. The story was even more emotional because of the deep issues both MC had to resolve.
Rory was an ass at first but I didn't hate him. I just felt sorry for him because he was so deep in his problems he hardly existed. But I understood him somehow. I had some problems understanding Eric's character. He lost his family and was alone in this world, trying to find a way to live his life without his beloved grandfather. It's a lot, I understand that, but I had a hard time connecting with him, even though I liked him very much.
The story of Rory and Eric was beautiful and very emotional. It took time for both of them to open up to each other and be friends. The romance in this book takes second place because it is an outcome not a first thought.
The writing style was beautiful, again. There were very interesting secondary characters even though kind of distant to the main MC's relationship.
I really liked it!
July 6, 2017
I got this book a few weeks ago or so when it was free on Kindle. I have not read the previous books in the series, but I found myself liking this one quite a lot. Also, the author herself has stated that all of the books in the series can be read as standalones.
I liked how Rory and Eric became friends and then lovers gradually as there was nothing sudden about their relationship development, but I disliked how Rory didn't like himself for the longest time. I know that there are a lot of people out there who have been told all their lives that non-straight people are not OK and that's why these people have difficulty accepting themselves as they are. I understand why Sunday couldn't make Rory change his mind very fast, because changes like that don't happen overnight, but I simply wanted Rory to hate himself less because I thought he was a great character and I just loved him and Eric together. Yes, Rory's a grieving character, but one with a heart of gold and he simply needed a helping hand for someone. This time round it just happened to be the lovely Eric.
It was an engaging read that didn't allow itself to be put down before I had finished reading it at 1.30 AM. Recommended for slow burn romance fans.
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I liked how Rory and Eric became friends and then lovers gradually as there was nothing sudden about their relationship development, but I disliked how Rory didn't like himself for the longest time. I know that there are a lot of people out there who have been told all their lives that non-straight people are not OK and that's why these people have difficulty accepting themselves as they are. I understand why Sunday couldn't make Rory change his mind very fast, because changes like that don't happen overnight, but I simply wanted Rory to hate himself less because I thought he was a great character and I just loved him and Eric together. Yes, Rory's a grieving character, but one with a heart of gold and he simply needed a helping hand for someone. This time round it just happened to be the lovely Eric.
It was an engaging read that didn't allow itself to be put down before I had finished reading it at 1.30 AM. Recommended for slow burn romance fans.
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October 31, 2012
I really really loved this one. Both MCs were a little troubled, had some drama in the past, but not so much in the reader's face, but enough to make them and their development interesting and moving. There wasn't much heat/sex in this book, it was more about feelings - and this was brilliantly done. I really felt the growing attraction between them. There was also some humor in it and so an all around great read for me.
April 12, 2016
4.5 Stars
Well, that was just bloody beautiful.
I love these two characters so much. Their emotional journeys were so heartbreaking and bittersweet. My heart ached for poor, beautiful, broken Rory - such a well-written character, because during book #3 I couldn't fathom how I was ever going to feel for this guy... But, jeez, did I what!!
This was easily my favourite book in this series. Anyta Sunday, you've done it again!
Well, that was just bloody beautiful.
I love these two characters so much. Their emotional journeys were so heartbreaking and bittersweet. My heart ached for poor, beautiful, broken Rory - such a well-written character, because during book #3 I couldn't fathom how I was ever going to feel for this guy... But, jeez, did I what!!
This was easily my favourite book in this series. Anyta Sunday, you've done it again!
January 23, 2018
I am such a fan of this series and book 4 really touched me in a special place. This one was just a feel good read about two guys finding each other and letting go off past hurt and also learning a little about themselves along the way.
Rory’s struggles were real and his road to acceptance was such a beautiful thing. I am so happy that he got his HEA.
A very sweet read!!
Rory’s struggles were real and his road to acceptance was such a beautiful thing. I am so happy that he got his HEA.
A very sweet read!!
April 17, 2014
Best of the series so far, IMHO! :D
if you haven't checked out this series or this author, I highly recommend it!
This series shows the progress this writer has made in her craft. Every book just keeps getting better and better! Of course, even with all of its rough edges, I enjoyed the first Enemies to Lovers book, Shane and Trey, and was hooked enough to continue with the series. However, The F Word is a lot more polished than that first book in so many ways. Once Ms. Sunday brought her book settings to her native land, New Zealand, and switched to the third person (Shane and Trey was in first person) this writer hit her stride. The first two books were ostensibly set in the States, but the colloquialisms and dialect were jarringly NOT American and were therefore kind of off putting to me as I wondered where in the heck in the States people talked like that. I am an American, and you do not need to set your book in America to appeal to an American audience, or so I hope. I enjoy reading books set in other milieus, and once this author moved the series into Hobbit land ... I mean New Zealand ... in the third book, William, everything made a LOT more sense in terms of the language used. Also, the sense of place was much more developed, giving the story even greater impact. Plus It is interesting learning a bit about New Zealand culture, eh? : ) go Kiwis! I hope Ms. Sunday continues to write what she knows (i.e. New Zealand).
Anyway, in terms of The F Words specifically, it is my favorite book in the series so far. The writing is just so much more elevated than her earlier books -- not that I didn't like them well enough, but seriously, there is a marked evolution in the writer's craft going on from book to book, and I really enjoyed seeing that! It gives me hope in terms of developing my own craft as I prepare to write my next novel.
The story was great as well. It was extremely emotional. I wondered how the author was going to redeem Rory in the reader's eye after making him such a horrible bigot in the previous book, William. It didn't take me long to fall in love with him hard, however. I am a sucker for poor tortured heroes. His story is heartbreaking, and I have to admit I teared up a time or two during this book. He was filled with such self hate and was in such pain from the loss of William that I just wanted to take him to my bosom for some motherly consolation, then maybe shake some sense into him for being so doom and gloom. Eric was also a great character. He was wonderfully patient with Rory's hot mess. I was rooting for both of these lonely souls to find their way to each other.
A quick gripe: One thing about the ebook edition I received that really bothered me was the way the email conversations throughout the book were formatted. The blue text was very off putting, and in some parts, the email conversations had no formatting at all. I think the author needs to go back and figure out a way to make the formatting on those email conversations less confusing and off-putting. I kept getting thrown out of the story. But this is just a quibble of mine. Overall, there were some truly lyrical writerly moments that got me breaking out in goose pimples ... In a good way. OMG, that scene where Rory implodes ... Well, I won't give away any spoilers, but dayumn, that was gut wrenching but exquisitely executed.
Beautiful love story! Can't wait for more.
if you haven't checked out this series or this author, I highly recommend it!
This series shows the progress this writer has made in her craft. Every book just keeps getting better and better! Of course, even with all of its rough edges, I enjoyed the first Enemies to Lovers book, Shane and Trey, and was hooked enough to continue with the series. However, The F Word is a lot more polished than that first book in so many ways. Once Ms. Sunday brought her book settings to her native land, New Zealand, and switched to the third person (Shane and Trey was in first person) this writer hit her stride. The first two books were ostensibly set in the States, but the colloquialisms and dialect were jarringly NOT American and were therefore kind of off putting to me as I wondered where in the heck in the States people talked like that. I am an American, and you do not need to set your book in America to appeal to an American audience, or so I hope. I enjoy reading books set in other milieus, and once this author moved the series into Hobbit land ... I mean New Zealand ... in the third book, William, everything made a LOT more sense in terms of the language used. Also, the sense of place was much more developed, giving the story even greater impact. Plus It is interesting learning a bit about New Zealand culture, eh? : ) go Kiwis! I hope Ms. Sunday continues to write what she knows (i.e. New Zealand).
Anyway, in terms of The F Words specifically, it is my favorite book in the series so far. The writing is just so much more elevated than her earlier books -- not that I didn't like them well enough, but seriously, there is a marked evolution in the writer's craft going on from book to book, and I really enjoyed seeing that! It gives me hope in terms of developing my own craft as I prepare to write my next novel.
The story was great as well. It was extremely emotional. I wondered how the author was going to redeem Rory in the reader's eye after making him such a horrible bigot in the previous book, William. It didn't take me long to fall in love with him hard, however. I am a sucker for poor tortured heroes. His story is heartbreaking, and I have to admit I teared up a time or two during this book. He was filled with such self hate and was in such pain from the loss of William that I just wanted to take him to my bosom for some motherly consolation, then maybe shake some sense into him for being so doom and gloom. Eric was also a great character. He was wonderfully patient with Rory's hot mess. I was rooting for both of these lonely souls to find their way to each other.
A quick gripe: One thing about the ebook edition I received that really bothered me was the way the email conversations throughout the book were formatted. The blue text was very off putting, and in some parts, the email conversations had no formatting at all. I think the author needs to go back and figure out a way to make the formatting on those email conversations less confusing and off-putting. I kept getting thrown out of the story. But this is just a quibble of mine. Overall, there were some truly lyrical writerly moments that got me breaking out in goose pimples ... In a good way. OMG, that scene where Rory implodes ... Well, I won't give away any spoilers, but dayumn, that was gut wrenching but exquisitely executed.
Beautiful love story! Can't wait for more.
July 21, 2015
I had all my hopes up for a great series. But as I finished the third installment of the Enemies to Lovers series, I was afraid all my hopes will go down the drain. I was a bit hesitant, disappointed even, that the fourth book would be like the rest -- with over the top emotional baggage that annoys the hell out of you until the very end despite the happy ending. But lo and behold, the last book restored my dangling hope for a great story. I mean, not like Rock or Taboo For You great, but close enough.
Sure, both Rory and Eric had baggage to carry but the way their friendship bloomed over time, it was just sweet and it came so naturally, so effortlessly, you'd double over giggling with just their usual banter. And once you reach the crux of their relationship, you will not have an inkling of a doubt as to how they feel for each other. Heck, you'd even want that for yourself. Not just because they're both hot guys. But more than that, they're good people. People who deserve all the happiness in the world. This is how you end a series...with warm fluttery feelings inside you. Seriously!
December 14, 2016
3.75 stars
I've read Book #1 in this series Shane and Trey but decided to read The F Words (Book #4) out of order, as I just fancied the blurb, and I wasn't worried about seeing Rory being a dick in the previous book.
This was pretty good, there were a lot of feels and that enemies to friends to lovers type journey. There are the usual depth of relationships that Anyta Sunday provides and she always makes me feel for the characters despite their situations.
I did really like Rory's cousin Lily too - she wasn't in it a huge amount but she was a cool character.
But for some reason I didn't LOVE this one. I don't think it had the same level of lovely goodness of feelings that I usually get from Anyta Sunday - maybe because the others start as more like friends or frenemies right from the beginning so there's more time to see their banter and friendship? Not sure... I love a lot of her stuff but for some reason the Enemies to Lovers series haven't been my favourite reads.
I've read Book #1 in this series Shane and Trey but decided to read The F Words (Book #4) out of order, as I just fancied the blurb, and I wasn't worried about seeing Rory being a dick in the previous book.
This was pretty good, there were a lot of feels and that enemies to friends to lovers type journey. There are the usual depth of relationships that Anyta Sunday provides and she always makes me feel for the characters despite their situations.
I did really like Rory's cousin Lily too - she wasn't in it a huge amount but she was a cool character.
But for some reason I didn't LOVE this one. I don't think it had the same level of lovely goodness of feelings that I usually get from Anyta Sunday - maybe because the others start as more like friends or frenemies right from the beginning so there's more time to see their banter and friendship? Not sure... I love a lot of her stuff but for some reason the Enemies to Lovers series haven't been my favourite reads.
October 21, 2012
The F-words I’m always going to think about, after reading this story are: fantastic, favorite and future.
Fantastic and favorite are really self-explanatory. The book’s fantastic and it’s going up on my favorite list, which in fact is a really small list considering how many books I’ve read in my life.
The “future” F-word is what needs a bit of explaining though.
Both main characters have to deal with the loss of a loving person. To deal with what it takes to be alive, to deal with not telling their feelings, with not following through on a promise.
Although this book takes you on an emotional roller-coaster, at the same time it’s a light and funny read. I loved the humor and I even loved the angst. The great combination is what makes this book such in interesting read. It’s never overly sentimental or sappy.
You don’t want to miss one second of Rory’s and Eric’s way from “enemies” to friends and finally lovers.
I highly recommend reading this book, because in my opinion this book isn’t about death and loosing someone, it’s about life and future.
Fantastic and favorite are really self-explanatory. The book’s fantastic and it’s going up on my favorite list, which in fact is a really small list considering how many books I’ve read in my life.
The “future” F-word is what needs a bit of explaining though.
Both main characters have to deal with the loss of a loving person. To deal with what it takes to be alive, to deal with not telling their feelings, with not following through on a promise.
Although this book takes you on an emotional roller-coaster, at the same time it’s a light and funny read. I loved the humor and I even loved the angst. The great combination is what makes this book such in interesting read. It’s never overly sentimental or sappy.
You don’t want to miss one second of Rory’s and Eric’s way from “enemies” to friends and finally lovers.
I highly recommend reading this book, because in my opinion this book isn’t about death and loosing someone, it’s about life and future.
July 16, 2014
I've loved all the 'Enemies to Lovers' books by Anyta Sunday, but this one is my favourite. Why?? I hear you ask. Well one word really, Rory. Rory, Rory, Rory. He's hurting so much and needs someone to love him and he just took hold of my heart from the start.
I like these books because we catch glimpses of the characters from the other EtL stories, but they don't take over the story. We see the connection, but they are fresh stories that could absolutely be read as stand alone novels.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, along with Eli Easton Anyta Sunday is the queen of UST - and there's nothing I like more than a bit of unresolved sexual tension. *fans self* If you're a fan, then this book is for you...a slow burn that's SO worth it.
If you love a good old love story then this is totally for you. Go on, give it a go!!
I like these books because we catch glimpses of the characters from the other EtL stories, but they don't take over the story. We see the connection, but they are fresh stories that could absolutely be read as stand alone novels.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, along with Eli Easton Anyta Sunday is the queen of UST - and there's nothing I like more than a bit of unresolved sexual tension. *fans self* If you're a fan, then this book is for you...a slow burn that's SO worth it.
If you love a good old love story then this is totally for you. Go on, give it a go!!
March 1, 2014
On the series as a whole: Amazing, heartfelt series. Didn't like Trey and Shane or the short "Get It,' but William and The F Words? Beautiful. The prose, character development, psychology, all noticeable improved and everything just sang! I couldn't stop reading, and had to read the entire series straight through. The blending of the last two books together was a sweet touch.
(And I finally think I have an idea of what I want for a tattoo: I've always liked the symbolism of a nautilus--the sea is important to me--but now, interwoven with a koru, the earth-land equivalent? Brilliant.)
Edit 2014, March: I just found the PERFECT wine to drink while reading this story set in New Zealand and featuring a koru tattoo and symbolic theme: http://www.monkeybay.co.nz/canada/pin...
(And I finally think I have an idea of what I want for a tattoo: I've always liked the symbolism of a nautilus--the sea is important to me--but now, interwoven with a koru, the earth-land equivalent? Brilliant.)
Edit 2014, March: I just found the PERFECT wine to drink while reading this story set in New Zealand and featuring a koru tattoo and symbolic theme: http://www.monkeybay.co.nz/canada/pin...
June 28, 2017
Una bonita historia con dos personajes que se encuentran en un momento muy difícil de sus vidas (dolor, autoodio, pérdida). Su relación les ayudará a reencontrarse y superar el momento.
Me ha parecido que está muy bien contada, tiene sus momentos amargos y también muy tiernos.
Los protagonistas, especialmente Eric, son bastante achuchables. La historia se centra principalmente en ellos, no hay secundarios destacables.
Aunque el libro es parte de una serie se puede leer independientemente, los datos previos se explican brevemente y no te pierdes en la historia.
Una lectura agradable, con tintes amargos en algún momento.
Me ha parecido que está muy bien contada, tiene sus momentos amargos y también muy tiernos.
Los protagonistas, especialmente Eric, son bastante achuchables. La historia se centra principalmente en ellos, no hay secundarios destacables.
Aunque el libro es parte de una serie se puede leer independientemente, los datos previos se explican brevemente y no te pierdes en la historia.
Una lectura agradable, con tintes amargos en algún momento.
October 10, 2013
I think I liked this book the best of this series so far. Maybe because it is set in New Zealand and the characters sound and talk like Kiwi's? It really flowed better for me than the other ones in this series - especially the dialogue.
I dig enemies to lovers and second chance at love stories that are done well and not too predictable. It had a nice slow-burn sorta vibe that I enjoyed a lot too.
I dig enemies to lovers and second chance at love stories that are done well and not too predictable. It had a nice slow-burn sorta vibe that I enjoyed a lot too.
October 25, 2022
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Rory A. Phillips sta scappando a più non posso dal suo passato, e ormai sono due anni che vaga per il paese senza riuscire mai a sentirsi a casa, senza mai trovare dimora, senza mai riuscire a lasciarsi alle spalle i fantasmi che non lo fanno nemmeno dormire di notte.
Eric Graham sta cercando di ricominciare, portandosi dietro le ceneri di suo nonno morto da poco e tutto il bagaglio emotivo che ne deriva, cambiando città e lavoro e sperando di trovare una stabilità che fino a quel momento è sempre sembrata lontana.
È su una desertica strada in mezzo al nulla che Eric e Rory si rivedono per la prima volta, dopo anni in cui non sentono nemmeno parlare l’uno dell’altro, in un imbarazzante ricordo di un episodio avvenuto anni prima che ha tutto a che fare con l’omofobia interiorizzata di Rory, incapace di accettarsi persino con se stesso.
Quindi sì, il loro rinnovato incontro è tutt’altro che roseo, ma entrambi vivono in una nuova città, hanno bisogno di amici e in fondo hanno un passato, che bene o male li ha legati indissolubilmente.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Rory A. Phillips sta scappando a più non posso dal suo passato, e ormai sono due anni che vaga per il paese senza riuscire mai a sentirsi a casa, senza mai trovare dimora, senza mai riuscire a lasciarsi alle spalle i fantasmi che non lo fanno nemmeno dormire di notte.
Eric Graham sta cercando di ricominciare, portandosi dietro le ceneri di suo nonno morto da poco e tutto il bagaglio emotivo che ne deriva, cambiando città e lavoro e sperando di trovare una stabilità che fino a quel momento è sempre sembrata lontana.
È su una desertica strada in mezzo al nulla che Eric e Rory si rivedono per la prima volta, dopo anni in cui non sentono nemmeno parlare l’uno dell’altro, in un imbarazzante ricordo di un episodio avvenuto anni prima che ha tutto a che fare con l’omofobia interiorizzata di Rory, incapace di accettarsi persino con se stesso.
Quindi sì, il loro rinnovato incontro è tutt’altro che roseo, ma entrambi vivono in una nuova città, hanno bisogno di amici e in fondo hanno un passato, che bene o male li ha legati indissolubilmente.
Continua sul nostro blog!
August 30, 2016
Minimum sex content. This author deserves a pat on the back for keeping an adult ADD-challenged reader *interested* enough to continue reading with the lack of sex content.
Highlight-was the furball minx (Yowler) of a kitty.
Most honorable mention goes to the conversations with William. Authentically tender without the dead William overstaying his welcome.
Highlight-was the furball minx (Yowler) of a kitty.
Most honorable mention goes to the conversations with William. Authentically tender without the dead William overstaying his welcome.
November 10, 2012
After the heavy-handed William, which I found trying too hard to be a psychological treatise rather than an m/m romance (but failed, IMO), this book brings the series back on track for me: m/m romance with message.
Both characters, Eric and Rory, have baggage that need to be sorted out before they could move on with their lives, let alone be together. The book gives us enough backgrounds to understand the characters better without them hijacking the plot.
I like that they try to work out the problem without creating Big Misunderstanding. There are so many touching little scenes, which are subtle but provide the feeling on the book.
The only niggle that I have perhaps is Rory's lost love was named William, the same as the main character's in Book 3, sometimes confused me a bit when I was reading it, although I knew that they're different persons.
Both characters, Eric and Rory, have baggage that need to be sorted out before they could move on with their lives, let alone be together. The book gives us enough backgrounds to understand the characters better without them hijacking the plot.
I like that they try to work out the problem without creating Big Misunderstanding. There are so many touching little scenes, which are subtle but provide the feeling on the book.
The only niggle that I have perhaps is Rory's lost love was named William, the same as the main character's in Book 3, sometimes confused me a bit when I was reading it, although I knew that they're different persons.
April 23, 2017
4 stars
I was pretty surprise by the ending of this story, I was about to give up but I'm happy I didn't.
I gotta say that I like Eric and Rory found a way to create a friendship and fall in love despite their baggage.
When I was about to give up the story was because I thought Rory was going to run off but gladly I stick with them because I loved how Rory found how to solve his problem without running away. It was pretty refreshing actually. The plot took a turn pretty smooth, they solved their problems in a really mature way and I'm very happy with it.
It was a pretty standard story but at the same time it had its unique features that made it very enjoyable.
This was exactly what he wanted, what he'd wanted for a while now. Though it was better now they did this with a blanket of trust beneath them.
I was pretty surprise by the ending of this story, I was about to give up but I'm happy I didn't.
I gotta say that I like Eric and Rory found a way to create a friendship and fall in love despite their baggage.
When I was about to give up the story was because I thought Rory was going to run off but gladly I stick with them because I loved how Rory found how to solve his problem without running away. It was pretty refreshing actually. The plot took a turn pretty smooth, they solved their problems in a really mature way and I'm very happy with it.
It was a pretty standard story but at the same time it had its unique features that made it very enjoyable.
This was exactly what he wanted, what he'd wanted for a while now. Though it was better now they did this with a blanket of trust beneath them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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