Enemies to Prom Dates

Haddonfield High #1

by S. Doyle

Who’s Fitz?

Oh just my biggest competition academically, the most arrogant guy in school, QB One and super ridiculously hot.

He’s also my mortal enemy.

We don’t agree on anything except that he hates me as much as I hate him.

Until we realize our younger sisters are the target of a super creepy Freshman Bait List.

With no choice but to team up, we have to put aside our mutual loathing only to find out…maybe we don’t hate each other as much as we thought we did?

I know it for sure when the kissing starts.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Enemies To Lovers, Mystery, Young Adult Romance, Contemporary, Slow Burn

280 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2021

Reviews

[Amy]

DNF at 25%
If this book were merely corny (classic British novel characters meeting up in high school), it would be worth reading, even with all the grammar errors.
But it is incredibly vulgar. It reads basically YA but then uses harsh, explicit language like it wants to be a very adult romance novel.
No thank you.

[Shavonne Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wish there was a continuation of the characters of Fitz and Beth. Love the story.

[Laura Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I. Really not sure what to say. I enjoyed the story but the way it ended well it was very disappointing I really want more from Fitz and Beths story feel like there's more for them. To be honest the ending really let the book down but did enjoy it up to then

[Leslie at SheReadsRomanceBooks.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

S. Doyle gave me one of my most favorite romance books of 2020 in Santa Baby Maybe, so I was excited to see what else this new to me author had in store. When I saw her new, young adult, enemies to lovers romance book, I had to snag it.

Overall, I liked Enemies to Prom Dates and got into the suspense storyline as well as the enemies to lovers turnabout between Beth and Fitz.

I always love the tension that simmers beneath the surface of a great enemies to lovers book and this one definitely had that.

What I was totally surprised by was how this book pulls elements from Pride and Prejudice. It’s not a modern retelling per say as the storyline is obviously different but the names of characters and some of those character’s personalities and characteristics were spot on to those in Pride and Prejudice.

Fans of this beloved romance will love that about this book.

You should also be warned that this book is part of a two-book series. It doesn’t end on a major cliffhanger but there is still a lot to wrap up to the mystery of this story and to see just how far Beth and Fitz take their relationship.

Book two, A Scandal in Homeroom, comes out September 2021 so you don’t have too long to wait.
While I did enjoy the storyline that brought Beth and Fitz together, it took me a bit to get into it – I think because there were so many characters to follow.

The whole freshman list/bet also got a bit creepy considering it regarded 14 year-old girls giving it up which just skeeved me out.

If you’re a fan of young adult books, Pride and Prejudice or enemies to lovers, check this one out.

*Thank you to Candi Kane PR for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I both loved and hated this book in equal measure. The mystery was intense and I felt like we only had part of the story, which might make sense further into the series we go. My biggest issue was the lack of steam. Fitz and Beth had so much chemistry I just wanted them to finally go at it! I needed the scene that never came! Along the same lines is the fact that the story kind of abruptly ended? There was no closure, and I’m assuming the next story is Locke and Reen which means there definitely should have been closure for this couple. Like I said, both love and hate!

[Andrea Criscione · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept, interweaving the stories of several of the most popular couples in literary history. However, if fell a bit short for me. I get that it is a series and that it was going to end on a note that dragged out the main mystery to the next book, but I didn't really feel like all the loose ends were tied up for Beth and Fitz (P&P) in this book like they should have been if we're going to focus on a different couple in the next book. Maybe the second book will prove me wrong and do the first couple justice too, so I may read the second one just to find out.

[Romance Recs · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 by S. Doyle is one of the most unique plots I’ve read this year. I’m normally not a YA reader. Being that this book is set in the character’s junior year in high school, this wouldn’t typically be my genre. Still, with the blurb stating that two mortal enemies need to combine forces to save their new freshman little sisters, I couldn’t resist a good old enemy to lovers, secretly always crushed on each other story!

I am very glad I did. With each turn of the page, I had no idea what to expect or where this story would go. We have two central story lines here:
The story of Fitz and Beth. Told in dual POV, we read the most 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 enemies to lovers’ story which was both witty and well written. Fitz is a mixed-race son of a famous ex NBA star and a Senator in an affluent New Jersey area in which money talks. Beth and Fitz go to a rich high school where Fitz is the popular QB. Beth and Fitz have always had a rivalry based on academics. Fitz sees Beth as his equal. Beth on the other hand, isn’t popular or typically hot. She’s smart and confident and I freaking loved her.

I loved the way they were drawn together. You could tell these two were magnets to each other. Fitz realizes it first, but even Beth catches on that their banter may very well be foreplay.

In addition to the relationship, there were various aspects of turmoil from all sides. Beth desperately needs to find a way to help her mother and sisters survive after their father flat out left them and Fitz needs to protect Beth as well as his younger sister and Beth’s who are part of a sinister plot.

All of this in high school makes for a typical YA Romance. I truly loved Fitz and Beth and I found myself wanting 𝙎𝙊 much more from them. I wanted more closure and an ending instead of the HFN ending we received.

I believe this is because, as we read in this book, we are most likely getting a story from the secondary characters that will continue on with the crime story. I felt that I needed so much more in the end. More from Beth’s father. More from Fitz and Beth and how they end. Just… more. Still, the passion between the characters jumped off the page for me so I have to give that 4 stars. Where it lacked to me was the secondary characters and unfinished story lines. There were major things I wish happened that never did ☹

I appreciate that there was discussion of racism and the realities of living as a black man in this country. Fitz had amazing guidance from his parents.

I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure why I read books written by women who are obviously not in high school anymore, about high school. It always reads more mature than I would have thought a 17 yr old would say or act so I guess we are reading someone's high school fantasy.

This author was trying to be creative but in the end was kind of all over the place. We have Pride and Prejudice meets Sherlock Holmes with a side of Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre? Did I miss a classic?

I liked Beth and Fitz and their chemistry but they read way more mature than 17. This book was protective of 14 year old's virginity but then spouted all this women's rights to her own body. Fitz is black so we have racism issues in an overwhelmingly white town. There is a "Bait List" where the high schoolers bet money on who will lose their virginity. Gambling, drugs. Not my idea of a relaxing read.

I thought I would get a cute enemies to lovers high school story with lots of banter. I ended up with more than I care to find out in the next books of the series.

[Jessica Robbins]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Looking for a fun YA romance? Then look no further. We meet Beth a junior in high school who has a long term enemy in Fitz as they compete for the top academic honors. This is a status quo that has worked fairly well for them until their little sisters start high school as well. It quickly becomes known that the new girls are a part of a freshman bait list with high dollar bets being made. The new situation forces them to come up with a plan to get to the bottom of what is really going on. Welcome to a whole new spin as they discover how much they actually like one another. Makes for a fun romance as it all plays out with a mystery thrown in as well. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Maggie Ritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

!!ENEMIES TO LOVERS!! !!ACADEMIC RIVALS TO LOVERS!!

[Melanie Cesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is great, it has great characters, amazing banter that made me smile so many times, and some great suspense.

S. Doyle does a great job of getting us intrigued, and wondering what is going on and, there is a lot going on. We are left is with so many questions. Keeping it vague so there are no spoilers, but we have no idea what happened with Beth’s dad or what he’s up to, what Locke was hinting at that Fitz’s mom is involved in the happenings, where did Heath go and what was his reasoning behind everything, and what is going on with Reen?

I would have liked to have had a lot more of an ending. This really had no ending at all. I’m also not sure why the title is Enemies to Prom Dates when there is no prom.

I enjoyed the writing and the characters as well as the mystery. A lot is happening and I’m anxious to find out what is going on.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

Cute story that kept me flipping pages, but to end in a cliffhanger and move to a different couple just kills it for me.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85 ⭐️

Let me just start by saying what the heck did I just read? Whether I mean that in a good or bad way, I am not sure, seeing as I am at a loss for words by it all.

Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Bennett and Fitz Darcy may be complete opposites when it comes to their places in the High School hierarchy list.
Fitz a sports athlete who popular amongst the crowd and Beth always focused on studying with her nose in a book and considered amongst the lower crowd when it comes to popularity.
However with that said, they’re both similar when it comes to their competitive nature in competing against each other with wanting to be at the top of academics. Making them enemies first and foremost.
However, when a situation of the ‘Bait List’ arises that involves their siblings, they put aside their differences to come together and bring it down before any damage can be done.
But with the more time they spend together they start to see more to each other than before. Bringing up feelings they can’t seem to control.

Random but this has to be said, with names and the few similarities. I couldn’t help but think of Pride and Prejudice when reading this story.

Although the main narrative of the story was focused on Enemies-to-Lovers trope between Beth and Fitz. However, the more deeper I delved in, I found that this wasn’t the only case. S. Doyle managed to throw me for a loop with there being more parts and pieces to the puzzle that was Enemies to Prom Dates, since the connections always lead back to Beth and Fitz in some way, shape or form.
Giving the reason of why the secondary characters played bigger and important parts to the story, (than normally expected) seeing as there was more to them than meets the eye. Yet S. Doyle did it in a way that sometimes made them feel unimportant and sometimes giving them an enigmatic appearance/feel throughout. Considering not everything is fully cleared or revealed even by the end. Which made me think there definitely must be more to come. Or at least I hope there is.

I honestly thought this was going to be a straight forward Enemies-to-Lovers story, however that was not the case. Whilst I did enjoy that it wasn’t and that there was so much to unpack and discover within the story. At the same time I felt it was too much, the way everything had been crammed into this book. Seeing as a lot of loose ends were left hanging by the end. And with the ending giving a confusing vibe of not a cliffhanger but also a cliffhanger. It makes me wonder if I will ever get the answers to all the questions that had yet to be answered, since not only did the climax create an explosion of surprise, shock but also obviousness (since I already figured some of it) with the reveal. It lead to a whole new can of worms with many more questions as to who, what, why and how that weren't answered.
But also the book and title gave off a feel of being a standalone, as opposed to being apart of a series.
While I did somewhat enjoy the book overall, I will admit it took me quite awhile to actually get into the story before I was actually able to start being interested.
I have to mention the way Enemies to Prom Dates was perceived to me was as if it was YA. However upon reading it, I would probably categorise it more as YA/NA just because with some of the details given in some of the things that happen, it’s not something you would really read in YA. Or at least I haven’t in the countless YA novels I have read before. Not that I have anything against it, but it should be noted for anyone who is looking for a typical clean YA book.

With that said, Enemies to Prom Dates was definitely something. As for what I am still not fully sure. But I do hope there is more to come, because I definitely need my answers.
Safe to say I will be waiting in hopes that S. Doyle releases more in connection to this book.




*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[MJLovestoRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allowing her love of the classics to shine through, S. Doyle has delivered one very unique book. Her first true plunge into the YA world, I loved the push and pull from both Fitz Darcy and Beth Bennet. Always battling to be the best in their class, these current high school juniors give as good as they get as former feelings of hate turn into the most wonderful kind of like. And as they fall deeper for one another with each turn of the page, their hearts aren't the only thing giving them pause as one incident upon another drags them into more than one different mystery neither ever saw coming.

This book packs a ton into its 274 pages. What looked like was just going to be a sweet burgeoning romance has turned into way more as Fitz and Beth become a couple of sleuths hellbent on finding out who is behind the Freshman Bait List, their younger sisters targets of lustful junior guys. And if that wasn't enough of a distraction from their grueling studies, getting to spend alone time together as newly-appointed boyfriend and girlfriend, and their competitive and oft-times petty elite high school, longtime friends are all of a sudden thought to be less than they were and together with Fitz and Beth, we're left with more than a few unanswered questions as this story comes to a close.

I couldn't stop reading this well-crafted book as each chapter, told in both Beth and Fitz's POV, unraveled more mayhem into their formerly tightly-scheduled and rigid lives. But the true bright spot was how they finally realized that all those years of hate were really those of love and I thoroughly enjoyed watching as they fell just a little bit deeper for each other day by day. These two are the real deal and their rare moments alone were made special just by being together.

The use of well-known names with a bit of a twist, from books such as Pride and Prejudice and Sherlock Holmes to name just a couple was truly brilliant as these characters acted like their namesakes quite perfectly. Doyle puts, of course, a modern spin on events but it definitely makes this book that much more compelling and distinctive.

I will now wait (im)patiently for book 2, my mind spinning as there is much more to be explored even with all that has transpired thus far. S. Doyle kept me on my toes once more and her gift for grabbing my attention from the very first words is one I always look forward to when reading her work.

Not to be missed, Enemies to Prom Dates is unique, captivating, and all kinds of wonderful. An intricate storyline that is delivered flawlessly, I happily give this book 5+ stars!

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a typical school day Beth and Fitz wouldn't normally be seen associating with one another, they run in different circles, and have a bit of a academic enemy thing going on. Both are very smart and often find themselves at odds with one another when it comes to anything school related. Fitz is popular, plays sports, and comes from a wealthy family. Where as his counterpart Beth is not sporty at all and tends to spend the majority of her day with her nose in a book... they are total opposites. But when they learn that their young sisters have garnered the attention of a group of untrustworthy students that have created a Bait List, neither wants to sister their sister hurt or used, so they decide to join forces and take the group down.

Somewhere along the way though things start to take a turn neither saw coming! The more time they spend together, the more they like it... and that is not good! Or is it?

Enemies to Prom Dates is a wonderfully penned young adult romance that comes brimming with feels and drama. These two young love birds join forces to save their sisters and wind up finding that them working together isn't so bad after all. Usually they battle at every turn, but when feelings start to take hold, as well as secret crushes coming to light... they decide that they have truly met their match. I thoroughly enjoyed this first time read, the story line was creative and like nothing else I have read, and I found the words to be quite entertaining and rich in the feels department... a total win in my book! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Karen Voitik · Rating 4 out of 5]

>Book Review - Enemies to Prom Dates

>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 1st in the Haddonfield High series and ends in an HEA. The mystery in the plot continues, though. The book is fun due to all of the Jane Austen inspired names. The characters of Ed and Jane, Lydia and Wick and the main couple, Fitz and Elizabeth Bennett (Beth). Fitz and Beth have known each other since childhood. They are both very well off and attend an exclusive high school. They are both competitors. For Fitz, the competition turned to love. For Beth, she thought she felt hate for Fitz, until a sick game bands them together and she discovers that love and hate are very similar.

>The book was very sexual. Both boys and girls discuss their sexual intentions together. I felt this was kind of unusual for 14-17 year olds. The cover and title of the book is reminiscent of YA covers in other high school series. I wish the cover reflected the fact that the story is very adult and explicit scenes are included.

>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. The mystery was interesting, the romance was hot, but the book feels like is is targeting the wrong audience.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzy and Fitz’s story in Enemies to Prom Dates by S. Doyle, Haddonfield High book one, is a tale as old as time, one of teenage angst, high school shenanigans, and family drama. Imagine the characters from Pride and Prejudice as teenagers in the 21st century and you have the basis of this story. It was fun to think of these characters in a different setting, having time traveled but being all modern. These teens live in a small town and have all the same problems today’s youth have; academic competition, bonfires with lots of drinking, cliques, crushes, and even the occasional losing one’s virginity. Then there’s the mystery behind the freshman bait list and who’s selling drugs at school that these two try to solve. Lizzy and Fitz made for an interesting couple when they pair up.

Ms. Doyle wrote an intriguing story that should not to be missed. She provided a tale that sizzled, magnetism, scorch the sheets chemistry, witty banter, and charming characters. I definitely recommend Enemies to Prom Dates be to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this boo

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to Prom Dates is a riveting high school romance. This S Doyle read definitely left me with mixed feelings though.

There's a lot going on, including a lot of typical high school behavior. Bets about sex. Bullying. Intimidation. Status issues. Rich versus poor. And more. But what doesn't take place? Prom. So the title makes no freaking sense!

As for the story though, Fitz is an interesting character, as he's a lot more kind and caring than one would think. He's definitely more complex than what's on the surface.

This story is one with lots of suspense and mystery. There's high school parties, betrayal, danger, drugs, and more. And I love all that.

What I don't love though is the ending. Another cliffhanger! UGH!!! Though this story may have some flaws, I want to get the ending now. I hate waiting.

Thus, if you hate cliffhangers, skip Enemies to Prom Dates for now. Wait and read it when this S Doyle series is complete.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth is a high school student who is smart and more comfortable immersing herself in her studies than socializing while Fitz is smart as well but being the star quarterback is the person that every boy wants to be, and every girl wants to be with.

He and Beth are more competitors than friends but the relationship they share is about to take a detour when both their sisters find themselves on a list that they are determined to protect them from. Getting them off the list is only part of the problem as they need to find out who is responsible if they want to put an end to it permanently.

Although Beth and Fitz are very different, they couldn’t be more perfect for each other and I enjoyed the drama and humor as we watched their relationship unfold. I am looking forward to the next book in this series so we can get closure on certain aspects that remain unanswered.

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cute YA-ish romance! Set closely to a theme that is fairly known, it has it's own spin on it and I honestly was trying to figure out what was going on and how things were going to play out. It was cute, fun, and a little more steam than you would expect!

The characters were great and Fitz and Beth are complete nemeses. I can always get into enemies to lovers romances and these two have AMAZING banter! All in all if you are looking for a fun but interesting YA-ish book, this is definitely one to check out and I give it 4 outta 5 stars!

Not going to lie one of my favorite parts are the characters names, you will totally get it once you read it! ;)

PS: Thank you to S. Doyle and Candi Kane PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.

[Courtney Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enemies to Prom Dates is the first book in the Haddonfield High series. I was not sure what to expect going into this book but I was glad that I decided to read it. It was definitely a page-turner and easy to read. The main characters are great. You get to see it from both Fitz and Beth's perspectives while they navigate high school and all the obstacles that come with it. They start out as enemies or rather academic rivals that become so much more to each other.

This book is well written and will keep you entertained. I am excited to see where book two takes things and if it will continue on with Fitz and Beth or will other characters from this first book be the main characters. I received and advanced reader copy of this book to leave my honest opinion.

[Morgan Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really want to give this a 3.5 and hate that I can't add half stars.

This is a unique take on Pride and Prejudice. The two main characters are Fitz and Beth. They are in high school and in completely different social circles. They end up competing against each other academically, which makes them enemies.

There is mystery involved as they have to uncover where the Bait List originated, as it involves their siblings.

Being thrown together, they eventually develop feelings for each other and end up being. more than just enemies.

This is a super cute enemies to lovers YA. While it is not completely clean, it still reads more as a YA than a NA book to me.

[Stephannie Tolitsky- Seppyreadsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth a junior in high school who has an enemy if you call him that in Fitz. They are both competing for top academic honors. This frienemy status has been their thing for a while now until both their little sisters start high school. There is a freshman bait list going around that guy bet on if they can get them to lose their virginity to who and when. These two join forces to stop their sisters and other girls from this fate. When they start actually spending time together they might actually like each other. More than Friends? Read this one to see how this one plays out. There are a few twists and turns and I loved it all.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little clunky trying to adapt every single character trait and circumstance as written by Jane Austen, Emily Brontë, Charlotte Brontë, and Arthur Conan Doyle to a modern high school setting; nonetheless, this was too cute and I was very invested in Beth and Fitz's budding relationship.

[Tiffany Copple · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for Enemies to Prom Dates by S. Doyle. This is book one in the Haddonfield High series. This is enemy to lovers romance. Beth and Fitz have been enemies and competing for as long as they can remember. All of that changes when their younger sister are on a Freshman Bait list. These two join forces to find out who is behind it. I loved the suspense of this book. I just wanted more between Beth and Fitz. They have this chemistry that jumps off the pages at you , I kept waiting for it to explode and it fell short. However, the book was still good and worth a read.

[Eleonora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It takes famous characters from classics books, Pride & Prejudiced, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, and more (don't want to spoil anything) but manages a totally engrossing YA. This book has humor, mystery, romance, and most importantly timely real life issues that get tackled seamlessly and really make an impact without being preachy at all. Thoroughly enjoyed this book much more than I even anticipated. Cannot wait for the next one!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to Prom Dates
By S. Doyle
Main Characters: Fitz and Beth
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this y/a romance. Beth and Fitz can't seem to stand each other and they keep vying for top honors until their younger sisters end up on a list at school. (not a good list either) Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Christine Jalili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stayed on edge.

I enjoyed this book even though I don’t really read YA romances. Loved starting on edge and wondering who’s placing these bets. Loved how Fitz and Beth figured out their competition also revolves on liking each other. This is a clean romance, no sex involved. Wasn’t prepared for the clifffhanger. Hopefully we find out the conclusion on the next book.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it really entertaining. So much so that it kept me up at night reading. The love story was very sweet. And the relation to the classics with the names was a great idea.
Onlz down part for me was that most questions weren't answered. I'm starting book two of the series hoping to get some answers. Hopefully the story here is just as good.

[Vi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not exactly YA (some sexual content) it does take place in a high school. Lots of characters named after other books (Jane Eyre/Edward Rochester, Irene Adler/Sherlock Holmes in addition to the Bennett sisters and Darcy).

I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one!