Review of Enemies With Benefits: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance by Roxie Noir
Sometimes, a book lands on your radar in just the right way. For me, that was Enemies With Benefits, the debut in Roxie Noir’s Loveless Brothers Romance series. With a title that oozes sass and a premise promising fiery tension, I felt compelled to dive into this modern enemies-to-lovers saga. After all, there’s something magnetic about a rivalry that ignites passion rather than contempt, and I was eager to see how Eli Loveless and Violet Tulane navigated their past and present.
At the heart of the story lies the chaotic, competitive relationship between Eli and Violet. Their spirited enmity dates back to kindergarten, stretching through years filled with bickering and rivalry. Fast forward ten years, and Eli returns to their small hometown, now a culinary god. Sparks fly—or maybe it’s just all the unresolved tension from childhood that has transformed into an adult dynamism. As they become coworkers vying for a lucrative bonus, the line between hate and desire blurs, leading to an intoxicating arrangement: no strings attached, just pure, unadulterated sex.
One of the standout elements of Noir’s writing is her knack for character development. Eli and Violet are multi-dimensional, resonating with depth that makes their transitions from rivals to lovers feel authentic. I particularly appreciated how her well-paced narrative intertwined humor with emotional resonance, leading readers through moments of laughter and introspection. The dialogue crackles with witty banter—exactly the kind that had me laughing out loud, often thinking, "This is the kind of verbal foreplay I live for!”
I can’t help but share a delightful quote: “Turns out you don’t need to like someone to bang them like a screen door.” This line perfectly encapsulates the book’s comedic spirit, making the characters’ situation relatable and fun. Readers who appreciate sharp humour will find themselves grinning at the banter, with one reviewer aptly stating that the back-and-forth moments made them laugh as much as they anticipated the inevitable clash—or, as the story evolves, a climax.
What I found particularly captivating was how the story explores themes of rivalry, competitiveness, and the complexity of human relationships. It also touches on deeper questions—what happens when childhood grievances confront adult realities? Eli and Violet’s journey didn’t just end at heated exchanges; it delved into personal growth and understanding, transforming their animosity into a foundation of trust and passion.
While I relished Eli and Violet’s dynamic, a few moments felt predictable, particularly towards the climax. However, the blend of humor, steamy romance, and charming side characters—including the Loveless family—deepened my engagement enough to overlook these minor shortcomings.
If you’re a fan of steamy rom-coms, small-town charm, and sizzling enemies-to-lovers narratives, this book is perfect for you. It will keep you entertained, chuckling to yourself, and feeling a warm sense of satisfaction by the end. Roxie Noir has crafted a delightful read that I’ll be recommending to friends and fellow romance enthusiasts, reminding me just how thrilling a well-executed rom-com can be.
In short, Enemies With Benefits isn’t just a book; it’s an invitation to revel in the joy of witty repartee and unexpected love. Maybe, just maybe, the next time you make a bet with your headstrong neighbor, things might escalate in a charmingly chaotic manner, too! Whether you’ve enjoyed a reading slump or just want some laughs, I urge you to pick up this book—it might just reignite your love for romance novels.