Book Review: Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Signet; Original edition (February 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451236106
• ISBN-13: 978-0451236104

Geoffrey Wentworth, a war hero and rising political star, never wanted to be the Earl, but when his brother dies, he knows his duty—take up the responsibility for his family’s estates. His mother’s definition of duty differs from his, however, and can be summed up in one word—heirs. When Geoffrey rushes home to answer her urgent summons, he finds himself host to a house full of women, all vying to become the next Countess of Stratford. But his love is Parliament, where he wields his influence and reputation to better the lives of ex-soldiers, until a tempting houseguest and a secret from his past threaten his freedom…and his heart.

Liliana Claremont, a brilliant chemist, doesn’t want to be any man’s wife, much less a Countess. If she had tuppence for every time she’d been told her place was filling the nursery, not experimenting in the laboratory, she could buy the Tower Bridge. However, when she receives a coveted invitation to the Earl’s house party, she trades in her beakers for ball gowns and gladly takes on the guise of husband hunter—for the chance to uncover what the Earl had to do with the murder of her father.

Liliana believes the best way to get the answers she needs is to keep her enemy close, though romance is not part of her formula. But it only takes one kiss to start a reaction she can't control...

Another historical romance at its best.

Let’s talk about the cover: I heard that they changed it, I actually love the first cover although I can’t see Liliana’s face, but the blue dress and the gold background really did it for me. I fell in love with the book, the first time I saw the cover.

From the very first page, I was hardly gripped by the story. I even checked it again if it’s really a historical romance, well, oh well, the very first page of Sweet Enemy depicts someone breaking in and Liliana’s been seen and caught by that person, thanks to her wits, she managed to escape.

I really like the plot of this book. Liliana attending the House Party of the Duke while her ulterior motive is to prove that the Duke’s family has really something to do with her father’s death. And also, I’m not really an active feminist, but it’s good to think that even at that time, there are women who does not concern themselves with petticoats and gowns, instead with chemicals, formulas and theories. Like Liliana, I do believe that what men can do, women could, sometimes even better.

Heather Snow make her characters unique and at the same time very relatable. I sometimes hate myself for agreeing with Liliana, and when the time comes for the Geoffrey’s (Duke) POV, I agree with him and hate Liliana for doing it.

What makes me love Sweet Enemy is that Geoffrey and Liliana’s love story started with intrigue and scorching moment. It was never easy. There was suspicion, then mutual understanding, distrust..and many more.. I saw their love grow and developed in a not boring way.

Also, there are a lot of information on the book, especially with healing plants, chemical reactions and even codes. Ms. Heather Snow, put her knowledge into this book, she’s a chemist..

One might never believe that this is actually Heather Snow’s debut novel. I for myself, am used already to her writing style, which keeps the reader going, revealing each mystery together with the characters. Plus humor and wits…I laughed most of the times…:D

This is a must read not just for historical lovers, but for mystery enthusiast too… An intriguing novel with characters that are anything but ordinary, Sweet Enemy would easily carve out a space into anyone’s heart. Highly Recommended!!! And would love to see more of this wonderful author!!!




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