Tuesday Book Pick: Dear Enemy By Kristen Callihan
Love thy enemy... so much!
Sometimes sleep avoids me. I don’t know why. I like sleep as much as the next person, but sleep doesn’t seem to like me very much, as I seem to be the last person on the list to fall asleep. This time, I turned to Kristen Callihan. I have yet to find one of her books that I do not enjoy.
Book Description
Delilah and Macon have been enemies since their #childhood. Ten years ago, she tried to make friends, but he preferred her sister’s company. Oh well, a match NOT made in Heaven. Both Macon and her sister Sam spent most of their time teasing Delilah and pulling pranks on her. Ten years later, she is again face to face with her enemy Macon, this time trying to get her sister out of trouble. Sam has stolen a family heirloom from him and Delilah has to make up for the losses. Unfortunately, the #sentimental value of the piece cannot be replaced. Delilah agrees to work for a year as Macon’s assistant and personal chef, hoping that in the meantime, she can track Sam and convince her to return what she stole.
My Thoughts
There are so many deep meanings in this story. From having the courage to follow one’s dreams to facing one’s deepest emotions. Delilah dreams of one day owning a restaurant, having a kitchen where her talents can shine. Unfortunately, she has to put this dream on hold, until Sam decides to do the right thing. Macon is now a famous movie star. Little does Delilah know how much influence she has had in him choosing this career. The enemies to lovers trope is also very well executed. To move past their differences, they must solve all their past altercations. No stone remains unturned. This is what I mostly liked: in the relationship between Macon and Delilah everything is clarified. They are acting in accordance with their now mature personalities and put aside the differences.
The title is very well explained in the book as well. For the most part, I struggled to understand what Dear Enemy has to do with everything. All the words left unspoken during their childhood will be beautifully addressed at some point in the story. While Macon is the person who can hurt Delilah the most, he is also the person who made her stronger. This is also valid for him as well.
While I absolutely enjoyed the #romance, I feel that the side elements are a bit too many. There are too many complications that make the plot feel heavy somehow. Macon’s accident is settled in a very blunt way. His insecurities when it comes to his public #persona could have been better explored. Sam’s story did not feel as believable either. So, while the romance is fabulous in terms of construction, the rest feels like an abundance of elements that get a fast conclusion.
Favorite Quote
"Delilah. We react to each other like the vinegar-and-baking-soda experiments we used to do in science class as kids. Even now she brings out the immature ass in me. But the second she walked back into my life, I became aware of two uncomfortable but undeniable facts: I am lonely as hell, and Delilah Baker feels like home."
I had to pick a quote that was representative for the relationship between our main characters. When Macon speaks about Delilah, he recognizes his safe place. She has always seen behind his façade. She has always been able to slip through the cracks of his apparently perfect life. This used to be terrifying at that young age. Now... Delilah is home.
Conclusion
Kristen Callihan never disappoints when it comes to Romance. The sparks she creates, the beauty in our main characters are just two of the strongest points from her books. I can’t say I am crazy for this book because of all the unnecessary drama surrounding the romance and as well as the way some of the conflicts are resolved. Still, I would read it all over again just to feel that coziness between Macon and Delilah.
Goodreads link: goodreads.com/book/show/49415471-dear-enemy
Amazon link: amazon.com/Dear-Enemy-Kristen-Callihan-ebook/dp/B07Y82VC6P
Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan
Release Date: March 31, 2020
ISBN: 9783736315396
Language: English
Let's Chat
Ok, besides the obvious questions (have you read this book? What are your thoughts? Would you read it? etc etc), tell me gossip! Did you fall in love with your sister’s boyfriend? Well, not you, a friend of yours, obviously... Is this morally acceptable? There is a saying where I’m from that sounds like “From hate to love there’s just one step”. Do you believe it? It never happened to me. I didn’t fall for my enemy and luckily, I don’t have a sister! Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s debate. Until next time, love without regrets!
Anca Ilcu
Columnist | Book Buff of Moody Melon Magazine
I've been a book blogger since 2016. Books have helped me escape my stressful job, keep a positive mind and nurtured my soul. While I mostly read Romance, I also like the Young Adult and Fantasy genres. Every chapter deserves praise and every book should be appreciated.
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