Revisiting Old Battles: A Review of The Enemy (It Happened in Charleston, #2)
Isn’t it funny how life can toss you back into situations you thought were long buried? That’s exactly what The Enemy by Lacey Baker brought back for me—a reminder of high school rivalries and those unshakeable feelings that linger just below the surface. The premise alone grabbed my attention: June, a savvy 30-year-old bakery owner, is preparing to face her long-lost high school rival, Ryan, after twelve years. Oh, the delicious drama!
From the very start, we dive headfirst into June’s inner thoughts. With lines like, “It’s been twelve years since I’ve seen him,” I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia mixed with that tingling, spine-tingling anticipation of a long-awaited showdown. June is not just an ordinary woman; she’s transformed from that girl who was thrilled from a mere kiss into a powerhouse of donut entrepreneurship, making her mark on Charleston. Her confidence rings loud and clear; she’s perfected her winged eyeliner and is stopping men in their tracks. Isn’t that a relatable glow-up?
Baker expertly exploits this emotional tug-of-war—June’s growth paired with her unresolved feelings for Ryan. Their initial interaction is full of sass and undeniable chemistry, fuelled by humorous dialogue that reads like a script from a rom-com. “I am a grown woman… a force of nature, so don’t mess with me this week unless you want me to cancel your birth certificate.” You can’t help but admire June’s tenacity. But then there’s Ryan, still smug after all these years, bringing a complex mix of irritation and attraction that plays beautifully into their banter. Their dynamic reminded me of that age-old tension we all experienced in high school, making the book pulse with relatability.
However, as I trudged deeper into the narrative, I found myself growing tired of the cringy exchanges and failed attempts at wit. I really wanted to DNF (did not finish) it at several points. The pacing wobbled unevenly, with long monologues that both delighted and frustrated me. June’s inner voice was sometimes charming and empowering, yet other times, it veered into territory that felt overly dramatic, reminding me more of a melodramatic high school play than a grown-up confrontation.
One standout moment was June’s epic monologue about standing up for herself. It paints a vivid picture of her journey from high school victim to confident entrepreneur, yet still, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes when she compared her situation to Taylor Swift’s Bad Blood. I mean, really? That felt somewhat out of place and more than a bit excessive.
As the story unfolded, I also felt a sense of frustration with Ryan’s character. The fact that he’s been harboring feelings for June all this time but chose exasperation over honesty made his persona a little less appealing. Who can truly root for someone who feigns rivalry rather than openly sharing feelings?
In conclusion, The Enemy serves as a quirky backdrop against which concepts of growth, rivalry, and unresolved feelings play out. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation—meeting a former rival and feeling the butterflies dance in your stomach—you might find moments of joy within these pages. While the pacing didn’t work for me, I think readers who enjoy lighthearted rom-com drama with a hint of nostalgic rivalry will find entertainment here.
Ultimately, Baker has constructed a captivating world where the enemy you know might not be the enemy at all. And perhaps it’s those battles, both old and new, that make us who we are today. So for those of you ready to embrace the chaos and complexity of past relationships, why not dive into June and Ryan’s story? You might just find a relatable spark amidst the sugary chaos of Charleston’s donut scene. 🍩
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