Dear Enemy

By: Kristen Callihan

Narrated by: Maxine Mitchell, Sebastian York

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Callihan comes a smart, emotional contemporary romance about finding love with the most unlikely of people.

As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again.

Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text.

Delilah's sister has stolen a valuable heirloom from Macon, now a rising Hollywood star, and he intends to collect his due. One problem: Sam has skipped town.

Sparks still sizzle between Macon and Delilah, only this heat feels alarmingly like unwanted attraction. But Delilah is desperate to keep her weak-hearted mother from learning of her sister's theft. So she proposes a deal: she'll pay off the debt by being Macon's personal chef and assistant.

It's a recipe for disaster, but Macon can't stop himself from accepting. Even though Delilah clearly hates him, there's something about her that feels like home. Besides, they're no longer kids, and what once was a bitter rivalry has the potential to be something sweeter. Something like forever.

©2020 Kristen Callihan (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"The premise allows Callihan to deliver a trope she has mastered: coldly furious enemies morphing into lovers." (Kirkus Reviews)

5 You See Me stars

Enemies to lovers story that starts off when they are 11 years old. You will hate how Macon treats Deliliah when they were kids. In the present the bickering between them is more fun than hurtful, well at least most of the time. The way they reunite is hilarious and cute and one of my favorite parts of the story. Once you peel back Macons layers you will fall in love with him. Sam on the other hand I still don't like and it makes me feel bad for D. Overall a fun slow burn enemies to lovers romance.

Narration was great! Both switch seamlessly between characters and I had no problem following along.

That was a really cute ending

I was expecting to have a hard time forgiving Macon for his misdeeds upon reading other reviews that detested him for half the book. I dont agree, and never had a hard time with his character. This is my favorite genre of books though so maybe I'm used to the pattern? I do love their story though and love a strong female character. I really enjoyed a change of the usual grovel back scene. All in all I think its worth a read, and even a reread down the line.

Really Good!

I really enjoyed this one! This is the first book by this author that I've read and I can't wait to read more. It's a good escape from life, you know?

I LOVED the characters and the romance. Just wow!

Flawlessly executed Enemies to Lovers

This was a great Enemies to Lovers Romance! I love that Delilah and Macon actually grew up together and had that hate from the very first moment they met. The story was addicting and drew me in. Sam & Macon were toxic for one another and they brought out the worst of each other. It's sad that Sam never really grew out of her childish ways but I'm happy that Macon did. In the end Delilah & Macon were meant to be. They both just wanted unconditional love. Someone to see THEM for who they really were.

Excellent banter but definitely a slow burn

I’ve read reviews where they said nothing happened until the last few chapter but I have to disagree.

Enemies to lovers usually take longer to culminate love since it’s so busy establishing trust. But I think in this book, love and trust bloom side by side. Their chemistry is all in their exchanges.

Macon, the hero, definitely redeems himself in my books. He’s willing to be so honest and vulnerable for love. And I’d say his time as a bully let him learn humility and grace. He’s truly regretful for his actions but he doesn’t let it consume him. He looks forward and tries to be better. And he juggles all that with everything else on his plate.

Delilah is a hoot. Her comebacks are unique to her and she really knows how to stand her ground. And the author does well to establish how Macon and Delilah balance one another and give each other strength.

I think there’s a lot of background drama that isn’t really touched on. It’s more there to justify the mentality of the hero and heroine. So hardly any angst in this book.

If you are looking for steamy scenes, it doesn’t really show until maybe 70% in. And it’s like maybe 3-4 scenes.

The food descriptions sound divine.

Only complaint is how Delilah’s sister never gets her comeuppance.

Narrators are excellent as usual 🎧👍

love love love

the book is great, the narration is also. definitely read this one. I'm new to this author but will absolutely be reading more.

4.5 Tater tot 🌟's

I've had this book for years and am so mad that I hadn't read it sooner. Maybe I wasn't ready. 🤷🏾‍♀️
All I know is that Dear Enemy was a SLOW burn but had the right amount of tension. AND the right amount of "messy ". I love a Maxine Mitchell/Sebastian York narration.

Loved the Journey

This novel was a fresh and witty trip through the lives of the characters as they recounted their past transgressions against each other and worked to find their forever. From laugh out loud, to oh my gosh her sister is a witch moments, there was always something keeping you turning the pages. Great read.

Don't give up!

It is hard to see where this book is going at the beginning with all the bullying. It comes together nicely at the end though and overall I enjoyed the ride. The narration was excellent!

Loved it!!!

The writer and narrators did a fantastic job making you feel the emotion and angst between the main characters. Absolutely loved it and awesome job by both narrators!!