Nicole Blanchard switches tropes for her second novel in her fabulous “Friend Zone” series with an enemies-to-lovers romance and it is just as wonderful as the first book, “Friend Zone”, which was a ‘friends to lovers’ romance. Dashiel “Dash” Hampton and Layla Tate are childhood nemesis and he was the last person she thought she’d see in her classroom, never mind him being the teacher’s assistant and one she will have to deal with the entire semester. The semester just got better for Dash, but Layla can not say the same. The back-an-forth dialogue between them was brilliant and there was an undeniable chemistry between them, one that was smoking hot and combustible, but one they can not give in to because she is a student and he is her TA. Giving into that chemistry was inevitable, but their forbidden relationship is not their only obstacle, they also have to deal with meddling and controlling family members, his and hers and a woman who wants Dash for who is family is. It was great watching their relationship morph into something more, and I was rooting for them even before they realized how they really felt about one another. It turned out all that banter was like foreplay for what was to come. There is never a dull moment in this book, a story that is cleverly plotted with non-stop drama, angst, heartfelt emotions, and steamy romance. Nicole Blanchard, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 Ava Lucas and Ryan Stone were the perfect cast to bring these characters to life and did so with a complete understanding of who they were portraying, giving each a voice that was fitting and was believable in every role. Ava Lucas aced as Layla, showcasing every aspect of her personality, including her fire and fierceness and determination. Ryan Stone did the same as Dash and was just as fabulous. Both did a fantastic job portraying the secondary characters too. They set the perfect tone for the story, captured all the characters’ emotions and had you feeling them all. These two made a great team, with voices and talent that complement each other and a performance that elevates the story to another level. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to.