Reunion in the Restroom

June Broaden, now a successful donut shop owner, is forced to reunite with her high school nemesis, Ryan Henderson, at her best friend's joint bachelor/bachelorette party. The encounter is as awkward as it is hilarious, with June determined to prove she's the winner in their long-standing rivalry. But the years have changed them both, and the old animosity is laced with a new, electric tension. June's inner monologue is sharp and self-deprecating, setting the tone for a story that's as much about self-discovery as it is about romance.

The Enemy Returns

Ryan's return to Charleston is more than a simple visit; he's the best man at his friend's wedding, and June's forced to face the man who once left her hanging for a kiss at graduation. Their first face-to-face is a standoff, each determined not to show weakness. But Ryan is no longer the awkward boy she remembers—he's confident, successful, and, to June's horror, devastatingly attractive. Their banter is quick, their chemistry undeniable, and the battle lines are redrawn.

Old Rivalries, New Sparks

The party escalates into a war of pranks and pointed remarks, but beneath the surface, both June and Ryan are haunted by what might have been. Ryan, now a Michelin-starred chef, is as competitive as ever, but his teasing hides a long-standing crush. June, still smarting from past heartbreak, is determined not to let him get under her skin. Yet, every interaction is charged, and the old rivalry starts to look suspiciously like foreplay.

The Bachelor Party Fallout

After a wild night, June wakes up hungover, mortified to discover Ryan took care of her and even tucked her into bed. The humiliation is compounded by the realization that she confessed old feelings while drunk. Ryan, meanwhile, is torn between his career ambitions and the pull he feels toward June. Their dynamic shifts from adversarial to something more complicated, as both begin to see the cracks in each other's armor.

Donuts and Hangovers

June's best friend Stacy announces she's moving away, leaving June to consider buying out the donut shop on her own. The prospect terrifies her, dredging up insecurities about her ability to succeed alone. Meanwhile, Ryan's presence in her life is both a comfort and a challenge, forcing her to confront the ways she's been holding herself back since her ex-fiancé's betrayal.

Dress Fittings and Vulnerabilities

A comical yet revealing dress fitting leaves June literally and figuratively exposed. Ryan's unexpected tenderness in a moment of vulnerability hints at deeper feelings, and June's defenses begin to crumble. The scene is a turning point, showing that their connection is more than just antagonism—it's rooted in mutual understanding and shared pain.

Kitchen Wars Begin

Stacy's wedding crisis leads to June and Ryan teaming up to cater the rehearsal dinner. Forced to work side by side in June's bakery, their competitive banter gives way to genuine collaboration. The kitchen becomes a battleground for flirtation, trust exercises, and the slow unearthing of old wounds. June's one-date rule is revealed, and Ryan is determined to be the exception.

One-Date Rule Revealed

June's infamous one-date rule is more than a quirky quirk—it's a shield against future pain after her ex cheated and shattered her self-worth. Ryan learns the truth and responds not with pity, but with empathy and patience. Their dynamic shifts as Ryan becomes the pursuer, willing to play the long game to win June's trust and affection.

Family Ties and Secrets

June's family is loving but overwhelming, and their meddling both comforts and embarrasses her. Ryan faces the gauntlet of her sisters and mother, passing their tests with flying colors. Meanwhile, June's fear of failure—both in business and love—threatens to sabotage her happiness. The support of her family and friends becomes crucial as she weighs her options.

Trust Exercises and Truths

A series of trust-building moments—some hilarious, some heartfelt—force June and Ryan to confront their fears. June's vulnerability is met with Ryan's unwavering support, and the two begin to imagine a future together. But old habits die hard, and June's instinct to run when things get real is tested.

The Rehearsal Dinner Pact

The rehearsal dinner is a triumph, both professionally and personally. June and Ryan's teamwork in the kitchen mirrors their growing partnership outside of it. The event cements their status as more than just rivals or friends—they're a team, capable of weathering storms together.

The Kiss That Changes Everything

On the dance floor at the wedding, Ryan finally kisses June in front of everyone, shattering the last remnants of their rivalry. The moment is electric, signaling a new chapter in their relationship. But with the wedding over, real life intrudes, and the question of what comes next looms large.

Facing the Past

June finally confides in her mother and best friend about her ex's betrayal, finding catharsis and support. Ryan, too, confronts his own career crossroads, realizing that success without happiness is hollow. Both must decide whether to cling to the past or take a leap of faith together.

Chicago or Charleston?

Ryan invites June to Chicago for their "first date," determined to show her his world and prove he's serious. The trip is a whirlwind of romance, self-doubt, and revelation. June is awed by Ryan's success but fears she'll never fit into his glamorous life. Ryan, meanwhile, is tempted by a prestigious job offer but questions whether it's what he truly wants.

The Restaurant Temptation

Ryan is offered the executive chef position at a dazzling new restaurant, a career-defining opportunity. But the glitz and pressure of the industry leave him cold. June, meanwhile, is encouraged to buy out her bakery and take a risk on herself. Both must decide what they're willing to sacrifice for love—and for their own happiness.

The Sabotaged Date

At a high-profile restaurant opening, June is confronted by Ryan's would-be boss, who plants seeds of doubt about her place in Ryan's life. Overwhelmed by insecurity, June flees, convinced she's holding Ryan back. Ryan chases after her, leading to a raw confrontation where both lay their fears and hopes on the line.

Running Away, Running Back

June's instinct to run is finally overcome by her desire to fight for love. She returns to Ryan, and together they confront the truth: happiness isn't about winning or losing, but about choosing each other every day. Ryan reveals he's turning down the job and opening a small café in Charleston, choosing a life with June over empty ambition.

Choosing Each Other

With the past behind them, June and Ryan commit to building a life together—personally and professionally. June buys out her bakery, Ryan opens his café, and their partnership is cemented by mutual respect, laughter, and a shared love of pranks and pastries. Their story is a testament to the power of second chances and the courage it takes to be vulnerable.

Happily Ever After (With Donuts)

One year later, June and Ryan are married, running their businesses side by side, and expecting their first child. Their journey from enemies to lovers is complete, but the playful rivalry—and deep affection—remains. Surrounded by family, friends, and the scent of fresh donuts, they've found the happiness they both deserve.

Characters

June Broaden

June is the heart of the story—a woman who's rebuilt her life after heartbreak, channeling her pain into entrepreneurial success. Her sharp humor and stubbornness mask deep insecurities, especially about her body and her worthiness of love. June's one-date rule is a shield against vulnerability, but beneath it lies a longing for connection and acceptance. Her journey is one of learning to trust again—not just others, but herself. Her relationships with family and friends are both a source of strength and a mirror for her fears. Through Ryan's patience and her own courage, June learns that true strength lies in letting others in.

Ryan Henderson

Ryan is June's equal in every way—ambitious, sharp-tongued, and fiercely loyal. His success as a chef is hard-won, but it's left him isolated and unfulfilled. Beneath his confident exterior is a man who's never stopped loving June, using rivalry as a way to stay close to her. Ryan's journey is about redefining success—not as external achievement, but as happiness and connection. His willingness to be vulnerable, to choose love over career, is both his greatest risk and his greatest reward.

Stacy Williams

Stacy is June's ride-or-die, the friend who pushes her to grow and supports her unconditionally. Her impending move forces June to confront her fear of being alone, and her faith in June's abilities is a crucial turning point. Stacy's own love story with Logan serves as a counterpoint to June's, highlighting the importance of partnership and trust.

Logan

Logan is Ryan's best friend and Stacy's fiancé, the glue that holds the group together. His easygoing nature and unwavering support provide a safe space for both June and Ryan to be themselves. Logan's relationship with Stacy is a model of enduring love, and his friendship with Ryan is a reminder that family isn't just about blood.

Bonnie Broaden (June's Mom)

Bonnie is the embodiment of unconditional love. Her quirky gifts and gentle support help June heal from her past, and her wisdom guides June toward self-acceptance. Bonnie's presence is a reminder that family can be both a safety net and a springboard.

Jake Broaden

June's brother Jake is both a source of comic relief and a voice of reason. His protectiveness sometimes borders on meddling, but his faith in June's strength is unwavering. Jake's own journey with his family mirrors June's, reinforcing the theme of resilience.

Nia (Ryan's Sous Chef)

Nia is Ryan's right hand in the kitchen, a reminder of the world he's leaving behind. Her respect for Ryan is hard-won, and her presence highlights the sacrifices required by ambition.

Noah Prescott

Noah represents the seductive pull of success without substance. His attempts to lure Ryan back into the high-stakes restaurant world are both a temptation and a warning. Noah's manipulation of June exposes her deepest fears, but also catalyzes her final transformation.

Carter and Hunter (June's Dates)

These minor characters serve as reminders of June's one-date rule and her reluctance to risk her heart. Their presence highlights the difference between settling and truly connecting.

The Broaden Sisters

June's sisters are both a source of chaos and comfort, embodying the messy, beautiful reality of family. Their relentless teasing and probing force June to confront her feelings for Ryan and her fears about the future.

Plot Devices

Enemies-to-Lovers Trope

The story's central device is the transformation of animosity into affection. June and Ryan's competitive banter is both a shield and a form of intimacy, allowing them to express vulnerability without admitting it outright. Their journey from enemies to lovers is a slow burn, fueled by unresolved tension and mutual respect.

One-Date Rule

June's rule is both a plot obstacle and a window into her psyche. It keeps potential partners at arm's length, but also prevents her from experiencing real intimacy. Ryan's determination to break the rule is a test of both his patience and June's willingness to heal.

Parallel Character Arcs

Both June and Ryan are haunted by past wounds—June by betrayal, Ryan by loss and loneliness. Their arcs are intertwined, each pushing the other to confront their fears and redefine what happiness means.

Family and Friendship as Mirrors

The supporting cast—family, friends, colleagues—serve as both obstacles and guides. Their reactions, advice, and meddling force June and Ryan to examine their choices and motivations.

Career vs. Love Dilemma

Ryan's job offer and June's business decision are external manifestations of their internal conflicts. The choice between success and happiness is not binary; the story's resolution suggests that true fulfillment comes from integration, not sacrifice.

Comic Relief and Pranks

The story's lighthearted tone, fueled by pranks and witty banter, serves as both a coping mechanism and a means of deepening intimacy. Laughter becomes a form of trust, allowing June and Ryan to lower their guards.

Foreshadowing and Callbacks

The narrative is rich with callbacks—old notes, childhood games, and high school memories—that foreshadow the eventual resolution. These echoes reinforce the theme that healing and love are cumulative, built on shared history.

Analysis

Sarah Adams' The Enemy is a masterclass in the enemies-to-lovers trope, using humor, vulnerability, and sharp dialogue to explore the ways we protect ourselves from pain—and the courage it takes to let love in. The novel's central message is that true strength lies not in winning battles or building walls, but in choosing vulnerability and partnership. June and Ryan's journey is both deeply personal and universally relatable, reflecting the modern struggle to balance ambition, self-worth, and connection. The story's comedic elements are not mere fluff; they are essential tools for healing, allowing the characters (and readers) to confront difficult truths with grace. Ultimately, The Enemy is a celebration of second chances, the power of chosen family, and the sweet, messy, joyful work of building a life together—one donut (and prank) at a time.

Last updated: May 26, 2025