This story has angst, fluff, and spice. The FMC learns that putting herself first is not a bad thing. I like how it shows two children from the same family can have different experiences growing up and how that trauma affects them later in life. Boundaries are your best friend, and appreciating people who support yours are who you really want in your life. This story has the perfect amount of angst without it being a stereotypical tradgey that we see with so many popular sapphic stories. Girls love girls, and get their HEA.

It too all of ONE post to convince me to read this book and I've never been more glad I'm easy to convince. What an absolutely incredible book, honestly.

I loved every second, I actually don't think I paused the book once. I didn't want to, it was truly an incredible story with such great characters. The dynamic between Libby & Jade was everything. I loved the friendship between Libby & Jana. and how much Libby tried to respect Jana's wishes, but that she let herself love Jade anyways, sure she made some errors, but no one is perfect and It's one hell of a situation to find yourself in. And as for Jade, well, what a woman honestly. she was everything and more. I wanna be her when I grow up, she was such a strong and admirable character and it was great to see her so open and vulnerable with Libby despite everything. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for her, cleaning out a dead relatives place is such a horrible thing and the fact she had to do it with virtually a stranger must have been hard. But seeing Libby step up for Jana and Jade, now that's the kind of friend so few people actually deserve. I can't recommend this book enough. Every second was incredible, the characters, the writing, the plot, the dynamics, just everything about it was amazing. Jade was so patient with Libby and made it clear to her what she wanted, and that is everything.

Not Your Enemy is the kind of romance that’s easy to fly through while still packing plenty of heart underneath it all. The banter was smooth and flirty, the pacing kept things moving, and underneath all of that was a surprisingly emotional story about self-worth, acceptance, family, and learning how to start creating your own happiness instead of living for everyone else.

Libby and Jade were both incredibly easy to fall for. Libby is compassionate, confident, and a chronic people pleaser who keeps her life organized down to the smallest detail. At the same time, she’s navigating the pressure of a family that wants her to fit into a mold she doesn’t belong in. Jade is her suave, laidback, artistic opposite: effortlessly cool, deeply caring, self-aware, and completely down to earth—and nothing like the person Jana has made her out to be. Together, they balance each other perfectly, with Libby’s careful, overthinking nature meeting Jade’s easygoing confidence in all the best ways.

While their relationship develops quickly, it still feels organic and genuine. Libby and Jade naturally balance each other, with natural understanding, playful teasing, and plenty of sweet, intimate moments as they grow closer. Jade is completely mesmerized by Libby, especially the curves she was once taught to hide, seeing her body with such genuine admiration that it becomes impossible for Libby not to see herself through Jade’s eyes. The chemistry is undeniable, with some seriously good steamy scenes woven into a connection that feels both believable and emotionally grounded.

The conflict between Jade and Jana (and eventually Libby) adds additional layers to the story. We learn that their parents spent years pitting the sisters against each other, leaving them with a years-long rift that feels near impossible to repair. Jana’s inability to let go of the past inevitably spills over into Jade and Libby’s relationship, leaving Libby trapped between protecting her longtime friendship with Jana and her growing feelings for Jade. Seeing Libby finally realize she can’t keep putting everyone else’s happiness before her own. She learns that breaking that cycle means finally making choices for herself and choosing what actually makes her happy.

Jenna Paris was a perfect fit for Libby’s voice. There’s a sweet, bubbly quality to her performance that captures Libby’s inherent kindness and compassion without making her feel overly cheesy. She handled tonal shifts really well, bringing a lighter, sweeter cadence to the fun moments and a softer, more sultry breathiness to the intimate and heavier ones. It made the story so effortless to settle into.

This was a fun, sweet, and steamy romance with a lot more heart beneath the surface than I expected. A quick, heartfelt read with great chemistry, lovable characters, and just enough drama to lock down your feelings. This is a story about letting go of the version of yourself everyone else expects, learning that you don’t have to earn love or make yourself smaller to be worthy of it, and finally giving yourself permission to choose what makes you happy.

Whenever I read a book, the first indication that it is going to be good is if I feel a sense of envy towards the author. If I say to myself, “this person can write,” chances are the read will be worth my while. I am happy to say Madison Mars can write.

The story, “You Are Not My Enemy,” is a romantic fiction that is told from the first-person perspective of the protagonist, Libby. I like how Madison is able to tell us what Libby is thinking about herself and about her relationships with two people in her life, Jana and Jade. The relationships between Libby and Jana and Libby and Jade are sweet, poignant, and simple in some ways. The relationship between Jade and Jana, who are sisters, is mysteriously complex, so complex that the author only touches on it tangentially, but with insight.

This story is a romance, but it is more than that because it also explores some of the issues and challenges of a romantic lesbian relationship. There are, rather surprisingly, some hot sexual scenarios that are played out in the book, which are essential in developing the relationship between Libby and one of the sisters (No spoiler here). For a moment I thought this story had transcended from romance to smut, but that is not the case. It's refreshing to read a sexual account that is realistic and not pornographic – well, at least not to this reviewer.

Madison Mars has talent as a writer. I am not a romance reader and most likely will not pursue her other romance writing, but I will certainly read other genres if she ever branches out. I highly recommend this author and this book.

I really loved this book! I loved how the author depicted Libby's uncertainty with falling for her sister's best friend, a woman who her bestie saw as an "enemy." The guilt of feeling like she's betraying her friend. Libby's personality was the perfect type of timid where it didn't come off as annoying and i really adored her for it.

As for Jade, the second FMC, her personality was just as wonderful, from being seen as a "tough" girl, she's a total sweetheart and truly cares for Libby. I love the way the author wrote Jade's vulnerable moments, it felt so incredibly raw and just incredible

10/10 from me!

I had so much fun reading this. I really liked the forced proximity. And the way the characters got to know each other. The way the tension between Jade and Libby slowly grew kept me turning pages for more. I will say, I kind of didn't really like the Jana (Jade's sister and Libby's bff). She definitely has her place in the story and it wouldn't have progressed the same without her but I didn't really like her.

The slow realization for Libby, that Jade wasn't who Jana lead her to believe, was done really well. And I absolutely loved Jade. I really liked Libby but Jade was my favorite in this book.

If you like Strangers to friends to lovers, forced proximity, best friends sibling, and just the right amount of spice, go read this!

Libby and Jade's story had me from the jump, showing me how sweet and honest they both were. Their struggles made their HEA feel well-earned and lovely! What stood out for me was the domesticity Mars established early on between them, giving the story an almost slice-of-life feeling. Even though the story has an end, I can imagine their daily lives together afterward, given this.

Well worth reading in a single sitting, and I'll definitely reread it!

Not Your Enemy by Madison Mars is a fairly low-angst adult contemporary romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick and easy read. It features sweet, intimate moments and spicy times. I like how the relationship develops organically; although it progresses rather quickly, it feels genuine and believable. Jade and Libby are wonderful characters, both endearing and sexy. Clear consent, effective communication, strong chemistry, and thoughtful plot placement make the sex scenes rewarding.

Despite the setting being the clearing out of the home of a deceased parent and the discussion of toxic parenting, the novel is, in general, light and romantic. There is a third-act breakup, but I didn't hate it. The ending is satisfying. I recommend this book as a lighter read between heavier ones.

Not Your Enemy is my first book by this author, and I would love to read more.

#oppositesattract #bestfriendssister #forcedproximity #femmefemme #tattooartist #claimsprocessor #remotejob #smalltown #bodypositivity #3rdactbreakup #lightbondage #spanking #vibrator #69 #spicy #HEA #epilogue #consentissexy

I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest review.

First thank you to the author for this ARC.

I have a hard time getting into books but this one sucked me right in and I read almost straight through. First the best friend in the story is such a unlikable character. How do you pressure your best friend to go deal with your dead parents house with the sister you hate? That was enough for me to hate Janna. Libby I wasn’t sure about for a while but I loved Jade instantly. I love her so much she’s real, self aware, intelligent, artistic, down to earth — can you tell I have a book crush? Ha ha

There were a few cliffhangers and surprises and I kept waiting for Jana or Libby’s parents to walk in on them at different points 🤣.

Overall lovable characters, relatable for those of us with familial trauma (which is most of our generation) and a very meet cute love story.

Thank you to the author for writing this tale - can’t wait to read more sapphic love stories from you in the future!!

My ARC Thoughts (Spoiler-Free)

If you love sharp dialogue, tension so thick you could slice it, and two women who absolutely refuse to admit they’re falling… this one delivers.

Not Your Enemy leans hard into that delicious adversarial chemistry. From the first chapter, the banter is biting, competitive, and layered with unresolved attraction. Madison Mars writes conflict beautifully — not just surface-level snark, but emotional armor. These women aren’t just rivals… they’re protecting wounds.

The slow burn feels earned. The progression from irritation → fascination → vulnerability is paced intentionally, which makes the emotional payoff satisfying instead of rushed.

And when the spice hits?

It hits. 🔥

What I Loved

Authentic tension – The enemies-to-lovers dynamic isn’t petty; it’s rooted in pride, ambition, and fear.

Layered characters – Both leads feel flawed but deeply human.

Chemistry – Electric. The glances, the almost-confessions, the forced proximity moments? Chef’s kiss.

Emotional vulnerability – The story doesn’t just give spice; it gives softness underneath the armor.

Who Should Read This?

WLW romance lovers who enjoy sharp banter

Readers who love workplace power dynamics

Fans of emotionally guarded characters learning to trust

First thank you to the Author for the Arc, my first at that!

I read this book in two days, stayed up till 2 AM to finish it because I was HOOKED. I felt that each character brought something to the table that was uniquely them. What I liked most was that these characters felt real, the way they were written made me feel like I knew them.

I loved the fact that not only was there a plus size MC, they were worshiped for their body which was so refreshing to see.

The book took a lot of really deep things (grief, anxiety/overthinking, and familial conflict) and not only wrote them well but was able to make plot around them and not have the story only focus on those things were nice.

I wish that Jana would have been written slightly different in terms of how negative she was about her sister, it was very repetitive and I wish there would have been some reflection on her part after everything that happened and with what Libby was telling her.

Honestly, I'm waiting for a sequel at this point. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!

Thanks again to the author, another great book of hers I fell in love with!

Sweet, satisfying sapphic romance!

Libby is probably the best friend anyone could ask for. When she agrees to go in workaholic Jana’s place to clear out Jana’s late parents’ house, the rules are pretty simple: maintain a healthy distance from Jana’s cruel sister, Jade.

Only, things are never as cut-and-dry as they seem, and when Libby finds herself caught in the middle of decades-old bad blood, she must make an impossible choice.

These characters are easy to love, and there are strong themes of meeting your loved ones where they’re at, establishing boundaries, and finding your own voice in your life.

Libby tries to do the best she can for the people around her, sometimes at the cost of her own happiness, and seeing her character growth over the course of the novel was so satisfying.

If you’re looking for a wholesome sapphic romance to escape into, I absolutely recommend ‘Not Your Enemy’!

Super grateful to have received an advance copy of this story - all opinions are my own!