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Dashiel Hampton is her enemy.

Layla Tate reminds herself of that fact every morning she goes to class and sees his smug face smirking up at her. From grade school to grad school there hasn’t been a moment they weren’t pitted against each other and she refuses to back down. She hates him from his rock hard abs to his panty-dropping smile.

She thought she left him behind when she went off to grad school and the satisfaction would have been oh-so-sweet…if he hadn’t been standing at the front of her first class–as her TA.

Layla Tate is going down.

There is nothing that makes Dash Hampton as happy as the look on Layla’s face when she realizes he’s won. He lives to drive her crazy because if he can’t have her beneath him, then he’ll have her any other way he can.

He’ll get her to notice him, even if it means making her semester a living hell.

As they vie to see who will come out on top, they’ll have to keep their friends close and their frenemies closer.

280 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2019

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About the author

Nicole Blanchard

57 books971 followers
Nicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of gritty romantic suspense and heartwarming new adult romance. She and her family reside in the south along with their two spunky Boston Terriers and one chatty cat.

You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...

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5 stars
106 (35%)
4 stars
113 (38%)
3 stars
55 (18%)
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10 (3%)
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11 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for rj.
677 reviews335 followers
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
June 3, 2019
DNF @ 26%

- spoilers below -

I was out as soon as I found out she was a virgin and he's been sleeping around even though he wanted her since they were kids. There also OW drama throughout the book, a bitchy grandma who needs to mind her own business, and rich kids with rich kid problems.

Sad cause the H did seem like a decent guy I would want to read about.

Authors... please I'm begging you.... stop writing virgin heroines!!! I'm sick and tired of reading them.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
4,951 reviews141 followers
May 9, 2019
Happy Book-day to Nicole and FRENEMIES . . . I read this as a birthday special for me.

I really do like the concept of enemies-to-lovers or the combo of frenemies get me on the fence. I love that there are obstacle to get over, under, around, behind, between, and so many more. I find that Dash and Layla were on losing ends either way you looked at it. If he won she lost and vice versa. That would not lead to something good or would it. Their story took you on a high and low of ups and downs between them. There were so many things about this story that reminded me of a few other enemies-to-friends-to-lovers that I have loved. I was wanting something more from these two. The history behind these two was what made it work so well. This was not a new enemies. This was more a nemises-to-lovers. Once they got past a few things and cleared up some misunderstandings things for the two were well on its way.

Nicole writes stories that pull you in and have you wanting more of the characters she surround the primary couple with. This read was no different. Once you put it down you want more.
Profile Image for CrowAndKraken.
51 reviews17 followers
March 10, 2023
DNFed at Chpt. 10, I couldn't bare any more pages.

Grammar and spelling mistakes, repetitive phrases. I was almost out when I got to know the bitchy Grandma (who will be a bitchy, sabotaging old woman, believe me, I don't even have to read the rest), and I WAS out the moment it was clear the FMC was a virgin.

I am so sick and tired of this trope of virgin FMC who meet/fall in love with a MMC who basically f*cked half of the female population in his city. And I am especially sick and tired of it when this is only a device to stall the pace and make the FMC more coy, just to make her a ravenous nympho two pages later. WTF?


Profile Image for Meredith James.
76 reviews
January 11, 2023
As much as I enjoyed the story, I'm going to have to give this book 2 stars purely for the EXTREMELY POOR EDITING.

Never have I read a book that had so many grammar and spelling errors in it. It was a complete eyesore and I just barely got through it without throwing it aside altogether. There was an entire scene that was replicated and I almost just stopped reading it right there.

As a consumer who purchased this book, I expect at least a little effort put into editing. All I noticed were the mistakes that could have easily been caught by a simple read over. It completely took the enjoyment away from the story.

I understand a few slight errors here and there, but there were 1-4 errors PER PAGE. That is ridiculous, and would not happen with proper editing.

I had the same issues with Freind Zone, although not as severe as this book. As much as I'd like to read the next one, Friends With Benefits, I don't know if I can read through another book that was as terribly edited as Frenemies.

PLEASE, hire an EDITOR! It would do WONDERS for your writing and make it more readable, and less like a drunk person wrote it on their iPhone. . .
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,288 reviews17 followers
May 6, 2019
Dash and Layla had this ridiculous hate/love thing going on and I was all here for it. These two had it bad for each other, while Dash knowing his deep feelings for her, the only way to get her attention was to annoy the heck out of her, and Layla took it as, I'll destroy him every chance I get. These two had me giggling at their hate/love feelings with each other.

I love a good enemies to lovers book, but the best is when they have the history to back it up, especially dating back to their childhood years. Dash just prods and pokes her until she blows up at him, and he just comes back for more. Fast forward her senior year in college......She needs to take a class so she can graduate with double majors and guess whoooooooo is her T.A????!!!! Dash! LOL. These two. Did I say, how giddy I get when these dramatics happen???? :o)

The story goes further and they spend time together and she starts to see the real Dash. They fall so deep for each other, but he also comes from a big influential family, so he's expected to act or follow a certain way or certain steps. Their chemistry is off the charts! There is quite some drama that happens which is sorta shocking and I immensely enjoyed their story. I loved seeing them fall totally head over heels for each other. Great story and I am looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Courtney.
1,165 reviews177 followers
February 5, 2020
Received From Author for Honest Review.

I Give this Book a 3/5 Star Rating.

HEA(?): Yes.
Drama: 5/5
Suspense: 3/5
Heat: 3/5
Romance: 3/5

This was a highly anticipated read for me because it was continuously highly recommended to read, but to me it wasn’t as big a deal as I would’ve liked. Lots of drama, I wished the book started with a ‘years ago’ backstory prologue, just to get a better feel for the characters in the beginning, for me the hardest part of the book was the beginning cause there was no breathing space and I had trouble imagining the world.
The characters were ‘ok’, Layla was a bit of a push over and Dash though seemed like at good guy throughout. I really enjoyed him.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
4,611 reviews42 followers
January 6, 2020
I completely fell in love with Dash and Layla. I’m so happy that they didn’t give into outside pressure and got their HEA. Can’t wait for Ember’s book.
May 8, 2019
“It was as though we were composed of two volatile chemicals that reacted to each other when we were in close proximity. Instead of a slow burn, it was an explosion.”

Frenemies is a cute read with a little forbidden and hate to love romance thrown in. Layla is a smart and lonely girl who is focused on one thing...graduating. Dash is a charming, intelligent and honestly a pretty good guy. Enemies since grade school these two can’t help but bump heads. Both have more in common then they think. I loved the banter between the characters and the ending was perfect.

“I saw in her eyes the girl I’d admired, hated, feared, and worshipped.”

~ Read on behalf of Two Darlin Dolls and a Book Review Blog
Profile Image for Jody.
2,068 reviews55 followers
May 7, 2019
After reading the first book in Ms. Blanchard’s Friend Zone series I was immediately charmed and wholeheartedly on board for the rest of this likable group of friends to find their HEAs. In this latest installment two people weighed down by familial demands struggle to find their place in the world while finding an unexpected romance between lifelong frenemies. From start to finish witty banter is balanced with erotically-charged interactions that put a smile on my face and a blush to my cheeks in a story that had me wanting to read it again once I turned the final page.

Dashiel Hampton has always been a success, from being at the top of his class when it comes to smarts to being labeled one of the sexiest bachelors. He’s always been the smart one, the reliable one, and the one his family line rests their dreams of the future on. Because of his sexy looks and family name he’s never known a moment of not getting what he wanted...except when it comes to the smart and sassy Layla. He and Layla have been adversaries since they were young and he always came out on top which angered her and has kept them at war ever since. Finding out she’s taking a class he’s teaching thrills him and tempts him like never before, and with each day he sees her he wants her all the more. Flirtations, snarky banter, and surprising moments of tenderness soon has them starting a forbidden romance that could lead to trouble for both of their futures. Despite the risk of discovery though they can’t help themselves as they forge a rocky path full of doubts and fears towards HEA. Through it all Dash is an utterly delicious hero! From the outside he’s a sexy beast full of charm, a man who comes from wealth and who has a bright future ahead of him. With plans set forth by his family he’ll take his place in the public eye as the perfect spokesman for the Hampton name. What Dash wants though is something very different. He’s tired of being wanted only for his looks and name and wants to be wanted for who he is behind the facade. Layla’s the one woman to never cave to his wants, the one woman to challenge him at every turn and who never expects more from him than being her adversary. Being with her lets him be himself and it made their interactions crackle. When he was around his family there was a weight on him, but being around Layla brought out a carefree and playful side that drove their romance and endeared him to me. To the world Dash seemed to have it all, but the pressures his family put on him broke my heart. While letting his younger brother have a life, they pushed him at every turn when it came to his career and his love life. It was their machinations that put doubts in Layla’s head early on about their future and it made me very protective of their pairing as they were wonderful together.

Layla Tate’s always come in second best to Dash and it’s fueled her anger for him from an early age. As she’s gotten older though that anger is now paired with attraction. With her future on the line she can’t afford to put her grade in jeopardy so each day of him teaching her class becomes even more torturous as he does all he can to push her buttons. In moments of introspection she can admit he’s sexy and charming-when he wants to be-and it’s becoming harder and harder to ignore the sensual vibe he constantly sends her way which is why it’s not long before they’re engaged in a forbidden romance that will change both of their futures irrevocably. Layla’s a wonderful heroine, smart and strong-willed. With Dash she gives as good as she gets and their banter felt more like foreplay. As adversaries their banter was funny and snarky and it led to a seamless transition to lovers as their interactions with each other sizzled from their very first meeting. Layla might not have much experience when it comes to the bedroom but with Dash she turned into a sex kitten. Their erotic encounters were empowering to a heroine always made to feel inferior by her own family and by those who saw her as just a studious librarian-type. Being with him made her more inclined to go after what she wanted and it had me rooting for her every step of the way. Helping her through all her ups and downs were her supportive and equally likable girlfriends, Charlie and Ember. This trio is easy to relate to and it’s easy to see them as one of your own friends as they’re ready with alcohol and chocolate when times get tough. There were many times when Layla needed their emotional support, especially after talking to her mother who cut her down at every turn while pushing her to live a life she wanted. Her mother’s words were hurtful and these familial pressures were another thing to bind her and Dash together as they both tried to find their own way under the weight of family expectations.

From start to finish I was completely captivated by this story and its delightful main couple! Through witty banter and scorching interactions I was captivated by this pairing and rooting for them to overcome the outside forces weighing on them as they tried to find their own place in the world. Together they were a formidable pair, while apart they were left with doubts because of familial pressures that had me hurting for them as family can be the most cutting when it comes to defining success. Along with a romance that weathered a few emotional ups and downs along the way, readers got a glimpse of the past pairing between Charlie and Liam (still going strong and blissfully happy) and the break-up of Ember and her long distance boyfriend that’s now opened the door for their mutual friend Tripp to step through. This is another romance I’ve been longing to see come to fruition and in the crafty hands of Ms. Blanchard it promises to be another winner.
March 8, 2020
I purchased a physical copy of this book from a local retailer. In the beginning, the story was great and the characters were interesting. But whoever edited this book was clearly not skilled. Besides a substantial amount of grammatical errors throughout the book, the biggest issue was in chapter 22 when the chapter actually repeated itself. As in the first section of the chapter was cut and pasted into the last part of the chapter. It was such a glowing red flag that Ever After Romance just hadn't put the work into editing.

I'd encourage them to review it. The book's underlying plot is great, but the errors will be a challenge for other readers to keep them engaged in the book.
Profile Image for Amber.
1,219 reviews33 followers
May 4, 2019
Frenemies will snag your heart completely by surprise as it leaves you shocked, enthralled, and wanting so much more. This new series is becoming an absolute must read! The characters will rock your world in a completely unexpected way while you fall for them so hard and fast. Their stories mirror real-life struggles and their emotions will leave you shattered and stunned. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on this fantastic groups of friends who muddle through life until they finally figure out that nothing else matters except the most important things in life like unconditional love and relentless hope.

Layla just wants to build and live her life in peace. When her family continually reminds her of just how much she doesn’t measure up, she just wants to walk away and never look back. Next, she is at a loss when one of her best friends moves out with her boyfriend shrinking her already small world of love and affection. Then, she finds that college has to throw its two cents into the game as well by making her repeat a business class. When her carefully constructed world begins to crumble, it does so in grand style. Just when things can’t possibly get any worse, she comes face to face with her childhood nemesis who has begun to infiltrate every part of her life. Dash is looking forward to finishing up his MBA. What he does after that is anyone’s guess. With his grandparents pushing him to work with his dad on his campaign, he is dead set on running in the opposite direction. He doesn’t want any more fake in his life. He wants something real, something raw, and something truly his own. What he longs for is a true, honest, and deep connection in his life. Where he will find that is beyond him. When he finds Layla thrust into his life, he is left dumfounded, intrigued, and hopeful. Will this dubbed beast be able to win over his beauty, or will they both discover the most well-kept secret of life that nothing is ever as it seems?

I have been chomping at the bit to read the story of Layla and Dash, and I was not disappointed in the least. In fact, it turned out so much better than I ever imagined! These two people couldn’t be more different or more similar. This strange dynamic created a tense and passionate story that broke two lonely and desperate hearts wide open. What you get is a whirlwind of emotion that gave me goose bumps at its intensity and made me smile like a fool at its charming sincerity. What a perfect story for this couple! It is truly a breathtaking masterpiece!

Nicole Blanchard has left me with a full heart and a burning desire to read the next book in this fabulous series. They just keep getting better and better. Nothing beats a wonderful story that rips your soul wide open to all of the possibilities of life and love. She delivered that and so much more. She is one author who never fails to make me feel everything no matter what is going on in my life around me. I come away refreshed and rejuvenated, and for that I can’t thank her enough! She is an extraordinary author who has touched my life in such a simple yet powerful way.
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,149 reviews6 followers
May 5, 2019
From the moment they met, Dashiel Shepard started pushing Layla's buttons and working on her last nerve. Every chance that presented itself, he grabbed it with both hands and made her miserable. They met in grade school, and the teasing started that very first day and followed them to college... and now onto Grad school. When she left for grad school she was excited for the reprieve, from her family and him of course, hoping this was finally her chance for a little peace. But then she walks into her classroom and low and behold guess who she finds waiting for her... her sworn enemy!

The man may be drop dead gorgeous, but when someone is constantly getting on your nerves it makes them a little easier to overlook... or does it?

From the very first page Frenemies will lure you in and have you mesmerized with it's perfectly penned words, and enchanting characters. These two take the term enemy to a whole new level, constantly battling over one thing or another, and also fighting their attraction for one another at the same time..it's downright intense! Their little battles spawned lots of steamy, angsty moments that had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation. In addition to the battles happening between them they were also dealing with lots of family drama, the kind that is tough on the heart, this story really had it all. I really enjoyed this newest installment in the series, it had drama to keep me captivated, steamy bits to curl the toes, and loads of emotional stuff to tug on the heartstrings... a perfect read in my book! Highly recommend!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews161 followers
May 7, 2019
Layla Tate is constantly told by her mother what a utter disappointment she is, so she goes out of her way to try to make her mother happy, including taking more classes than she should so she can major in what she wants, and add business to the resume to try to get her mother to shut the hell up. (My words not hers.) So when she's told that she needs to add an extra business class to make sure she graduates on time, she's not happy, and to make matters worse, her mortal enemy since they were in elementary school, Dashiel Hampton, is teaching it as her TA. She refuses to back down, even when he does everything he can to antagonize her, even as far as to almost stalking her when he moves into her apartment building. Dash is determined to make her his, even if the only way to get her to notice him is to make her life a living hell, he's going to get her under him as they have explosive chemistry. And yes they do, so when he finally gets her where he wants her, outside forces conspire to keep them apart, so you know what that means, big twists that have my f-bombs dropping like mad! So they set the sheets on fire with heat, but then the colorful metaphors come out to play. I mean, can you think of any better kind of story because seriously, there is also angst with a big side of drama for all you drama queens added in, so it ticks off all the boxes for the perfect romance! Oh wait there's more! A cast of secondaries of hilarious friends so now what are waiting for?! One click this baby immediately! I certainly CANNOT WAIT for the next book in this series and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Lynn Reynolds.
1,697 reviews40 followers
May 6, 2019
Layla Tate is just trying to get through the school year. She can be someone you can connect to – she doesn’t want to be like her mother. Dashiel “Dash” Hampton also wants to get through the school year. He gives you a peek at what the boy that pulls the pigtails grows up to be.

I liked having this story told from the character’s point of view. It was a great way to get Dash’s perspective on their past interactions. Layla’s point of view is all about their current connection. He also shows the reader that not always having more than most makes you happy. For Layla, I felt that at times she put her happiness on the backburner in order to get approval from her mother. Dash seems to like poking at something that he probably shouldn’t. Where Layla would prefer not to rock the boat if possible.

One thing this author does very well is building anticipation – for both her characters and her readers. Will they? Won’t they? Is there something that’s going to come between? She also shows that you can have a book with plenty of heat without doing “it”. All the ups and downs led to a very romantic ending. Since I missed reading the first book, I was glad to see that you could read this as a standalone. Our author did make me curious about Layla’s friends, Ember and Charlie. For Charlie, that’s where the first book in the series comes in. I look forward to catching up because Ember’s story is next.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
1,806 reviews11 followers
May 9, 2019
Sexy, snappy and swoon worthy! Outstanding enemies to lovers romance with divine characters and fantastic writing. Dash is a dream of a hero with his good looks, pedigree and smarts. He loves to set Layla on fire either with his barbs or his sexiness and watch as she reacts. She's a spitfire that gives as good as she takes and she wants to take him down. Their rivalry started in childhood with Dash "pulling her pigtails" and Layla going for payback that continues into adulthood. These highly competitive, beautiful people dish it back and forth with a fierceness that looks like hate but is really attraction. When Layla needs some help Dash is there for her and she sees a different side of him that she likes. Dash is ready to romance the lovely and sassy Layla but he has to convince her that they can be more than frenemies or at the least dislike and lust can co-exist. These two have terrific chemistry that's sizzles and can't be denied whether they're fighting or lusting. There are a few twists that cause friction in their budding relationship including their current teacher/student situation. And then there's the drama and heartache both have to deal with from their respective family's expectations and issues. Love the friendship between the gals and their wonderful support. This author has given us a panty-melting couple along with a storyline that has loads of depth and emotion. A real page turner to find out how Layla and Dash get to their ending. Loved it! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Profile Image for Ariel.
170 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2020
Having read the first book in this series, I learnt all about the tension and rivalry between Layla and Dash.
While Layla feels that Dash tries to torment and annoy her for no reason, everyone else can see Dash is hot for Layla and does anything to just get a reaction from her.

There’s so much more tension in this story other than Dash and Layla’s feelings for each other.
Layla’s mother continues to try and control what she does in life including her career choice, regardless if Layla’s passion lies elsewhere.
Dash’s grandmother has decided he is going to follow his father’s political career and that he is going to be with the woman of her choosing, even though Dash has made it clear he is not interested because he knows the only person he wants to be with is Layla. But his Grandmother will not give up easily.
And to add more complications, Dash is now Layla’s TA for her business class so any relationship beyond teacher and student is forbidden.

This booked 100% lived up to the hype!!!
I love how they both are with each other, from their intense chemistry to the tension when challenging each other.
With dual POV throughout the story I got a real sense of their thoughts and feelings. Especially as Layla worked through her change of feelings towards Dash from always being defensive to being unable to resist her attraction to him.
Dash always had this sexy, confident and dominant side to him but then he showed a more gentle and patient side as he did everything he could to earn Layla’s trust and show her how much he truely cared about her.
Profile Image for Jenny (jennyluvslitbooks).
768 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2019
Frenemies lives up to its name with this newest second installment from another new to me author. Dash and Layla have a history of being mortal enemies’ way back from high school. Dash was already attracted to her but after failing to impress her by beating her on a quiz bee; it was war from then on. It doesn’t help that they couldn’t stop their selves from constant bickering. I guess it became their game; a cover, a mask than to face what was really the heart of the matter: they are attracted to each other and maybe in danger of falling in love.

Who doesn’t love enemies to lovers’ story? I’m a huge sucker for it and from this title alone; I just had to read it. I wasn’t disappointed. This was a sure fire hit to me. Those heated back and forth, intense push and pull; all lead to a very hot and steamy moment that I had to fan myself numerous times. Whew!

But that’s not all; the story has a taboo romance factor in it (student-teacher). Now we have, enemies-to-lovers, student-teacher romance? What’s not to love? Who could possibly resist this? Definitely not this girl. I’ve loved and enjoyed every single moment of this story; their own family problems while they try to work out their budding relationship are something you will be able to relate to in real life. After reading this book, I’m excited to read the next in this series, Tripp and Ember’s story because that title surely is interesting.
Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
882 reviews11 followers
May 1, 2019
I have been waiting to read this book since I finished Friend Zone. There's just something about an enemies to lovers romance. This book did not disappoint. Dash and Layla have been at each other's throats since they were in elementary school. Layla always thought Dash hated her, so she hated him. Dash just wanted Layla and loved to rile her up. Two kisses later (their first kiss happened years ago) and they were done for. However these two have a bunch of huddles they have to jump over before they can find their HEA. This book just flowed for me. I started reading and honestly couldn't put it down, except to sleep. I loved following these two as they went through each step of their current relationship. I also loved watching Layla finally grow the backbone she needed to put her mother in her place. Dash was just Dash. Charming, sweet, and the perfect gentleman. He was trying to please everyone he loved while still trying for what he wanted. My heart broke for him when reality came crashing down on him and he had to make a stand. But I'm glad he made the right one. I truly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next, and sadly last, book in this series. Ember needs her HEA as well! *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
Profile Image for Lexee Toste.
2,271 reviews13 followers
May 8, 2019
I absolutely loved this story! The characters were fantastic and sucked me in from beginning to end. They have great witty banter that goes back and forth. They are both fantastic at the comebacks. They had always been at odds growing up and it hasn't changed. Dash asked Layla out in elementary school and she turned him down multiple times and they they started the one upping each other and became "frenemies". Dash has always known he'd like to be more but has never really had the opportunity. Layla is in complete denial about the attraction and doesn't know that Dash truly likes her like that. It was great seeing them start to figure that out. I absolutely loved the way that Dash handled the transition. It made me fall in love with him even more. I loved how he cared for Layla with the little things and the way that he wanted to care for her feelings and make sure that she was good with everything. This book was easy to read because I was so engaged and drawn into it. I truly loved it and am super excited to get another book in the series. This is the second book but can be read as a standalone no problem.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for kgagnon.
1,999 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2019
Layla and Dash have been frenemies since they were young. Dash tried to impress Layla at a spelling bee but only ending up hurting her instead. That was their relationship their whole lives. When Dash became her teacher for a required course, Layla knew her last year of college was off to a rocky start. Layla could never do anything right according to her mother, so Layla fought hard to control all aspects of her life. She worked hard, and was determined to try and please everyone. Dash knew a thing about family pressure. His grandmother wanted Dash to follow in his father's political footsteps. But no matter how much he liked it, he hated being controlled. He and Layla had that in common, but Dash couldn't help pushing Layla's buttons. He loved seeing the fire in her eyes and the closely guarded control slip just a little. Their fiery competition and banter was their foreplay. But their explosive desires are forbidden and could destroy both their careers. I really enjoyed this emotional, sweet & sexy romance. I especially loved the library scenes and all the fun scenes with their friends. I liked seeing Liam and Charlie again and can't wait for Ember and Tripp's story next!
Profile Image for Terry.
1,255 reviews
April 20, 2019
This is a great enemies to lovers romance!

Layla and Dash have been enemies since they were young, but when Dash left for college Layla was hoping to never see him again. But when she gets to college, who is her T.A. ..., yeah, that's right Dash! And nothing has changed ... he is still tormenting her. Dash can't believe his good luck to have Layla in his class. Maybe now he'll be able to convince her that they are meant to be together. After all, what about that fine line between hate ... and love?

The electricity between Dash and Layla was easy for everyone to see ... except Layla. At first I wanted to kick Dash in the a$$ because he was so mean to Layla. But once I got to understand him more, I began to love him. I loved Layla's spirit ... she didn't take Dash's crap! This story made me laugh and swoon ... and the sex scenes were very HOT! This is a great enemies to lovers romance that shouldn't be missed.

I graciously received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews12 followers
April 30, 2019
Layla and Dash started their "frenenemy-ship" at a spelling bee. He loved that she didn't like him and she was so annoyed with his constant picking on her.

Fast forward to college. Layla finds out she has to take a course to be able to graduate so to her surprise guess who is her T.A.? And lives near her and wants to be addressed as Mr.? Talk about fate wanting it to rain to get rid of that love/hate line.

Now each are fighting those "I'm not into you" feelings yet every one knows that those who pick on you is because they want you to pick them. The more they fight and deny the more you know they are going to rock each other's world. Now the issue is crossing that line of teacher/student romance or if the secret gets out. Then add in money and family. Can that mix be strong enough to outweigh their love or will they be stuck as FRENEMIES....

Told in dual POV. It's a great read that proves that Layla and Dash wrote the book on the little fine line. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
Profile Image for Caroline F.
2,207 reviews42 followers
May 23, 2019
4.5 stars - fab enemies-to-lovers with some angst thrown in.

"I'd pulled every trick in my arsenal to get her to see me as anything other than an enemy, but nothing worked."

Dashiel Hampton has always had a thing for Layla Tate but years back, as kids, they got off on the wrong foot and they've been wrong-footed ever since. A game of one-up-manship had dogged their interactions and inflamed their enmity. When Layla finds herself taking an extra required class at college, she's horrified to discover her number one enemy is her TA.

"Something came over me, something dirty and dangerous. Something I'd never felt in all my life a playing it safe, at being the good girl who never crossed the lines."

Layla is smart, sweet and completely no-nonsense. When she discovers her worst enemy is her TA, she has no choice but to suck it up. Unfortunately, she can't escape him outside of the classroom either, as he's part of her circle of friends. When things get heated and enemies become lovers, they have a whole other set of issues to overcome.

"I didn't plan you. You were unexpected. Every minute I'm with you, I feel alive."

This was a fab story. It was full of thrilling chemistry between the main characters. I didn't totally understand how their enmity was so acute over (what I think) something not particularly significant, but it definitely escalated between them as they got older. However, it's definitely a fine line between love and hate, and the tension between them was bound to boil over into something fiery and amazing! Dash captured my heart - I loved his thoughts about Layla - he was absolutely carrying a bright torch for her, and I loved how he persisted, and how Layla eventually saw through to the real guy under Dash's exterior. Loved it!


Profile Image for Gingy's Book Collection .
344 reviews13 followers
May 18, 2019
My favorite type of romance is an enemies to lovers romance. I love the tension and anger between two people that slowly turns to love. So reading Frenemies was a treat for me.

Dash Hampton and Layla Tate have been academic rivals for years. Now Layla is about to graduate college but she just has one more credit she needs to complete. The class should be simple but the man teaching the class has never made her life easy. Dash.

Layla is a contradiction of being strong willed with Dash and people pleasing with her mom. Gah, don't get me started on her mother! Dash is such a delicious character! He knows what he wants and what he wants is Layla. ❤️

This is a teacher-student romance but this story didn't really feel like a taboo read. It was nice to catch up with Layla's friend Charlie (her story is in the first book in the series, Friend Zone which I highly recommend reading). Frenemies is the second book in the Friend Zone series but it really can be read as a standalone. A very sweet read that is light on the angst.

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
9,303 reviews39 followers
March 13, 2020
Passionate battles become passion between the sheets

Frenemies is the second book in the Friend Zone Series by Nicole Blanchard. This is the story of Layla Tate and Dashiel (Dash) Hampton. These two are "enemies" but have an undeniable smoking hot chemistry between them. They actually really crave each other in a huge way but instead of using all the pent up sexual frustration to do battle with each other in just about every way you can imagine. But over the course of a semester at college where they are forced together they have one heck of a fun ride together. Their edgy and sexy banter is really well written and made me laugh out loud along with more than a few blushes on my cheeks. This is a really well crafted story that is a lot more than the normal and bland enemies to lovers. I recommend this book to other readers!!!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,022 reviews47 followers
May 1, 2019
This was a phenomenal read. I loved everything about it. From the way they fought to the way they loved.

I'm a sucker for (a bit) of forbidden romance. I was intrigued to see how they would work out their relationships with everything on the line. Having loving parents it was breaking my heart to see how Layla's mother was treating her. That's why I loved her because even though she did cave to the abuse (can't find a better word for it) she had a stand and wouldn't let anything stand in her way. As for Dash; he was such a nice guy despite being an ass to Layla from time to time.

This story was full of LOL banter, sexy times and a few bumps on the road that lead them to their HEA. A perfect 4.5*.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.1k reviews83 followers
May 6, 2019
Layla was hoping college would give her the distance she needed not only from her unsupportive family but from Dash, the boy she has known since they were children who made her childhood as difficult as possible. She now finds herself having to take a class where Dash is the teaching assistant which is the last thing she needs.

Dash has always been drawn to Layla however he chose to show his interest as boys do by irritating her rather than declaring his feelings. They are both older now and he is determined to show her that they have always belonged together and that the feelings they have for each other aren’t hate but love.

These two are perfect together. Their chemistry is off the charts, the banter humorous and the connection between them undeniable but their journey isn’t without its complications.
Profile Image for 2kasmom.
1,449 reviews54 followers
May 7, 2019
This book is #2, in the Friend Zone series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. To avoid spoilers, and have a better understanding of the series, I recommend reading it in order.

Layla has been competing with Dash for many years. Suddenly he is her instructor for a college course. Under other circumstances she may have had an alternative but this is forced upon her to graduate.

Dash has been attracted to Layla for some time. Her being upset and angry - he finds it hot. As her teacher he can't do anything about it. Not that she would let him. Only time will tell now.

This was kind of a punch to the gut right from the start. Everything happened so fast for the characters. The sparks are definitely flying. The series continues with some heat and angst.



***This early copy was given in exchange for an honest review only.
Profile Image for Page Turners.
722 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2019
I loved this story so much. It was a great romance with little angst but lots of romance. Dash has always wanted Layla. She was the one woman that challenged his mind and ignited his desire. Layla hated Dash with a passion. They had an extensive past that was full of miscommunication and assumptions that kept them apart. Years later everything changes when Layla walks into her college class and Dash is her TA. Just the sound of his voice irritated her but turned her on too. These two fought so hard to not give into their lust but some things cannot be denied. The harder they struggled only made the story more enjoyable. Their interactions were hilarious and I loved the alternate points of view that helped the story unfold. This was a light and fun romance and I recommend it to everyone looking for that enemies to lovers story.
Profile Image for Kelly.
426 reviews
October 10, 2020
I thought this one was really well done. Anything I didn't like in the first one wasn't present in this one, and I just thought it was super cute. Enemies to lovers isn't normally my thing, but I really enjoyed this one. I also thought the teacher/student aspect was wrapped up well. The only thing I really hated was how Dash treated Layla at the end, and then she was like a total pushover and forgave him like immediately. I kinda wanted to deck Dash at that point, but oh well... Anyways, my romance reads don't tend to get higher ratings on the CAWPILE system. Previously, when I based my ratings on enjoyment this would have been a five star, but I see the value in the CAWPILE system so I'm sticking to it. Romances tend to be pretty formulaic anyways so 3 stars is still a good rating. I'm definitely excited for the next one!
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