My Own Worst Enemy by Lily Lindon Book Review

Romances are always a feel-good genre to turn to when you need an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it’s delving into a classic love story or the modern take on them, there is something special about following two characters as they explore the depths of their feelings for each other. This book review is all about one particular romantic comedy that I recently read – if your heart aches for a LGBT enemies-to-lovers story then this is surely worth exploring…

Click me to go to my Review

Happy Release Day!

Synopsis

She’s her own worst enemy. So why does she fancy people who look like her?
In the new fun, fresh and laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from Lily Lindon, opposites really don’t attract.

Overthinker and recent drama-school graduate Emmy Clooney (no relation) will do anything to be a successful actor, even if it means getting typecast in the tiny roles available to a ‘mid-twenties short-haired lesbian’.

But in the audition room for her big break, Emmy meets a new rising star, Mae Smith-Jones – unfortunately, another mid-twenties short-haired lesbian. As Mae is exactly Emmy’s casting type, she is her worst enemy. But as Mae is effortlessly charismatic, talented, and insanely hot in costume, she is also exactly Emmy’s romantic type…

When their opposing personalities clash, Emmy and Mae begin a fierce competition to win the best parts. But if they are cast in the same play, will they find a way to act nicely – or will they take their rivalry to the next stage?

About The Author

Lily Lindon is a writer and editor living in London. She studied English Literature at Cambridge University, where she was involved with the Footlights comedy group. She was an Editor at Vintage, Penguin Random House, before joining the creative writing school The Novelry. DOUBLE BOOKED is her debut novel.

My Review

Emmy Clooney was ready to show the world what she’s made of, but when an audition brings her face-to-face with Mae—her cool and captivating doppelganger — a fierce rivalry is born. With tensions high between them both in their attempt for screen time glory, will they be able to move past their differences or let it get out of hand? An unlikely love story blooms as My Own Worst Enemy invites you on Emmy’s journey from drama school graduate determinedly chasing her dreams into becoming a successful actress (and possibly finding true love).

While I didn’t necessarily find the characters likeable, Emmy really irritated me, they were well-drawn and authentic. Emmy graduated from her amazing drama school top of her class, but life isn’t panning out quite how she expects, and she doesn’t have many friends which makes her moany and annoying especially when you realise the reason she has no friends is almost entirely her own fault. Mae is far more likeable, she is fun and bubbly, doesn’t care about the acting norms and just wants to make her own way. She isn’t so hung up on the outcome, just trying her best. The fact that they are almost identical butch lesbians means they are directly competing for each role. Their rivalry feels real and authentic and has some nasty and some exceptionally good scenes throughout.

The supporting actors are also real and authentic, I fell in love with Emmy’s dad and Uncle Pete (who I am sure are a secret couple by the way!) and their pizza obsession…pizza is life. While My Own Worst Enemy is primarily a rom-com it also celebrates love in all its forms including parents, friends, family and even the random strangers you meet along the way.

The ending was obvious, as with most romances but that’s expected I feel and it had a lovely ‘happily ever after’ feel to it which felt inevitable from the beginning.

Having read Lily Lindon’s last novel, Double Booked, I enjoy her writing style which is relaxed and free flowing. While I doubt it’s true it feels like she just sat down and write the whole story in one sitting and then just popped it out to publishers and here it is!

This is a warm, witty and heart-warming novel, perfect for a weekend escape.

Rated