An ambitious heir will stop at nothing–including a fake engagement to a bitter rival–to secure his future in the family empire in Reese Ryan’s intoxicating tale of deception… Usually Parker Abbott is buttoned-down and by the books. But he will do whatever it takes to be the next CEO of King’s Finest Distillery, even play fake fiancé to his childhood nemesis, Kayleigh Jemison. The deal is … deal is simple. She needs him to pose as her partner to help impress an evil ex she expects to encounter at her friend’s destination wedding. In exchange, she’ll sell Parker the piece of property that will secure his family legacy.
As Parker and the fiery redhead get reacquainted, what started out as deception turns into shocking passion. It’s beginning to feel more like a real relationship than a business deal. But then the day of the destination wedding rolls around, and Kayleigh’s aim to impress is too on target! Now when her ex wants a second chance, who will Kayleigh choose?
From Harlequin Desire: Luxury, scandal, desire–welcome to the lives of the American elite.
Don’t miss a single story in The Bourbon Brothers series from Reese Ryan:
Book 1 — Savannah’s Secrets
Book 2 — The Billionaire’s Legacy
Book 3 — Engaging the Enemy
Book 4 — A Reunion of Rivals
more
Who Knew “Engaging The Enemy” Could Be FUN, But They’d Best Beware Lest They Lose Their HEARTS!!
He NEEDS a Deal… Desperately!
Sooo He’s “Engaging the Enemy” to make it Happen,
Only, She’s stubborn to a Fault,
And cannot Forgive HIM a Past Wrong,
Sooo She’s tell’n Him IN NO Uncertain Terms Sooo LONG!
Which leaves Him up Up, UPPING His Offer,
As He cannot Afford to walk Away Empty HANDED…
“Engaging the Enemy” sure is FUN,
Especially know’n your NEVER giv’n IN & Selling your Store,
But… Then you Stumble upon the Perfect idea,
To Save Face for yourself & get a bit of Payback to a Traitor…
Only… She NEVER Counted on any Sparks Fly,
Let alone Incinerating into Raging PASSION…
Now, “Engaging the Enemy” IS Tak’n ON a Whole NEW meaning,
And She’s just NOT sure…
Who’s gonna come ON Top of this Deal AnyMORE!!
I was granted an ARC of Reese Ryan’s “Engaging the Enemy (The Bourbon Brothers Book 3)” via B00|{$P®0UT; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time… Happy Reading!
Betrayal followed by forgiveness leads to forever love in this irresistible love story from Reese Ryan. The emotional tension in this story was gripping, and the passion off the charts. Loved it!
He wants the job so bad but when he is told he needs to go be engaged to his enemy. The spark are set to be risen for real danger than the game relationship they had expected. Could this be for real? See if it will be
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this story. This is Parker and Kayleigh’s story. Parker and Kayleigh were best friends when they were young. But one stupid mistake by Parker ended the friendship. Present time Parker wants to buy Kayleigh building and he’ll do whatever it takes. Kayleigh still hates him but she needs a date for her ex s sisters wedding. So she makes a deal with Parker. Go with her to the wedding as her fiancée and she will sign over the property. They have some weeks to practice, to convince them that it’s real. But practice makes perfect. Their attraction for each other becomes stoner each time they’re together. I love how real things became to real. I could feel the fire burning between the two of them. True loe always wins. I wanted more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fire and Ice
Entertaining story! I enjoyed the friendship getting together again, the truth about Jemison family land. Pleasantly surprised at the revelations. I liked when Aiden thought that he had a second chance but Kayleigh’s love for Parker and his family surpassed him. Opposites attract.
Parker & Kayleigh are a fabulous couple – both so darn competent at managing their worlds! Except when it comes to each other, of course.
Parker is one of the infamous Bourbon Brothers And Kayleigh is the best friend of Savannah.
Kayleigh and Parker were once childhood friends. Kayleigh told Parker a family secret of which Parker told several others. He really didn’t mean any harm but what’s done is done and Kayleigh wants no parts of Parker.
Parker has been informed by his father Duke that he wants to purchase a parcel of land that belongs Kaleigh who not willing to sale because she is still mad at Parker about what happen when they were childhood friends and Kaleigh is also upset at Parker’s father Duke about a misunderstanding about a parcel land that she thinks he swindled her mother out of.
Kayleigh needs a favor from Parker and he agrees to be her fake fiance’.
This is a great story about Parker and Kayleigh about telling secrets, misunderstanding and romance.
Good book. Parker and Kayleigh were good friends as children until Parker did something stupid that destroyed their friendship. To complicate matters further, Kayleigh is convinced that Parker’s father cheated her mother when he bought their family property. Now Parker has shown up at Kayleigh’s store wanting to buy her property! Parker needs this sale to show his father that he is the best choice to be the next CEO of the family business, but how far is he willing to go?
Having met Parker in Savannah’s Secrets, I wasn’t sure I was going to believe he was redeemable as a hero. He is focused on the bottom line and his goals, and doesn’t come across as caring much about people other than his family. He certainly doesn’t have much in the way of people skills. Kayleigh is Savannah’s best friend, which has made some gatherings a little awkward now that Savannah has married Parker’s older brother. Kayleigh is creative and independent. She never forgot the hurt of Parker’s sixth-grade betrayal, which doesn’t make her any more willing to sell her property to him.
I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Kayleigh is ready to send Parker packing when she gets a call from her ex-boyfriend’s sister. Suddenly Kayleigh needs a plus-one to a wedding, and who better than wealthy, gorgeous, Parker Abbott? She basically blackmails him into agreeing to pose as her fiancé in exchange for agreeing to sell her property to him. I loved this scene because it not only showed the issues between them; it also crackled with the sparks of attraction that were there too. I also enjoyed his family’s reaction to the plan. Neither Kayleigh nor Parker was particularly happy when Savannah pointed out that their attitudes would not convince anyone that they were madly in love. Savannah was a genius in coming up with a plan for Parker and Kayleigh to get to know each other again, enabling them to carry off their masquerade. I was also sure that she clearly saw that they belonged together, and it was her way to get them to see it too.
I loved that first “tell each other what you see as their good qualities.” That got them looking at each other in a positive light. Then the “ten dates in ten weeks” plan was to enable them to get to know each other and become comfortable with each other. It was fun to see each of those dates and the changes each one made in their relationship. With each one, the sparks of attraction burned hotter until they finally burst into flame. There were also some fun and sweet scenes between them, from the mountain biking trip to the dance lessons. At the same time, their friendship returned and grew into something more, though neither one would admit it. Just as Parker realizes the truth about his feelings, they arrive at the wedding, and he discovers that her ex wants a second chance. I ached for Parker as he makes a rather boneheaded move, believing that she still loves the other man. Meanwhile, Kayleigh is devastated by what she sees as another betrayal. A little communication would have gone a long way to preventing heartbreak for both of them.
I loved the ending as Parker went after what he really wanted, though it took a kick in the pants to get him moving. The only obstacle left to their happiness was her grudge against his father about the land purchase. I loved that Parker had learned his lesson about communication and honesty. I liked the conversation between Parker and his father, and his insistence that it was time to tell the truth. The revelation at the end was a surprise and went a long way toward changing my opinion of Parker’s father as well as Kayleigh’s. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the remaining Abbotts.
If you’re looking for a good enemies to lovers story, then I highly recommend Engaging the Enemy by Reese Ryan. Loved it!
Engaging the Enemy by Reese Ryan
Kayleigh Jemsion and Parker Abbott are the main characters.
Parker goes to see Kayleigh wanting to buy her building for a project for the company he owns. Kayleigh needs a fake fiancé to go to a wedding she wants to attend. Parker agrees and they start spending time together getting to know one another and fall in love. This book is part of a series but is also a standalone book. I really enjoyed this book. It was my first Reese Ryan but it won’t be my last. I really recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book to read.
Engaging the Enemy is book three of the Bourbon Brothers series by Reese Ryan. I haven’t read the first two, and although this is a standalone, the heroine from book one features quite a bit and the references to book one definitely make me want to read book one.
The story combines both an enemies-to-lovers and a friends-to-lovers tropes, since Kayleigh and Parker used to be best friends until he did something to lose her trust. This is a relatively uncomplicated story where the hero and heroine come to a mutually beneficially agreement, expecting to come out at the end of it with a win-win. After all, they hate each other.
However, as the story progresses, they rediscover the things that make them a perfect fit. Their romance is very sweet. Parker wasn’t your usual alpha billionaire hero. He’s a nerd, and although he keeps his body in good physical form, he’s not outdoorsy. I enjoyed having the tables turned where the heroine was rather more active in that regard.
At the end of the story, some truths are revealed that bring healing and peace to Kayleigh, and also redeems the rest of the Abbott family in her eyes.
Lovers of sweet romance will love this sweet read with the right mix of plot, romance and glamour.
Old friends became enemies from a misunderstanding/betrayal in their youth. Years later they need each other and have to put aside the past and communicate for the future. Kayleigh can barely tolerate Parker but circumstances present an opportunity that will benefit them both. When start a tension filled adventure that turns into passion and romance. Pretty good story with strong likable characters. This is book three but can be read as a standalone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Parker and Kayleigh were childhood friends until Parker’s betrayal involving her father caused their friendship to turn to bitterness and disdain on Kayleigh’s part. Many years have passed since that time and now Kayleigh has something that Parker needs for his family. When Kayleigh finds out that she needs a favor in return, they strike up a bargain where Parker agrees to be Kayleigh’s pretend fiancé in exchange for what Parker wants. To reacquaint themselves with each other, they decide to go on 10 dates in 10 weeks. The more time they spend together, the more emotion starts to enter their relationship. Despite stubbornness on both of their parts, they find a way to love each other despite the past. There’s even a secret or two that are totally unexpected. Ms. Ryan has written an excellent enemies to lovers story that doesn’t disappoint.
Book three in The Bourbon Brothers series a well written story by a Author that is new to me. So many secrets kept from Kayleigh Jemison by both her Mother and Parker Abbott’s father Duke. With the two of them finding love with each other will the truth come out? A story I enjoyed reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 1/2 STARS!
Delicious chemistry and feisty banter have this enemies to lovers story flaring to life quickly! With the next book in her Bourbon Brothers series, Reese Ryan brings us Parker’s story. He did something childish that led to him losing his best friend back in school, and though life has moved on, it doesn’t take much for their old friendship to come shining through with the added mix of attraction when they are forced to spend time together again. I like this family a lot and it’s always fun to get updates on the past couples. Really enjoyed!
Parker Abbott wants the CEO position at King’s Finest so badly he can taste it. He has nothing against his siblings and their work ethic, he just happens to think he has what it takes to be the best one for the job. One deal will give him bonus points, but it has to do with a piece of property owned by his childhood friend turned enemy. She liked him once upon a time … maybe he can make that work in his favor?
Jewelry artist Kayleigh Jemison isn’t looking to deal with the devil for any amount, but when he just keeps upping the ante, she can’t help but become invested. If he’s willing to pay way more than her property is worth and accompany her to an embarrassing event as her pretend fiancee, well, she can’t turn that down! Spending time together to get their pretend details down pat makes them start to enjoy each other’s company again. Will this fake relationship become real before they know it?
I just loved how feisty Kayleigh is and how lost Parker is, they were once best of friends but after Parker broke her heart humiliating her and then his Farther took advantage of her mothers frail state while selling their family land. For once in life Kayleigh has the upper hand and makes a deal with Parker that will not only make up for the money her Mum lost but also helps her save face at her friends wedding. There is plenty of awkward moments, cringe worthy encounters, frustration and both for not admitting how they really feel, hope and love for two people who deserve each other if only they can see. This is the first book I have read by Reese Ryan but I can say I will definitely be reading more as you get sucked into the world your reading about and don’t want to leave.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sigh…this story was so incredibly goooood :-). Ms. Ryan’s take of enemies to lovers is the bomb. I have been waiting for Kayleigh and Parker’s story for so long, and it did not disappoint.
From the opening to the end, I was entertained, and the heat, whew! I think you too will enjoy this masterpiece.
Kaleigh and Parker were friends turned enemies after Parker betrayed her trust. Now they both need each other to secure their futures. Will there one time friendship rekindle or will something else blossom ?
I love friends to enemies , enemies to friends and friends to lovers trope, most of the time this is predictable within the storyline but I love how the author takes you through all the twist and turns and different plots to get there. Everyone was rooting for these two except them. I enjoyed how the author made me want to hurt Parker, love Parker and then hurt him again, he acted like most typical men always think they are doing something to help but end up making it worse. Great story looking forward to more in the Bourbon Brothers series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Enemies to lovers that were once childhood friends. Gotta say Parker’s an a** and hopefully, Kayleigh made him pat the way he deserved.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Kayleigh hears her best friend laughing and making fun of her family, their friendship morphs into a feud that spans decades. But now as adults, she needs a date to a wedding, and her enemy is the perfect person to be her plus 1. Can enemies turn to love? Can they rekindle at least a friendship?
Although Engaging the Enemy tried hard, I just couldn’t connect with the story or the characters. Quite frankly, I was a tad bored and started skimming. It’s not horrible or badly written, it’s just a bit flat for my tastes, especially for an enemies to lovers romance.