Sleeping with the enemy never felt so good.When Paul Davenport comes face to face with the man he caught in bed with his boyfriend years before, it’s hate at first sight. Well, second sight. Indy should be apologizing, not flirting. Except the gorgeous barman is completely oblivious to their paths ever having crossed before. Despite his feelings, Paul’s powerless to resist the full-on charm … full-on charm offensive that follows. It’s fine though. It’s just sex. No emotions. No getting to know each other. Just a bout of temporary insanity that’s sure to run its course once the simmering passion starts to wear off.
Only what if it’s not? Indy’s nothing like the man Paul expected him to be from his past actions. What if they’re perfect for each other and Paul’s just too stubborn to see it? Forging a relationship with him would require an emotional U-turn Paul might not be capable of making.
There’s a thin line between love and hate, and Paul’s about to discover just how thin it really is. He can’t possibly be falling for the man that ruined his life. Can he?
Warning: This book contains hate sex—sort of, lots of banter, and a pink elephant. No, really it does. Actually, two elephants.
Please note: Although this book is in the Temporary series, it occurs during the same timeline as A Temporary Situation. Therefore both books can be read as standalones and in any order.
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Paul goes to a bar and sees the guy he found his ex cheating on him with. There is instant hatred on Paul’s part. Unfortunately Indy doesn’t feel the same way, because he is flirting like crazy with Paul. How these 2 got together at all was a little surprising considering how much Paul wanted to hate Indy and how much he tried to sabotage their potential relationship. I wondered at times what it was that made Indy really want Paul and keep coming back. Once Paul started to finally get his head out of the clouds, it was nice to see them connect. While this could be a standalone book, I found that I enjoyed already knowing about Dylan and Tristan as I read this. It referenced incidents that happened in their book, and I liked revisiting them.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
There are always two sides to every story and while what constituted their first “meeting” was pretty awful, it’s clear that Paul is happy with becoming an ostrich. When that habit nearly costs him the very person who could bring him out of himself, despite it being the one he blames for putting him on his current path, it takes a good look from the outside to give him the kick in the ass he needs to make things right. Paul and Indy’s banter is amusing, their chemistry is hot, and their compatibility is spot on. Indy said they could be good together—he was right.
Paul was so dead set on hating Indy that he nearly missed out on something great. I was thoroughly amused by their interactions until things got too real and Paul denied his feelings to the point of misery and I was less than thrilled by his inability to think clearly and respond with his heart. Until he did. His confession was truly sincere and it absolutely matched his character. It was unique and totally believable; he didn’t all of a sudden become a sappy romantic, he kept everything honest and his own style. That’s ultimately what endeared him to me.
Indy, on the other hand, was far more lovable right from the start. Yes, he was a party to something abhorrent, but in his defense, it wasn’t him that did all the lying. I liked that he didn’t spend the book groveling because he had a point with saying that the past was in the past and while he was immensely sorry for participating in something hurtful, what he wanted now, more than anything, was to build something with Paul. The explanations came much later in the book and I liked the placement of them. It felt organic to the story and believable considering his motivations and the climate of their situation. His humor was the best part of the story for me. Because of his ability to laugh, to engage, and to be straightforward he was far and above the best person for the acerbic Paul.
The interactions with the side characters sometimes brought humor, but it felt a little forced in many of the situations. A couple of the characters felt a bit more like caricatures rather than unique individuals well-placed in this series. I’m mildly intrigued by Dom and Tristan’s story as well as Russell’s, but I can’t say I’m incredibly drawn to them and must read their stories, but there is a mild interest there. Overall this was a successful story with two men that I enjoyed reading about. Their interplay, passion, and evolution were absolutely worth the read.
These 2 have some pretty funny moments regardless of their first meeting. I love how Indy continues to push his limits to show he isn’t who we think he is.
I loved Tristan and Dom’s books and this one is just as good with great banter that had me laughing out loud at some points. Plus is kinda an enemies to lovers, with well developed characters. The story is written concurrent with Dom and Tristan’s story, I did enjoy getting a different POV from the original. All around an entertaining read.
Second chances! Hate sex!
Paul caught his boyfriend with another man in their bed. They broke up. It happened a few years back but he couldn’t seem to let it go.
Indy bartends in a place right across Paul’s workplace. He cannot remember where he saw Paul before but he seemed familiar. Who would have thought he was the boyfriend of the person he had sex with who caught them?
Hate Sex! It is a thing! Hate sex can cure the anger and resentment one may feel towards another person who did him wrong! Punishing a person through sex for something that he thought was done wrong to him in the past, way in the past! Can it cure and take away the anger he feels? Would antagonizing each other, or rather would Paul antagonizing Indy bring back his failed relationship?
An undeniable attraction that cannot be denied, but impeded but what happened in the past! Can Paul get through it and see a real person in front of him? A nice, endearing, happy person who made a mistake of not knowing that the guy he was having sex with was in a relationship? Two people who unknowingly come from similar backgrounds.
Will there be real feelings at last? Will Paul be able to see a person he could love and be in a relationship with in Indy? A tale of two people living the lives they want and not what their family want. A story of second chances and taking risks.
I was first introduced to Paul in A Temporary Situation and I liked him then. I was happy to see him with a story of his own. It was a treat to get to know more about him and to meet Indy. The two of them were hot together. They “hated” each other so good.
This book had good humor throughout. The Tristan dinner table incident cracked me up. I had forgotten that about him. Some of the elephant scenes were funny, too. It is interesting the way the author used fish and elephants instead of puppies and cats to have a similar effect.
In the previous book I found Russell’s gossiping nature to be offputting. After him getting more exposure in this book, I got to know him a bit better and am now intrigued. I hope he has a story that H.L Day will share because I’d like to know more about him. We learned in this book that he can keep his mouth shut about one thing about himself. It’d be interesting to see his struggles keeping his own relationship details away from the office water cooler. I would love to have more Paul and Indy also.
H.L. Day is a new-to-me author, and I’m not a huge fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, but I loved this book.
*spoilers*
The book gets a little cheesy towards the end, but the overarching trope could also be considered cheesy (it’s a trope after all), and I honestly didn’t mind any of it. I enjoyed the book that much. Oh, and there was a reveal later on in the book that I just wasn’t expecting. Loved it!
Paul and Indy are the definition of opposites attract. Paul is basically a jerk in every sense of the word. He can be selfish, rude, judgmental, stubborn; you get the picture. Indy is a laid-back jokester who gets along with pretty much anyone (which is good considering he’s a bartender). Indy is also straightforward and honest, so he continually calls Paul out on his crap and doesn’t let him get away with anything. Neither man suddenly or drastically changes for the other. Rather, they grow as a couple, subtly influencing each other for the better, their differences something that makes them stronger together. The relationship is organic and authentic. I did feel like the book slowed down at a few parts, but each time it would pick back up quickly.
And I always have to comment on the side characters – they were fun!
This is the second book in a series, but can definitely be read as a standalone. Just know that this book will spoil the first book. I would absolutely read this book again. Happy reading!
This book was a fantastic rom com. I can’t tell you how often I laughed out loud. Paul was so determined to hate everything about Indigo, when he was really becoming obsessed with the sexy guy. And I don’t know how Indy kept wanting the rude and dismissive Paul, but I gave him serious points for persistence!
There were some wonderful conversations and texts, a few insane friends, and several incredibly steamy moments here, and I loved every bit of it. This author can make me laugh or cry, and these characters are some of the best. I will be first in line to grab the next book in this series, and I definitely recommend this one.
What a wonderful story!
This is one of my favorite type of love stories – enemies-to-lovers with one of MCs so scared of getting close to someone else and admitting his true feeling that he almost ruins everything.
This is book #2 in “Temporary” series, but the first book featuring Paul and Indy (AND I CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE). It can be read as a standalone.
This is a fabulous love story with lots of hate sex (according to Paul, but he’s not very good in the “hate” part), hidden feelings, annoying families, two elephants and absolutely LOVABLE MCs <3
This book is well written, fast paced and very enjoyable. I am not really a fan of rom-coms, but this is seriously HILARIOUS, all the conversations, glaring, some weird advice and what makes it so much better that movies, it is a BELIEVABLE story. I fell in love with Indy right from the start, he's attractive, funny, smart, witty, persistent in his attempts to seduce Paul and he knows exactly what he wants. Did I say he's sexy? He's got tattoos, piercings and beautiful green eyes. Yes, he's a total catch!
The story starts as enemies-to-lovers, but later it is more like "friends" with benefits (apart from being actual friends since Paul is panicking every time they do anything more that have fun in bed) and then it turns into a sweet love story with a very happy ending. I LOVED IT. All of it.
***Possible Spoilers***
I enjoyed Temporary Insanity. It is a great addition to the Temporary Series and follows along the same lines in that it is hilarious and touching.
Paul and Indy have a past that keeps them at odds for much of the story. Except when they are having hate sex, that is. I didn’t realize that hate sex was a thing or that it could be so hot. That’s some spicy stuff. Mmmmmm.
Indy is a beautiful character. He is open, honest, cheerful, stronger than he knows, and sure of his place in the world. He refuses to give up on Paul until he has made every effort to win him over.
Paul is an interesting character. He is laid back and comfortable with his outlook on life. He doesn’t put much effort into his professional life, and his personal life isn’t something he is stressing over either; until Indy. Paul is torn about his feelings for Indy but refuses to entertain the notion of a romantic relationship with him. It is hate sex all the way.
The snark and banter between these two and with all the other characters kept me laughing. It eased some of the pain of the more serious scenes they struggled thru.
I was so glad when Paul finally woke the -F- up and realized that even as they were hate sexing all over the place, they were also getting to know each other and falling in love. I wanted to pinch him several times. Ugh. But now, I am confident and satisfied with their HEA.
There is a nice flow to the book, and the premise is sound. It is well thought out and executed, and the characters are well fleshed out. Everyone involved in the book has a part to play, and they enrich the story happening around them.
It was nice seeing Tristan and Dom again. They are characters that I will never tire of.
The rest of the secondary characters are well placed, entertaining, funny, and supportive of the storyline. Paul’s interactions with them were hilarious and made me want to see more of them.
***the pineapple, hahaha***
I’m not usually a fan of “enemies to lovers” stories and while this books is sort of that it also isn’t. I absolutely loved Indy! Paul, on the other hand took a bit to warm up to but I can get where he’s coming from. I loved the humor of this book. The push and pull of the guys relationship was well written. This can definitely be read as a stand-alone since I missed the first book and didn’t feel lost at all.
Enemies to lovers in a great version!
Once again the author proves she can really get into it and present an interesting story with relatable characters you can’t help but like!
I found the plot to be a delightful read. Some angst, great humor make this a fairly well rounded book. Indy and Paul are interesting main characters and simply enjoyed their banter. Definitely not to be left off your TBR!
Such a good follow up to A Temporary Situation, although as they take place concurrently, this can most definitely be read as a standalone. I love a good enemies to lovers story and this was done with so much humour and wit, with fantastic banter and dialogue. In classic romantic comedy style, the romantic element was certainly not lacking either. Although, since Paul stubbornly refuses to move past his grudge against Indy, it comes in a delicious slow burn that starts with plenty of steamy hate-sex. Paul does treat Indy rather callously at times but when he finally admits to himself how he feels, he really come through for Indy when it matters. And these two, when they’ve torn down the barriers between them, will melt your heart! The epilogue is especially sweet and finally had the encounter I’d been hoping for the entire book…
[I received an ARC from the author and in exchange I am voluntarily leaving my honest review].
When you think about a book where the main character meets the man your ex was caught cheating with funny isn’t the first word that comes to mind. But this book is really funny!
I had an issue with Paul being attracted to the man he caught with his ex in their bedroom at first. But after reminding myself that this is a book, that Indy wasn’t the guilty party in the cheating and that what I would have felt isn’t the point I had a great time reading the book.
They had so many hilarious moments like the hate sex thing (Paul really hadn’t thought that through), the elephants and everything with Russell (can’t wait to see who he ends up with).
But there were still more serious parts like Indys past and Pauls family to balance the book.
All in all I loved the book and Paul and Indy together.
This book’s timeline is concurrent with the first book in the series, A Temporary Situation. You can easily read this story without having read book one…it’s funny; I could have sworn I had read the story by the threads woven through this book, but I can’t find it or a review anywhere…so maybe sometime in the future.
There are several secondary characters who play big roles in this story, and they are fully fleshed out; or at least really well for the parts they play. Dom is Paul’s best friend, and he comes across as prickly and afraid of committing to Tristan, their boss, because he “doesn’t like him.” He also was the one who helped Paul pick up the pieces after he walked in on his only long term boyfriend with a stranger in their bed.
Paul works in the mail room with Gabrielle, who is nosey and determined to get Paul back in the game. Russell, the office virgin, is also the office gossip supply. The closest place to get a drink and something to eat is a pub just down the road. When Russell and Paul stop by after work, Paul is none too pleased to see that he recognizes the new barman.
* Some very slight spoilers *
By the time Paul gets to order, he is ready for apologies, excuses; anything but to be FLIRTED with by the very man who ruined his relationship. And to top it off, the man doesn’t even have the decency to recognise him! After a few awkward visits to the bar, Paul finally has enough and explains why he looks familiar. What does he get? A brush off apology and a can’t we put the past in the past? Seriously. If only the jerk wasn’t so darn hot.
With the intervention of his friends, Paul decides that since Indigo…He will NOT call him Indy…is so persistent, they can have “hate sex,” but it turns out that he’s not very good at it. He has to hold back so much so that Indy won’t get the wrong impression. Heaven forbid the man actually think this is more than very hot, no strings attached, sexy times. He even gets a huge pink elephant out of the deal…even though he was just joking.
Time goes by, and the men learn they actually have a lot more in common in their backgrounds than they had ever believed possible. However, due to some personal experience, Indy has a much better way of handling his situation. Unfortunately, Paul’s family refuses to see him; any part of his truth, and it makes him miserable.
When Indy finally decides that self-preservation is more important than what they have going on, Paul is still in denial. He still wants to hate indigo for past transgressions, so he lets him walk away. However, good ol’ Gabrielle and Russell show up and actually make things worse. But, back at Paul’s flat while he’s thinking about how stupid Dom is being by continuing to hold on to the past instead of forgiving and being with Tristan, he has an epiphany. His absentee friend has brought a new clarity to his mind and heart, and he has to make it right.
Of course, once things are going well, Paul even gets Indy his own elephant, ghost of a nightmare from Indy’s past come to try to ruin it all. But, with some advice from a friend, Paul is wise enough not to back down and hold on for dear life. When the news isn’t what they expect, the world starts to sparkle again. They even get to run into a certain so-and-so, which was interesting to say the least. In the end, Paul and Indy finally get their HEA, and the author has teased the next book, which should be V-card holding, gossip loving, Russell.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
I really enjoy enemies-to-lovers romances because of the potential for sparks to fly. Temporary Insanity took full advantage, boasting loads of physical chemistry from the start, a good dose of banter that left me smirking and smiling, and a steady transition from lust to a sweet romance.
Temporary Insanity is the second book in the Temporary series but is set along a concurrent timeline with the first book and can be read as a standalone or out of order, which is what I did. The characters in Temporary Insanity- both main and secondary- were likeable and vibrant, and I couldn’t help but be pulled into their world filled with silly snark and occasionally over-the-top, funny reactions, particularly Paul’s penchant for nonsensical rambling. Paul and Indy are an adorable couple and though Paul’s obstinate view of Indy made me want to give him a swift boot at times, I genuinely enjoyed watching their story unfold. If you like a good romantic comedy that is well balanced with chemistry, dialogue, and likeable characters, I’d definitely recommend Temporary Insanity.
What can a man do when he finds himself strongly attracted to the guy he’d discovered in bed with his ex boyfriend three years ago?
This is precisely Paul’s conundrum. He’s really torn between hating Indy and wanting to lick his colorful tattoos. Ah,but you see,a friend gives him the perfect solution:hate sex. The problem is that when he has the opportunity to try it,Paul realizes that he forgot to ask for the rules. Not knowing or applying them could be the reason why he feels a deeper connection than he expected, why a taste,a night with Indy isn’t enough to take him out of his system.
Paul’s indecision between clinging to his resentment and moving forward with his relationship with Indy has exasperated me at times. But Indy is so funny,caring,so cute and so sexy,how could Paul resist him?
He can’t, obliviously, and watching him give in to what he really wants was an amazingly entertaining reading experience. Paul and Indy are beautiful together, their banter is hilarious and,of course, their chemistry is off the charts…the perfect match for one another.
Temporary Insanity is so much fun! Another incredible book written by HL Day and definitely a recommended read. Pick it up,you’d be missing out if you don’t.
Paul and Indy are two extremely adorable guys. Flawed af especially Paul. He is boyish, stubborn, honest and in denial. But what goes on in his head is just… I wanted to squeeze him, hard! Indy is wonderful, insistent, funny, clear as water and insanely persistent.
Hit on by the beautiful bartender, Paul growls at him, he hates this man.
He broke up with his partner three years ago, after finding him in bed with… yeah this man.
Indy doesn’t know about this and doesn’t stop trying to hit on Paul.
Paul doesn’t want to know anything about Indy, he just wants hate sex.
And that’s exactly what’s happens. Delicious hate sex. Afterward gone and heading home.
They both know this is just about getting off. Until it’s getting complicated when Indy likes to get a step further with him. No, no, nope! that’s not what Paul wants! No strings! Ughh!
My goodness, I loved this story, it was so well balanced, humorous, explosive, steamy, endearing and with all the right emotions. All the bossy attitude, from both sides, was just extremely enjoyable, Two most delicious, quite vanilla kind of men. Both extremely funny in a smart way, strong-headed and immensely engaging. The whole story was just my kind of thing, written in a captivating way, fast-paced, well-formed sentences and extremely enchanting.
Highly recommended
Ps.
I skipped through the Dominic and Tristan parts as much as possible, because I bought the story about them immediately when I’d understand there was a story!! And I didn’t want to read any possible spoilers, I’ll read those parts later. I can’t wait to start that one!
Temporary Insanity is the first book in the Temporary: Paul and Indy edition of the Temporary Series by H.L Day. Although this can be read as a stand Alone from Tristan and Dominic’s books, we do get to see some friendly faces in this book.
Paul and Indy are fun to read about. They have an interesting meeting and start to their relationship for sure. Their chemistry is scorching hot. I really liked them together. Their story was fun, funny, sweet, sexy and just a slash of spicy drama.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.