Book Review: 'Enemies' by Tijan (Sports Romance)
It is well documented on this blog that I am a massive fan of Sports Romance, and ‘Enemies' by Tijan has been on my TBR for a while now.
I recently made a post all about the Sports Romance genre which you can check out here:
‘Read ‘Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace? Here's Your Beginner's Guide to Sports Romance
Known in reviewing circles for her emotionally raw storytelling, Tijan throws her characters (and readers) into a rollercoaster of high drama, heartache, and passion that keeps you hooked—even when the plot feels almost too wild to believe. I have to admit, with such a strong fanbase, I was a little anxious to read a Tijan book. There is always that fear of “what if I don't like it… What if I'm the anomaly?”
This book leans hard into the extreme. Dusty’s past is tragic, her circumstances are overwhelming at best, and her emotions are raw and unapologetic. Add to that the fame and chaos surrounding Stone, and you get a story where every interaction feels larger than life. Some twists and turns may stretch believability, but I think they’re part of what makes the book such an addictive read.
Here's the summary:
“Stone Reeves was my neighbor, and I’ve hated him since sixth grade.
Gorgeous and charismatic, he became the town’s football god, while I became the town’s invisible girl.
He went to a Division 1 school for football, while my father was fired by his father.
His team won the National Championship, while my mother died the same day.
He was a first round pick for the NFL ...
… while I made the worst decision of my life.
Now I’m in Texas trying to pick up the pieces of my life.
But, Stone is here.
Stone is everywhere.
It doesn’t matter that disaster has struck my life again.
It doesn’t matter that he’s the one trying to console me.
It doesn’t matter that he’s the nation’s newest football obsession.
Because for me, he always has been and always will be my enemy.”
Tijan’s writing is damn magnetic. Her ability to draw out raw emotions from her characters (and readers) was so well done. Dusty and Stone’s connection, fraught with unresolved pain and undeniable chemistry, is at the heart of the story and I was hooked. Despite the almost soap-opera-level drama, their relationship feels genuine, growing from a place of hurt and anger to healing and love.
I also enjoyed how the story explored deeper themes like grief, mental health, and self-acceptance.
Honestly, though? Some parts of the plot are absolutely wild. Dusty truly is down on her luck and just as you think “how can this get any worse?” Tijan finds a way to destroy that poor girl further. There were moments where I found myself debating the plausibility of it, but here’s the thing: I still enjoyed the heck out of it. The high-stakes, no-holds-barred storytelling is part of the charm. Sometimes you need a book that unapologetically goes for broke, and ‘Enemies’ does just that.
While the wildness of the story was part of the appeal, it occasionally came at the expense of pacing. Some scenes felt rushed or underexplored, especially with some of the secondary issues (Dusty's self care, and conversations surrounding her weight could have been handled more sensitively) and I think it was a real missed opportunity.
Final Thoughts
‘Enemies’ is a wild, angsty, emotionally charged ride. It’s not always grounded in realism, but that’s part of what makes it so fun. Beneath the drama lies a heartfelt story about grief, forgiveness, and second chances, making it a perfect read for anyone who loves their romance with a side of chaos.
If you’re new to Tijan, this book is a fantastic introduction. For longtime fans, it’s another unforgettable entry in her collection (I would assume? This is my first!) Either way, buckle up, you’re in for a ride.
What did you think of ‘Enemies’?
Written by Sarah
