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Lisa L Teetz
May 22, 2025
Verified Purchase
Oh I absolutely loved this book! We learned about Colton's disdain for Noah King in book 1 but Colton just could not stop fixating on Noah. I could not wait to read their story and it did not disappoint. Their animosity is strong, they are constantly poking at each other, seeing who can rile the other up more, but their chemistry was explosive, even while they disliked each other. Once they share their first kiss, albeit while in the middle of another argument, they can't go back. I was so pleasantly surprised by their dynamic in the bedroom, whew it definitely fogged up my kindle! Noah took charge and Colt loved it, the dirty talk was on point. They just fit together so well and I kept turning pages so eager to see what they got up to next. The Darling brothers were wonderful as always, especially Remi who has a special bond with Colt. This was just such a good book with all the feelings and swoon and family bonds. I cannot wait for Lawson’s book next!
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
3.5-4⭐️Too much enemies, not enough lovers. I love this author’s writing, which is filled with heart, humor and absolutely charming characters. So, this was very readable and definitely had some wonderful highlights even if it took a while to warm up to this couple. Specifically, I love spending time in Darling, this family is fun, and the side characters are excellent. I love the enemies to lovers trope, especially when the hate feels real and insurmountable. With Colton and Noah, it’s more like squabbling adolescents pulling pigtails to get attention. One of them isn’t even sure why they’re in a decade plus long feud, so it lacked the real intensity I like in an enemies to lovers romance. When the reason is finally revealed, it was a little…blah. However, I did enjoy their chemistry and this author writes so beautifully that I did find myself staring to root for them to pull it together. When Colton and Noah stop acting like toddlers, it’s pretty darn good. Plus, that ending was lovely - looking forward to the next one!
At this point, I already know, if Emmy writes it, I’m gonna love it and Brim Over Boot is now another favorite.
I don’t think I could love Noah or Colton anymore than I possibly do. I thought Colton was adorably funny in book 1 & learning more about him here was just the best. The way I died during the carrot scene! 💀💀💀💀💀 Can we talk about dedication?!?! His closeness with Remi just makes my heart happy. 🥰 Remi is one of my favorite side characters. I just think he’s lovely. 🥹
And then getting to meet Noah. Oof 😮💨🪭 I wasn’t ready. That man had me melting all over the place. 😅🫠 Every time he called him “Little Colt” or said “settle, little colt”, puddle..instant puddle..
This book was such a journey & I just absolutely devoured it. The way Emmy has the ability to write such deep *inclusive* characters & the most incredible stories, just is everything to me.
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Suzanne Renae
May 28, 2025
Verified Purchase
Best Rivals To Lovers I've Read!!!
I absolutely loved the first book, but this was even better! This book will forever be on my comfort reading list. I've already read it twice. It's just delicious.
The banter. The begrudging attraction. The "I hate you but I just can't stay away from you" vibes. Slow burn, but also not. Just so much fun. I just wanted to stay in the book forever. Which is why I instantly went back to reread it again. So perfect.
The darling family is so sweet and I really love the various dynamics of the siblings. The town, too, is really starting to have a character of its own. I hope that continues to grow.
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Leah M. Woods
March 19, 2026
Verified Purchase
4⭐
I love a good rivals to lovers trope. Noah and Colton are rival farriers in their small town and they hate each other. You can feel the animosity and tension between the two when they are on page together. Both of them know how to poke and prod to antagonize each other. When emotions peak, Noah unexpectedly kisses Colt to shut him up and that moment triggers a series of smokin’ hot spicy events between the two.
Sometimes, I really love Hate S3X, especially when one of them has a dirty mouth. Noah really takes the reigns (pun intended) in being the dominant one while Colton realizes he kinda likes it.
My only complaints are:
1) I wasn’t a huge fan of the nickname “Little Colt”.
2) The reveal of what happened 20 years ago that made Noah start hating Colt to begin with. I felt like that came out of left field.
All in all, it was still a fun read and I’m ready for the next one
