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Could Have Been Sweet #1
Could Have Been Us
It's all fun and games until my best friend starts dating someone who isn't me.
This story starts when my best friend, Tanner, takes “having a girlfriend” to “completely ignoring me” fast enough to give me whiplash.
Making matters worse while I'm recovering from said whiplash, some guy in leather ruins my life—by stealing my parking spot in front of my favorite bookstore.
Making matters unbelievable, Leather Motorcycle Man is the new editor where I work, my new boss, and the only thing now standing between me and being able to publish my book.
Talk about bad luck.
I hate him; he can't stand me; my sister won't stop believing this is our Enemies to Lovers, Sweet and Sassy, Small-town Romance, seventy thousand words, confirmed HEA.
Trust me, I loathe saying it, but…if this guy keeps sneaking himself into the heart Tanner is vacating, my sister might just be right.
Cyprian Douglas—affectionately, Shiane—makes me want more than seventy thousand words. If he can promise me a never-ending series, I might forgive him for taking my parking spot.
If he can't?
I'll never forgive him for taking my heart…
Could Have Been Us is a laugh-out-loud, banter-filled, closed-door romcom with two grumpy leads, tension-filled flirting, and a happily ever after that meets all genre expectations.
This story starts when my best friend, Tanner, takes “having a girlfriend” to “completely ignoring me” fast enough to give me whiplash.
Making matters worse while I'm recovering from said whiplash, some guy in leather ruins my life—by stealing my parking spot in front of my favorite bookstore.
Making matters unbelievable, Leather Motorcycle Man is the new editor where I work, my new boss, and the only thing now standing between me and being able to publish my book.
Talk about bad luck.
I hate him; he can't stand me; my sister won't stop believing this is our Enemies to Lovers, Sweet and Sassy, Small-town Romance, seventy thousand words, confirmed HEA.
Trust me, I loathe saying it, but…if this guy keeps sneaking himself into the heart Tanner is vacating, my sister might just be right.
Cyprian Douglas—affectionately, Shiane—makes me want more than seventy thousand words. If he can promise me a never-ending series, I might forgive him for taking my parking spot.
If he can't?
I'll never forgive him for taking my heart…
Could Have Been Us is a laugh-out-loud, banter-filled, closed-door romcom with two grumpy leads, tension-filled flirting, and a happily ever after that meets all genre expectations.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2022
109 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Evergreen
39 books352 followersCamilla Evergreen is an alias of USA Today bestselling author Anne Stryker. Originally intended as a dumping ground for all things lacking fantasy, Camilla/Anne came to the shocking discovery that writing sarcastic, chaotic romcoms full of quippy heroines and adoring heroes has a kick to it.
Camilla/Anne’s neurodivergent tendencies leave her hyperfocused on writing sweet and sassy romances from dawn till dusk and lending whatever her current creative obsessions are to her characters. From arranged marriages to falling for the boss, there’s lots of love to go around.
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorannemilla
Camilla/Anne’s neurodivergent tendencies leave her hyperfocused on writing sweet and sassy romances from dawn till dusk and lending whatever her current creative obsessions are to her characters. From arranged marriages to falling for the boss, there’s lots of love to go around.
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/authorannemilla
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 21, 2023
2.5 🌟
I didn’t care for this writing style overall. It switched between the female mc and male mcs POV, which is fine but I would have to read the same stuff from each perspective, like no I do not want to go back in time and reread the scene from his perspective now. Honestly, a lot of the book structure was iffy.
The romance wasn’t good. It was extremely rushed. He was basically instantly in love and trying to pressure her into it while she was just confused about everything…. And then it was over for months lmao. The random “conflict” at the end was just ridiculous.
Also, I didn’t like 1 character in this entire book. All of them were bad and I really wish authors would quit trying to make “bookish quirky” the only personality trait of their female mcs.
I didn’t care for this writing style overall. It switched between the female mc and male mcs POV, which is fine but I would have to read the same stuff from each perspective, like no I do not want to go back in time and reread the scene from his perspective now. Honestly, a lot of the book structure was iffy.
The romance wasn’t good. It was extremely rushed. He was basically instantly in love and trying to pressure her into it while she was just confused about everything…. And then it was over for months lmao. The random “conflict” at the end was just ridiculous.
Also, I didn’t like 1 character in this entire book. All of them were bad and I really wish authors would quit trying to make “bookish quirky” the only personality trait of their female mcs.
August 4, 2022
(4.5 stars) - "Violently flirty"
Much as I enjoy enemies-to-lovers tropes, this is grumpy meets anger issues, initially, & frankly, I wasn't sure about this one in the beginning.
Most enemies-to-lovers develop from misunderstandings between the two characters, but in this one, they really are just icky to each other.
Stick with it, though, as the author gradually unwraps where it's all coming from
Harper is full of fire & Cyprian is very attracted to that - if only he can help her past her wounds & self-loathing.
Their snark is incisive, but as it starts becoming affectionate, it takes on subtexts of meaning. Dual perspective helps us perceive events more accurately between the two mostly, but not entirely, reliable narrators.
It's like they realize they're safe with each other. They can be mad & not have to worry about the other getting upset over words.
I wasn't totally sold on Cyprian deciding it was love quite so soon, but by that time I was fully on board & enjoying myself, so it wasn't much more than a road bump.
***SPOILER***
Despite the plot support it's given, IRL Cyprian would have done multiple things differently, & at the very least emailed her when the attempts to reach her by phone didn't work, nor could I see her letting things go so quietly BUT...
***END SPOILER***
BUT the ending was so sweet & funny that I forgave it 💕. For all my misgivings at the beginning, I ended up loving this book, & I'll be following the author to keep up with what she does next!
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
Much as I enjoy enemies-to-lovers tropes, this is grumpy meets anger issues, initially, & frankly, I wasn't sure about this one in the beginning.
Most enemies-to-lovers develop from misunderstandings between the two characters, but in this one, they really are just icky to each other.
Stick with it, though, as the author gradually unwraps where it's all coming from
Harper is full of fire & Cyprian is very attracted to that - if only he can help her past her wounds & self-loathing.
Their snark is incisive, but as it starts becoming affectionate, it takes on subtexts of meaning. Dual perspective helps us perceive events more accurately between the two mostly, but not entirely, reliable narrators.
It's like they realize they're safe with each other. They can be mad & not have to worry about the other getting upset over words.
I wasn't totally sold on Cyprian deciding it was love quite so soon, but by that time I was fully on board & enjoying myself, so it wasn't much more than a road bump.
***SPOILER***
Despite the plot support it's given, IRL Cyprian would have done multiple things differently, & at the very least emailed her when the attempts to reach her by phone didn't work, nor could I see her letting things go so quietly BUT...
***END SPOILER***
BUT the ending was so sweet & funny that I forgave it 💕. For all my misgivings at the beginning, I ended up loving this book, & I'll be following the author to keep up with what she does next!
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
January 23, 2023
3,8 ⭐
Fui às cegas para este livro. O que é que eu sabia dele? Que ele me parecia motoqueiro pela capa e que ela tinha um canito. De resto, não sabia de nada. Gostei da capa e achei que era perfeito. Nem me dei ao trabalho de ler a sinopse, porque gosto às vezes de ir às cegas.
Este livro foi uma grande vibe de boa disposição e dou-lhe mesmo por isso. Acho que o livro muito bom e leve, perfeito para quando andamos a ler livros que nos fazem sofrer durante muito tempo. Ora, vamos por pontos:
1. HARPER É DAS FEMALE CHARACTERS MAIS GRUMPY QUE EU JÁ LI.
Quando digo isto, falo a sério. Eu achei que era impossível bater a Jasmine do From Lukov with Love, mas aqui está a Harper a provar-me o contrário. A sério, quando repararem estão a levar com todo o sarcamos e ironia da parte dela.
2. O CYPRIAN DOUGLAS!
No início nem conseguia dizer o nome dele, tratava-o por Douglas, mas no final acabei por começar a dizer o nome do homem. Fogo, que nome elegante e tão eclético. Achei que era giro e diferente. Além disso, dava um toque fantástico quando ainda por cima ele anda sempre com aquele ar de motoqueiro.
3. ELE ADORA LIVROS!
A história entre eles os dois começa por conta de livros. Aliás, é por causa de um parque de estacionamento, mas são nuances. A verdade é que graças a ele adorar ler e estar sempre em cima das novidades, que temos a oportunidade de ver tantas conversas perfeitas.
4. O CYPRIAN É O NOVO EDITOR NA EDITORA ONDE A HARPER TRABALHA!
É verdade! E ele não é apenas o novo editor, é também o novo chefe da Harper. Acho só interessante quando verificamos o quanto ela fica nervosa ao vê-lo. Afinal, os dois não começaram lá muito com o pé direito. Aliás, ela atirou-lhe com um livro que dizia "Hate" para ele saber o quanto a tinha irriatado. O problema é não ter visto que dizia depois "Enemies to Lovers". O que nos leva, ao próximo tópico.
5. ENEMIES TO LOVERS!
Os dois não são pessoas que se gostem logo à primeira. De facto, os dois guardam um tanto de rancor um pelo outro. No entanto, acho que é a picardia que torna tudo ainda melhor.
6. TANNER.
Não quero ser muito agressiva, mas ODEIO-O. Acho que das personagens que mais odeio. Acho que ele nunca foi amigo da Haper na sua vida e acho que ele apenas fez o que fez no final, porque ficou sem a pessoa que lhe fazia tudo. Sempre que sabiamos mais uma coisa eu ficava ainda mais irritada. Juro por tudo. Ele nem para amigo servia.
7. ELA QUER ESCREVER UM LIVRO.
Acho que é sempre incrível quando as personagens escrevem livros, dá uma profundidade engraçada ao livro e que honestamente gosto bastante.
8. HE FALLS FIRST!
Há momentos que nem entendo muito bem se ele se apaixona primeiro, mas aqui estava na cara! Ele claramente que estava apaixonado por ela. Havia momentos, no entanto, não nego, que achava que ele merecia mais do que a Harper.
9. HARDBACKS!
Vou deixar isto aqui, porque acho que quando lerem vão entender logo e entender realmente como isto é um ponto importante.
Sem que existem mais livros com outras personagens e só espero que seja tão bem disposto quanto este!
Fui às cegas para este livro. O que é que eu sabia dele? Que ele me parecia motoqueiro pela capa e que ela tinha um canito. De resto, não sabia de nada. Gostei da capa e achei que era perfeito. Nem me dei ao trabalho de ler a sinopse, porque gosto às vezes de ir às cegas.
Este livro foi uma grande vibe de boa disposição e dou-lhe mesmo por isso. Acho que o livro muito bom e leve, perfeito para quando andamos a ler livros que nos fazem sofrer durante muito tempo. Ora, vamos por pontos:
1. HARPER É DAS FEMALE CHARACTERS MAIS GRUMPY QUE EU JÁ LI.
Quando digo isto, falo a sério. Eu achei que era impossível bater a Jasmine do From Lukov with Love, mas aqui está a Harper a provar-me o contrário. A sério, quando repararem estão a levar com todo o sarcamos e ironia da parte dela.
2. O CYPRIAN DOUGLAS!
No início nem conseguia dizer o nome dele, tratava-o por Douglas, mas no final acabei por começar a dizer o nome do homem. Fogo, que nome elegante e tão eclético. Achei que era giro e diferente. Além disso, dava um toque fantástico quando ainda por cima ele anda sempre com aquele ar de motoqueiro.
3. ELE ADORA LIVROS!
A história entre eles os dois começa por conta de livros. Aliás, é por causa de um parque de estacionamento, mas são nuances. A verdade é que graças a ele adorar ler e estar sempre em cima das novidades, que temos a oportunidade de ver tantas conversas perfeitas.
4. O CYPRIAN É O NOVO EDITOR NA EDITORA ONDE A HARPER TRABALHA!
É verdade! E ele não é apenas o novo editor, é também o novo chefe da Harper. Acho só interessante quando verificamos o quanto ela fica nervosa ao vê-lo. Afinal, os dois não começaram lá muito com o pé direito. Aliás, ela atirou-lhe com um livro que dizia "Hate" para ele saber o quanto a tinha irriatado. O problema é não ter visto que dizia depois "Enemies to Lovers". O que nos leva, ao próximo tópico.
5. ENEMIES TO LOVERS!
Os dois não são pessoas que se gostem logo à primeira. De facto, os dois guardam um tanto de rancor um pelo outro. No entanto, acho que é a picardia que torna tudo ainda melhor.
6. TANNER.
Não quero ser muito agressiva, mas ODEIO-O. Acho que das personagens que mais odeio. Acho que ele nunca foi amigo da Haper na sua vida e acho que ele apenas fez o que fez no final, porque ficou sem a pessoa que lhe fazia tudo. Sempre que sabiamos mais uma coisa eu ficava ainda mais irritada. Juro por tudo. Ele nem para amigo servia.
7. ELA QUER ESCREVER UM LIVRO.
Acho que é sempre incrível quando as personagens escrevem livros, dá uma profundidade engraçada ao livro e que honestamente gosto bastante.
8. HE FALLS FIRST!
Há momentos que nem entendo muito bem se ele se apaixona primeiro, mas aqui estava na cara! Ele claramente que estava apaixonado por ela. Havia momentos, no entanto, não nego, que achava que ele merecia mais do que a Harper.
9. HARDBACKS!
Vou deixar isto aqui, porque acho que quando lerem vão entender logo e entender realmente como isto é um ponto importante.
Sem que existem mais livros com outras personagens e só espero que seja tão bem disposto quanto este!
October 11, 2022
"𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴."
ARC Review
4,5/5⭐️
This is a refreshing and lovely romcom with many funny and relatable moments. This book was addictive and satisfying to read.
Harper works in a publishing house but her dream is to publish a book and become an author. I loved all the references she made to book cliches and tropes, she is truly in love with books and I identified with her in that aspect. She has a funny but feisty personality; she is not easy to deal with. But fortunately for her, the love or her life will appear although it won’t start well. Their chemistry, their quarrels and their flirting were so entertaining to read also because we had both POV, I adore that.
Let’s talk about Cyprian. He is the perfect man for all of us readers: he reads romance novels; he spends hundreds of dollars on buying books for her… I fell in love with him immediately. He is sassy but also lovely and charming. He is patient with Harper and knows how to deal with her personality. I admire his passion for his job in the publishing industry and how he helps Harper with her book draft.
Another incredible character is Bianca, she is cheerful, beaming with happiness and the first shipper of Harper and Cyprian, she deserves recognition for that. I loved when she said: “We both know I’ve forgiven morally gray book boyfriends for genocide, so… This is so true hahahaha.
The evolution of Harper in the book is very well done. She is aware of her trust issues and she changes the way she handles her personal relationships, especially regarding her best friend and her crush during 8 years, Tanner.
If you are looking for a cozy, adorable romcom with a lot of arguing and flirting, you can’t miss out this book. You’ll love it. Thanks for giving me the chance of reading this book in advance.
ARC Review
4,5/5⭐️
This is a refreshing and lovely romcom with many funny and relatable moments. This book was addictive and satisfying to read.
Harper works in a publishing house but her dream is to publish a book and become an author. I loved all the references she made to book cliches and tropes, she is truly in love with books and I identified with her in that aspect. She has a funny but feisty personality; she is not easy to deal with. But fortunately for her, the love or her life will appear although it won’t start well. Their chemistry, their quarrels and their flirting were so entertaining to read also because we had both POV, I adore that.
Let’s talk about Cyprian. He is the perfect man for all of us readers: he reads romance novels; he spends hundreds of dollars on buying books for her… I fell in love with him immediately. He is sassy but also lovely and charming. He is patient with Harper and knows how to deal with her personality. I admire his passion for his job in the publishing industry and how he helps Harper with her book draft.
Another incredible character is Bianca, she is cheerful, beaming with happiness and the first shipper of Harper and Cyprian, she deserves recognition for that. I loved when she said: “We both know I’ve forgiven morally gray book boyfriends for genocide, so… This is so true hahahaha.
The evolution of Harper in the book is very well done. She is aware of her trust issues and she changes the way she handles her personal relationships, especially regarding her best friend and her crush during 8 years, Tanner.
If you are looking for a cozy, adorable romcom with a lot of arguing and flirting, you can’t miss out this book. You’ll love it. Thanks for giving me the chance of reading this book in advance.
July 14, 2025
Not a Meet Cute
Harper has a complex about being left behind. She is a skilled book illustrator who dreams of writing her own book. That book dream could be possible once the crabby old lady who has been their editor finally retires.
Harper has what she calls “book day” twice a month with her paycheck, and after having a terrible day, there is a parking spot right in front of the book store. As she is pulling in, a motorcycle pulls into the space. After walking from a much greater distance, she finds the motorcyclist and gives him a piece of her very grumpy mind. It turns out, the guy was in the book store because he is the new editor.
I can read stories with a really unreasonable character, but I don’t enjoy them. I find it unlikely that someone would fall in love with someone that nasty. As all Ms. Evergreen’s books are, it was well written. Three stars, but your mileage may vary.
Harper has a complex about being left behind. She is a skilled book illustrator who dreams of writing her own book. That book dream could be possible once the crabby old lady who has been their editor finally retires.
Harper has what she calls “book day” twice a month with her paycheck, and after having a terrible day, there is a parking spot right in front of the book store. As she is pulling in, a motorcycle pulls into the space. After walking from a much greater distance, she finds the motorcyclist and gives him a piece of her very grumpy mind. It turns out, the guy was in the book store because he is the new editor.
I can read stories with a really unreasonable character, but I don’t enjoy them. I find it unlikely that someone would fall in love with someone that nasty. As all Ms. Evergreen’s books are, it was well written. Three stars, but your mileage may vary.
July 26, 2022
ARC Review
4.5 out of 5 stars!
"A sweet, small town romcom."
"Clean and weather-appropriate are always my only concerns." - Harper
That's how I feel when I go clothes shopping! Harper doesn't have the best taste in fashion but she's too focused on other things. Like the whole thing of her only best friend getting a girl friend to her no longer being in his life! After so long of being together. . .
What really turns everything upside down is a man in leather stealing her parking spot on a most sacred of days! Book Day! Come to walk in and find Mr. Steal Your Parking Spot in her office as well. He is the new boss and I'm pretty sure Harper wishes she had "accidently" ran him over. Her life is in a constant stream of bad events. When it rains. . .it pours!
This was such a great Romcom (Romantic Comedy). I enjoyed the banter between Harper and her new boss. The dynamic and tension between the two was perfect. Also! Love a man who will openly read Harlequin romances. He also very much knows his stuff when it comes to books. He's very willing to buy five hundred dollars worth of books as well. I wish I could go into a book store and drop that kind of money!
Harper's a big time reader as well and would rather remain indoors on the weekends reading than out partying/clubbing. She also reviews books and wishes to be an author but with Mr. Leather can she accomplish that? I even enjoyed a scene where she saw hard cover books being dropped to the ground and was so focused on that. She literally had to TELL herself to stop focusing on the books, that it wasn't the important part. I mean I would be the same though. Hardbacks may be sturdy and all but they are not cheap!
Bianca is also incredible! I want to see more of her story in maybe a future read. She may be small but she's a spitfire and even makes you question what's under her bubbly personality. I mean I have met several people that their personality and demeanor is very happy. If a bubbly person isn't being their usual self, either see if you can help out or run and don't look back.
I loved Bianca and her support. My favorite line from her:
"We both know I've forgiven morally gray book boyfriends for genocide, so. . ." - Bianca
I love that so many authors are coming out with characters who are like us and enjoy reading and reviewing! Even making references to books.
The part that hit a little close to home for me was Tanner, Harper's best friend. His character and attitude along with Harper being able to step out of the situation and looking in from an outsider's viewpoint. I can completely relate to! I don't want to give too much away but Tanner reminded me of my toxic ex. This is a fluffy read so things are apparent between the characters but mild.
I really loved the banter between the main characters so much! I also loved Harper's Book Days! Sacred days within the month dedicated to going to the local bookstore and buying new reads.
This was a great small town, fluffy romance with a curvy, feisty female lead! Enemies to lovers with some other tropes within. This book was a very clean read with multiple POVs. Some moments of passion but nothing detailed or spicy! It had a HEA ending and the author gave a little sneak peek into the next book in the series. Each book being a standalone but I imagine we will see this cast again in book two.
Will be reading more from this author as well as the fantasy books under her other pen name! Her "alter ego" Anne Stryker. Enjoy the sweet romance, with great banter, witty character dynamics and be sure to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
4.5 out of 5 stars!
"A sweet, small town romcom."
"Clean and weather-appropriate are always my only concerns." - Harper
That's how I feel when I go clothes shopping! Harper doesn't have the best taste in fashion but she's too focused on other things. Like the whole thing of her only best friend getting a girl friend to her no longer being in his life! After so long of being together. . .
What really turns everything upside down is a man in leather stealing her parking spot on a most sacred of days! Book Day! Come to walk in and find Mr. Steal Your Parking Spot in her office as well. He is the new boss and I'm pretty sure Harper wishes she had "accidently" ran him over. Her life is in a constant stream of bad events. When it rains. . .it pours!
This was such a great Romcom (Romantic Comedy). I enjoyed the banter between Harper and her new boss. The dynamic and tension between the two was perfect. Also! Love a man who will openly read Harlequin romances. He also very much knows his stuff when it comes to books. He's very willing to buy five hundred dollars worth of books as well. I wish I could go into a book store and drop that kind of money!
Harper's a big time reader as well and would rather remain indoors on the weekends reading than out partying/clubbing. She also reviews books and wishes to be an author but with Mr. Leather can she accomplish that? I even enjoyed a scene where she saw hard cover books being dropped to the ground and was so focused on that. She literally had to TELL herself to stop focusing on the books, that it wasn't the important part. I mean I would be the same though. Hardbacks may be sturdy and all but they are not cheap!
Bianca is also incredible! I want to see more of her story in maybe a future read. She may be small but she's a spitfire and even makes you question what's under her bubbly personality. I mean I have met several people that their personality and demeanor is very happy. If a bubbly person isn't being their usual self, either see if you can help out or run and don't look back.
I loved Bianca and her support. My favorite line from her:
"We both know I've forgiven morally gray book boyfriends for genocide, so. . ." - Bianca
I love that so many authors are coming out with characters who are like us and enjoy reading and reviewing! Even making references to books.
The part that hit a little close to home for me was Tanner, Harper's best friend. His character and attitude along with Harper being able to step out of the situation and looking in from an outsider's viewpoint. I can completely relate to! I don't want to give too much away but Tanner reminded me of my toxic ex. This is a fluffy read so things are apparent between the characters but mild.
I really loved the banter between the main characters so much! I also loved Harper's Book Days! Sacred days within the month dedicated to going to the local bookstore and buying new reads.
This was a great small town, fluffy romance with a curvy, feisty female lead! Enemies to lovers with some other tropes within. This book was a very clean read with multiple POVs. Some moments of passion but nothing detailed or spicy! It had a HEA ending and the author gave a little sneak peek into the next book in the series. Each book being a standalone but I imagine we will see this cast again in book two.
Will be reading more from this author as well as the fantasy books under her other pen name! Her "alter ego" Anne Stryker. Enjoy the sweet romance, with great banter, witty character dynamics and be sure to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
July 27, 2022
✅Sarcastic
✅Pessimistic
✅Grumpy
✅Favorite color is green
✅Loves books
✅Threatens men with sharp objects and even sharper wit
Is Harper…me?
I was delighted to get an ARC for Could Have Been Us by Camilla Evergreen. I seriously loved this book and everything about it. The banter…the tension…the romance…everything. I don’t often read books where both characters are grumps, but this may be just my type of book.
This book follows Poison and Shiane…I mean, Harper and Cyprian. She is having an awful day already after finding out her best friend, Tanner, has started dating a girl named Jolene, when a motorcyclist takes her parking space in front of her favorite book store, making her develop an immense hatred of him. He, however, starts to like her and their banter. Hilarity ensues.
The banter in this book is probably some of the best I’ve read in a while. Both characters fit into the grumpy category and just basically spew sarcastic insults at each other as a means of flirting and it’s hilarious. I was constantly laughing and smiling at their comments.
Harper is a lovable grump. She’s pessimistic, sarcastic, and filled with rage almost constantly. She had a lot of emotional baggage and abandonment issues which are not helped at all by Tanner, her best friend, and the way he uses her. I think the only person that hated Tanner more than I did is Cyprian.
Cyprian is rude to her because that’s the only way she will accept his affection but the way he persistently tries to get her to like him cracked me up. I think she could have run him over with a car and he would still want her.
“Talking with her is like standing in a rainstorm full of crackling thunder. Dangerously seductive. A little dark. Somewhat violent. Unbearably electric.”
I have so many highlights in this book because I loved so much of it. It’s definitely enemies to lovers, which is my favorite trope, and the fact that both characters are in a literature career field meant there were so many book related references that were on another level. It’s a sweet love story that wasn’t lacking heart.
This book comes out tomorrow, 7/28. I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
✅Pessimistic
✅Grumpy
✅Favorite color is green
✅Loves books
✅Threatens men with sharp objects and even sharper wit
Is Harper…me?
I was delighted to get an ARC for Could Have Been Us by Camilla Evergreen. I seriously loved this book and everything about it. The banter…the tension…the romance…everything. I don’t often read books where both characters are grumps, but this may be just my type of book.
This book follows Poison and Shiane…I mean, Harper and Cyprian. She is having an awful day already after finding out her best friend, Tanner, has started dating a girl named Jolene, when a motorcyclist takes her parking space in front of her favorite book store, making her develop an immense hatred of him. He, however, starts to like her and their banter. Hilarity ensues.
The banter in this book is probably some of the best I’ve read in a while. Both characters fit into the grumpy category and just basically spew sarcastic insults at each other as a means of flirting and it’s hilarious. I was constantly laughing and smiling at their comments.
Harper is a lovable grump. She’s pessimistic, sarcastic, and filled with rage almost constantly. She had a lot of emotional baggage and abandonment issues which are not helped at all by Tanner, her best friend, and the way he uses her. I think the only person that hated Tanner more than I did is Cyprian.
Cyprian is rude to her because that’s the only way she will accept his affection but the way he persistently tries to get her to like him cracked me up. I think she could have run him over with a car and he would still want her.
“Talking with her is like standing in a rainstorm full of crackling thunder. Dangerously seductive. A little dark. Somewhat violent. Unbearably electric.”
I have so many highlights in this book because I loved so much of it. It’s definitely enemies to lovers, which is my favorite trope, and the fact that both characters are in a literature career field meant there were so many book related references that were on another level. It’s a sweet love story that wasn’t lacking heart.
This book comes out tomorrow, 7/28. I was given an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2022
she writes a book about them so that's actually the summary of THIS book;;;;
“The whole first part, you’re hooked on a guy who doesn’t deserve you, and then the whole second part you don’t call the guy who does back before just jumping to your own conclusions and cutting it off. There’s not even a happy ending where the main character has a hundred chihuahuas and lives peacefully in a convent. It sucks .”
shiane and poison were like grumpy little clouds, all they did were bickering and insulting each other and i love it!! 🙏🏼 it wasn't even an enemies to lovers, it's like enemies to enemies who loves each other occasionally
it wasn't exactly a 4 stars book but i enjoyed their fighting too much so yeah that's the only reason
“The whole first part, you’re hooked on a guy who doesn’t deserve you, and then the whole second part you don’t call the guy who does back before just jumping to your own conclusions and cutting it off. There’s not even a happy ending where the main character has a hundred chihuahuas and lives peacefully in a convent. It sucks .”
shiane and poison were like grumpy little clouds, all they did were bickering and insulting each other and i love it!! 🙏🏼 it wasn't even an enemies to lovers, it's like enemies to enemies who loves each other occasionally
it wasn't exactly a 4 stars book but i enjoyed their fighting too much so yeah that's the only reason
August 14, 2022
I really loved this book. It's one of those books that I almost didn't want to read because then I knew I would be closer to finishing it. The 2 mains really hate each other at the start, and the insults are sharp! I liked how their relationship evolved and that they accepted each other, and felt accepted by the other. Towards the end you feel like you're in this Inception moment, where the female lead writes the book that you are currently reading. I really liked the writing style. It took a little more work for me to read the book, and it wasn't quite as easy to read as other romcoms I've read, but I liked it! It's going on my top books of 2022 list.
December 6, 2025
motorcycles.
enemies to lovers.
i'm in.
enemies to lovers.
i'm in.
February 9, 2025
Real, Relatable, and Fun!
I always enjoy reading books by this author. While I don’t typically gravitate toward strictly “clean” romances, this one was so well done that I didn’t even think about it—it was actually refreshing in that way.
What really stood out to me was how real and relatable the characters felt. Their chemistry, the humor, and even the secondary characters all added to the story in a way that kept me engaged.
The only downside for me was that some of the internal dialogue felt a bit too long, and the third-act breakup was frustrating. Fortunately, it didn’t drag on, but it still felt unnecessary—though I appreciated that the characters themselves acknowledged that in the book.
Overall, it was a great read, and I’m looking forward to diving into the next series!
I always enjoy reading books by this author. While I don’t typically gravitate toward strictly “clean” romances, this one was so well done that I didn’t even think about it—it was actually refreshing in that way.
What really stood out to me was how real and relatable the characters felt. Their chemistry, the humor, and even the secondary characters all added to the story in a way that kept me engaged.
The only downside for me was that some of the internal dialogue felt a bit too long, and the third-act breakup was frustrating. Fortunately, it didn’t drag on, but it still felt unnecessary—though I appreciated that the characters themselves acknowledged that in the book.
Overall, it was a great read, and I’m looking forward to diving into the next series!
January 23, 2025
It's such a cute, wholesome book. I would happily recommend to middle high schoolers. Very cute. Lots of banter. Pallet cleanser. Easy read. Short read.
April 6, 2024
Grumpy/grumpy may be one of my favorite pairings now.
dnf
December 19, 2025the best part of this book was his name
September 8, 2022
I've been in a bonafide reading schlump for the past couple of weeks. I guess mainlining over 100 books between the months of March and August will do that to a person.... who knew? Anyway, I tried easing back into it with a seemingly easy winner. A "sweet" (aka clean) romantic comedy will usually do the trick because I know how the story ends from the first page and I don't have to think too hard. These are almost always a solid, positive feeling-adjacent three stars for me for obvious reasons.
This one seemed to follow that trajectory. It even seem to surpass those expectations, as the main character was personally relatable in many ways. My emotions following this initial reaction, and throughout the rest of the book, resembled that of people on a roller coaster: up and down, will I love this or will I hate it? "Neither" does not seem appropriate, for when I loved it, I loved it... particularly the conversations between the two main characters, the banter, etc. Also, the idea of a true grumpy/grumpy enemies-to-lovers story, as opposed to the usual grumpy/sunshine, is a trope I would gladly read more of. Good on this author for taking an angle I have not seen done many times, if at all.
Similarly, there were moments when I hated this, with a capital H. The male MC was too "perfect" and it was honestly grating. His red flags hardly merit the term, and to me, morally grey and imperfect is the ideal. I could go on about this, but why? The book was about book lovers and people that work in the publishing industry (honestly this plot line is going beyond overdone at this point), which made them relatable in certain ways, refreshingly self-aware in a meta way, but ultimately annoying in that it constantly took me out of the story, inducing multiple eye-rolls. Also, in what truly "country" small town would there be a publishing house of national renown with connections to the NY Times? Add on to the fact that these characters were both BELOW THE AGE of 25, behaving and speaking the way they were?! I get that this is a small town, but absolutely not. My grievances are many, but the cherry on top of the faultless male MC was the general sense of instant love he felt for the otherwise flawed, relatable female MC. I'll stop now, for many reasons, of which one is a scene where Harper writes a glowing Goodreads review for a book she only felt "meh" about out of loyalty to small authors (I get it, but I cannot participate, I'm sorry to say).
Anyway, I forgot what a catharsis this can be. For as many times as I rolled my eyes, I also smiled and/or laughed, so the fact that I am, in fact, giving this a mild three stars is vindictive in that I knew I probably would. The irony is that I am doing so in spite of the book, not because of its merit.
TL;DR: this is a perfectly acceptable, at times cute, small-town clean romantic comedy with bouts of glaring self-awareness, sometimes to its detriment. Do with that information what you will, and unlike me, maybe try adjusting your expectations accordingly.
This one seemed to follow that trajectory. It even seem to surpass those expectations, as the main character was personally relatable in many ways. My emotions following this initial reaction, and throughout the rest of the book, resembled that of people on a roller coaster: up and down, will I love this or will I hate it? "Neither" does not seem appropriate, for when I loved it, I loved it... particularly the conversations between the two main characters, the banter, etc. Also, the idea of a true grumpy/grumpy enemies-to-lovers story, as opposed to the usual grumpy/sunshine, is a trope I would gladly read more of. Good on this author for taking an angle I have not seen done many times, if at all.
Similarly, there were moments when I hated this, with a capital H. The male MC was too "perfect" and it was honestly grating. His red flags hardly merit the term, and to me, morally grey and imperfect is the ideal. I could go on about this, but why? The book was about book lovers and people that work in the publishing industry (honestly this plot line is going beyond overdone at this point), which made them relatable in certain ways, refreshingly self-aware in a meta way, but ultimately annoying in that it constantly took me out of the story, inducing multiple eye-rolls. Also, in what truly "country" small town would there be a publishing house of national renown with connections to the NY Times? Add on to the fact that these characters were both BELOW THE AGE of 25, behaving and speaking the way they were?! I get that this is a small town, but absolutely not. My grievances are many, but the cherry on top of the faultless male MC was the general sense of instant love he felt for the otherwise flawed, relatable female MC. I'll stop now, for many reasons, of which one is a scene where Harper writes a glowing Goodreads review for a book she only felt "meh" about out of loyalty to small authors (I get it, but I cannot participate, I'm sorry to say).
Anyway, I forgot what a catharsis this can be. For as many times as I rolled my eyes, I also smiled and/or laughed, so the fact that I am, in fact, giving this a mild three stars is vindictive in that I knew I probably would. The irony is that I am doing so in spite of the book, not because of its merit.
TL;DR: this is a perfectly acceptable, at times cute, small-town clean romantic comedy with bouts of glaring self-awareness, sometimes to its detriment. Do with that information what you will, and unlike me, maybe try adjusting your expectations accordingly.
October 4, 2022
I will first say: I was more pulled into this book than another romance I bought in Barnes and Noble, so that definitely gives credit to the author!
This was a roller coaster ride with a happy ending. I definitely enjoyed it, but here are my thoughts broken down.
What I loved:
Funny moments. This book definitely had me giggling/cringing from amused embarrassment throughout it.
Cute dog! I am dog-obsessed, so having one in the story definitely gives it bonus points!
The sassy relationship between Poison and Shiane, aka Harper and Cyprian, especially toward the middle-to-end of the book. They definitely suit each other!
The representation of mixed families. It’s nice to see step-parent and step-sibling relationships portrayed positively.
A few thoughts:
This is a minor one, but there is a lot of mention of body types. Of course, I’m all for mentioning character description, but it got a little much for me, for Bianca and Harper especially. I understand Harper felt self-conscious, but it got a tad depressing. When someone on the curvier side reads this, it doesn’t send the kindest picture. Just a thought!
The climax was a little confusing for me (I won’t say more because *spoilers*), and perhaps a tad muddled. Especially about the message she sent to him.
But I softly disagree with some reviewers who say the relationship was toxic/abusive. I think Harper definitely had a different personality than most FMLs, but it wasn’t to that extent. I do wish she had chosen some character development to work on anger management.
But yes, all in all, I enjoyed this book! Is their relationship necessarily one I would want I break life? Nope. But I am not Harper, so that’s fine! Fiction is meant to be exactly that: fiction.
I do think it’s worth the read!
This was a roller coaster ride with a happy ending. I definitely enjoyed it, but here are my thoughts broken down.
What I loved:
Funny moments. This book definitely had me giggling/cringing from amused embarrassment throughout it.
Cute dog! I am dog-obsessed, so having one in the story definitely gives it bonus points!
The sassy relationship between Poison and Shiane, aka Harper and Cyprian, especially toward the middle-to-end of the book. They definitely suit each other!
The representation of mixed families. It’s nice to see step-parent and step-sibling relationships portrayed positively.
A few thoughts:
This is a minor one, but there is a lot of mention of body types. Of course, I’m all for mentioning character description, but it got a little much for me, for Bianca and Harper especially. I understand Harper felt self-conscious, but it got a tad depressing. When someone on the curvier side reads this, it doesn’t send the kindest picture. Just a thought!
The climax was a little confusing for me (I won’t say more because *spoilers*), and perhaps a tad muddled. Especially about the message she sent to him.
But I softly disagree with some reviewers who say the relationship was toxic/abusive. I think Harper definitely had a different personality than most FMLs, but it wasn’t to that extent. I do wish she had chosen some character development to work on anger management.
But yes, all in all, I enjoyed this book! Is their relationship necessarily one I would want I break life? Nope. But I am not Harper, so that’s fine! Fiction is meant to be exactly that: fiction.
I do think it’s worth the read!
June 1, 2025
Still on the MillaVerse roller coaster where I find some great heights, daring plunges and the occasional water plume plunge into shockingly cold waters.
This one, however, was just a series of surprising enemies-to-lovers fun. With such relatably flawed leads, witty banter galore, pining for the wrong guy and cute cat stickers galore who could not want this duo to find their HEA? Heck, I may even have been happily munching on popcorn as this charming love story spun itself around me.
I adore Harper- even her spitfire nickname of Poison is charming- a curvy gal with sass for days, a questionable take on color-coordination for an illustrator, and anger issues sure to scare any potential suitor with how fast Harper’s mood can change. I can certainly identify with her misplaced desire for acceptance and talent for not always seeing what is right before her eyes.
Cyprian (mostly called Shiane by the mercurial object of his desire) is the leather-wearing, motorcycle-riding new-man-in-town who meets his future love on what arguably is the worst day of Harper’s life. When Cyprian turns out to be her new boss at a small publishing house, Harper’s dreams of being a published author are rapidly going down in flames.
Can these two work through their issues to help turn her manuscript into something worth publishing, and avoid office scandal should the flames of attraction ignite from the sparks? It’s a romcom so that’s really a question of when it flames rather than should.
The tension between these two definitely sizzles as Harper comes to find that maybe fact is stronger than fiction when it comes to finding the one who not only sees you, warts and all, but still cherishes every piece of you just as you are.
Definitely will be adding this one to my growing library collection.
This one, however, was just a series of surprising enemies-to-lovers fun. With such relatably flawed leads, witty banter galore, pining for the wrong guy and cute cat stickers galore who could not want this duo to find their HEA? Heck, I may even have been happily munching on popcorn as this charming love story spun itself around me.
I adore Harper- even her spitfire nickname of Poison is charming- a curvy gal with sass for days, a questionable take on color-coordination for an illustrator, and anger issues sure to scare any potential suitor with how fast Harper’s mood can change. I can certainly identify with her misplaced desire for acceptance and talent for not always seeing what is right before her eyes.
Cyprian (mostly called Shiane by the mercurial object of his desire) is the leather-wearing, motorcycle-riding new-man-in-town who meets his future love on what arguably is the worst day of Harper’s life. When Cyprian turns out to be her new boss at a small publishing house, Harper’s dreams of being a published author are rapidly going down in flames.
Can these two work through their issues to help turn her manuscript into something worth publishing, and avoid office scandal should the flames of attraction ignite from the sparks? It’s a romcom so that’s really a question of when it flames rather than should.
The tension between these two definitely sizzles as Harper comes to find that maybe fact is stronger than fiction when it comes to finding the one who not only sees you, warts and all, but still cherishes every piece of you just as you are.
Definitely will be adding this one to my growing library collection.
July 24, 2022
I want to thank Camila Evergreen for a chance to read this ARC.
This was such a genuine enemies to lovers romcom - with zero spice. If you’re looking for a spice free, but HEA, this is the book for you. This was such a cute little classic where the tension builds up so much. They’re both familiar with the romcom tropes, and it makes their banter that much better.
The book follows Harper and Cyprian (although they’re usually referenced as Poison and Shiane). Harper is in love with her best friend, Tanner, and has been for 8 years. But she couldn’t bring herself to ever tell him. And boom, he gets a girlfriend and starts to distance himself from her. In a heartbroken state, she finds herself at her favorite bookstore where this grumpy biker STEALS HER PARKING SPACE - how dare he?! And inside the bookstore, the hate spews and the banter is SO great. Cue the enemies to lovers trope. When she walks into the publishing house she works at as a graphic designer, imagine her shock when the grumpy, biker dude that stole her parking space is now her boss. She wants to be an author and had previously sent it to the boss’ email so that she could try and get her foot in the door. Her sister, Bianca, pushes her and Cyprian to go to a festival as a date because she can sense the flare and it’s just so…. wholesome. Harper is very defensive over her weight, as someone who is a bit thicker than other girls and she’s continuously putting herself down. It’s as if she insults herself, it’s ends up being “if I say it first, it can’t hurt me if you say it” and I’m not sure if it’s because my own struggle with my body growing up - but it made me feel a certain way.
This was such a genuine enemies to lovers romcom - with zero spice. If you’re looking for a spice free, but HEA, this is the book for you. This was such a cute little classic where the tension builds up so much. They’re both familiar with the romcom tropes, and it makes their banter that much better.
The book follows Harper and Cyprian (although they’re usually referenced as Poison and Shiane). Harper is in love with her best friend, Tanner, and has been for 8 years. But she couldn’t bring herself to ever tell him. And boom, he gets a girlfriend and starts to distance himself from her. In a heartbroken state, she finds herself at her favorite bookstore where this grumpy biker STEALS HER PARKING SPACE - how dare he?! And inside the bookstore, the hate spews and the banter is SO great. Cue the enemies to lovers trope. When she walks into the publishing house she works at as a graphic designer, imagine her shock when the grumpy, biker dude that stole her parking space is now her boss. She wants to be an author and had previously sent it to the boss’ email so that she could try and get her foot in the door. Her sister, Bianca, pushes her and Cyprian to go to a festival as a date because she can sense the flare and it’s just so…. wholesome. Harper is very defensive over her weight, as someone who is a bit thicker than other girls and she’s continuously putting herself down. It’s as if she insults herself, it’s ends up being “if I say it first, it can’t hurt me if you say it” and I’m not sure if it’s because my own struggle with my body growing up - but it made me feel a certain way.
July 28, 2022
“Being ugly with someone who loves you with every last bit of ugliness is the most beautiful thing in the world.”
Solid 4.5/5! The lines in this book! 😍 Seriously, I have never underlined so many things in a book before. I was seriously laughing from the first chapter. Poison…er I mean Harper…is hysterical. She’s cynical, sarcastic, and angry but I found her utterly charming. Harper dealing with insecurity and confidence are the root of her problems, which I found all too relatable. Some of her inner monologues hit wayyy too close to home in and eye-opening and endearing way. Shiane…ugh. I mean Cyprian was delightful. Not literally, because he too is a grump, but once he falls..he falls HARD. The banter back and forth between the two was absolute gold. I could not stop laughing. The grumpy/grumpy trope might just be my new favorite.
When I wasn’t laughing, I was tearing up. This books was an emotional ride in the best way. It truly hits the age-old issue of wanting to be loved for ourselves but questioning if we’re good enough. “Could Have Been Us” is enlightening, insightful, entertaining, and painful in the best ways. My only problem was formatting issues, but I received an ARC of the book so that may have been why, and the overuse of italics. This story reads differently than other modern romance comedies that I’ve read, so it took some getting used to, but different isn’t bad.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedies, top-tiered banter, and truly sensational lines and quotes. I couldn’t help coming back for more! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Solid 4.5/5! The lines in this book! 😍 Seriously, I have never underlined so many things in a book before. I was seriously laughing from the first chapter. Poison…er I mean Harper…is hysterical. She’s cynical, sarcastic, and angry but I found her utterly charming. Harper dealing with insecurity and confidence are the root of her problems, which I found all too relatable. Some of her inner monologues hit wayyy too close to home in and eye-opening and endearing way. Shiane…ugh. I mean Cyprian was delightful. Not literally, because he too is a grump, but once he falls..he falls HARD. The banter back and forth between the two was absolute gold. I could not stop laughing. The grumpy/grumpy trope might just be my new favorite.
When I wasn’t laughing, I was tearing up. This books was an emotional ride in the best way. It truly hits the age-old issue of wanting to be loved for ourselves but questioning if we’re good enough. “Could Have Been Us” is enlightening, insightful, entertaining, and painful in the best ways. My only problem was formatting issues, but I received an ARC of the book so that may have been why, and the overuse of italics. This story reads differently than other modern romance comedies that I’ve read, so it took some getting used to, but different isn’t bad.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedies, top-tiered banter, and truly sensational lines and quotes. I couldn’t help coming back for more! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
August 2, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading: COULD HAVE BEEN US, by Camilla Evergreen.
Main Characters: Harper & Cyprian, otherwise sarcastically known as Poison and Shiane
Harper (a hopeful writer who works in a publishing house) has been in love with her best friend for
years, but when he suddenly gets a girlfriend, Harper is devastated. Therefore, she is not in the best frame of mind as she heads to the bookstore on her designated Book Day- a pay day when she spends a budgeted amount on books every 2 weeks. (I see nothing wrong with that!) As she is about to pull into a prime parking spot, a leather-clad motorcyclist further ruins her mood by stealing her space! And, the battle begins as they trade insult for insult.
Cyprian, is the new editor at Harper’s workplace, aka Harper’s new boss! When he meets Harper at work, 𝙝𝙚 confronts 𝙝𝙚𝙧 on her rudeness! Believing she needs positive reinforcement, he rewards her for good behavior at the workplace -with cat stickers! In his mind he calls her names like Little Miss Entitled or Madam Frowns A Lot before finally settling on Poison! As they continue to act like fourth graders, the attraction increases!
Told in the alternating viewpoints of Harper and Cyprian, this one really will have you laughing out loud! I loved the clever references to genre stereotypes through the book. I also want to give a shout-out to Brianna, Harper’s half sister who truly has Harper’s back throughout the book. This story is entertaining and it is book one in a series. Read this if you love small town romances, bookish stories, and enemies to lovers!
My thanks to the author for my gifted digital copy. My thoughts are my own.
Main Characters: Harper & Cyprian, otherwise sarcastically known as Poison and Shiane
Harper (a hopeful writer who works in a publishing house) has been in love with her best friend for
years, but when he suddenly gets a girlfriend, Harper is devastated. Therefore, she is not in the best frame of mind as she heads to the bookstore on her designated Book Day- a pay day when she spends a budgeted amount on books every 2 weeks. (I see nothing wrong with that!) As she is about to pull into a prime parking spot, a leather-clad motorcyclist further ruins her mood by stealing her space! And, the battle begins as they trade insult for insult.
Cyprian, is the new editor at Harper’s workplace, aka Harper’s new boss! When he meets Harper at work, 𝙝𝙚 confronts 𝙝𝙚𝙧 on her rudeness! Believing she needs positive reinforcement, he rewards her for good behavior at the workplace -with cat stickers! In his mind he calls her names like Little Miss Entitled or Madam Frowns A Lot before finally settling on Poison! As they continue to act like fourth graders, the attraction increases!
Told in the alternating viewpoints of Harper and Cyprian, this one really will have you laughing out loud! I loved the clever references to genre stereotypes through the book. I also want to give a shout-out to Brianna, Harper’s half sister who truly has Harper’s back throughout the book. This story is entertaining and it is book one in a series. Read this if you love small town romances, bookish stories, and enemies to lovers!
My thanks to the author for my gifted digital copy. My thoughts are my own.
July 28, 2022
Thank you to Camilla Evergreen for the ARC!!!
Actual Thoughts I had in the first 5 chapters of reading this book:
Grumpy/Sunshine where the girl is the grumpy, oh wait no so is the boy! Wait this is Grumpy/Grumpy?!?!
Jolene steals a man.~Cue Dolly Parton~
I needtherapy a cup of pencils to break whenever I am feeling feelings.
She clearly isn't just upset at the parking space dude.
This book is such a classic, clean, enemies to lovers rom com and I am here for it!! There is so many strong emotions shoved into this book it is addicting from start to finish. Not going to lie it was a little choppy for me to read at first but once I was hooked, I was hooked until the end.
Side note for real life though: This relationship is kind ofTOXIC POISON tbh and none of you can convince me otherwise. That is the explosiveness that is good for reality TV and books but probably not for like an actually good marriage. But who needs reality in a romcom, because I sure don't.
Overall it was a great romance that had me screaming and yelling and swooning. She did a great job of giving her characters dimension and raw unfiltered emotion.
Actual Thoughts I had in the first 5 chapters of reading this book:
Grumpy/Sunshine where the girl is the grumpy, oh wait no so is the boy! Wait this is Grumpy/Grumpy?!?!
Jolene steals a man.~Cue Dolly Parton~
I need
She clearly isn't just upset at the parking space dude.
This book is such a classic, clean, enemies to lovers rom com and I am here for it!! There is so many strong emotions shoved into this book it is addicting from start to finish. Not going to lie it was a little choppy for me to read at first but once I was hooked, I was hooked until the end.
Side note for real life though: This relationship is kind of
Overall it was a great romance that had me screaming and yelling and swooning. She did a great job of giving her characters dimension and raw unfiltered emotion.
July 29, 2022
This book is a #slowburn romcom with a couple of fiery main characters. The banter between Harper and Cyprian or better know as “Poison and Shiane” 😏 is top notch! The #enemiestolovers is strong in this one and I loved how much vulnerability they both had when speaking to one another. When Cyprian unexpectedly motors into Harpers life she is truly livid and between having some newfound insights to a long term friendship she feels a bit lost and out of place. Cyprian puts all his “cards out on the table” so to speak which was refreshing. Though dark and mysterious is how he enters the scene it doesn’t last there. The depth and confidence in which the author created him exudes likability. Therefore he is my favourite character and has the privilege of becoming my newest #bookboyfriend 😏 but in all seriousness this book tackles what it means to love, to put yourself out there in hopes to get something worthwhile back in return.
“Im a giver and a chaser. I thought that was the only way to get love from people. But unless they give back, unless they stop forcing you to run after them until your legs are burning and you’re out of breath, then whatever you’re getting? It’s not love at all.”
“Im a giver and a chaser. I thought that was the only way to get love from people. But unless they give back, unless they stop forcing you to run after them until your legs are burning and you’re out of breath, then whatever you’re getting? It’s not love at all.”
July 24, 2022
So this was the first book I have read by Camilla, and it will not be the last. I will be systematically going through all of her work. It is not often that I want to read a book twice, but the moment I finished it, I wanted to read and experience it again.
This book is a sweet, clean romcom that magically manages to deliver in every way you need. The MCs are so wonderfully written, their charisma leaps off the pages. FMC Harper is so full of sarcasm and snark, and it is matched perfectly with Cyprian's quick witted retorts. Their banter will have you rolling and falling in love at the same time.
You will love this enemies to lovers romcom from the start. The nods to us real life readers and our quirks is evident throughout and fully appreciable. I found myself literally laughing out loud countless times and my heart squeezing in my chest just as much with every flip of the pages.
Regardless of your romance genre preferences, you will not want to miss this stand alone novel. It is hilarious, refreshing and heart warming. So grab your blanket, your drink of choice, and curl up, because this book deserves its place in anyone's library.
This book is a sweet, clean romcom that magically manages to deliver in every way you need. The MCs are so wonderfully written, their charisma leaps off the pages. FMC Harper is so full of sarcasm and snark, and it is matched perfectly with Cyprian's quick witted retorts. Their banter will have you rolling and falling in love at the same time.
You will love this enemies to lovers romcom from the start. The nods to us real life readers and our quirks is evident throughout and fully appreciable. I found myself literally laughing out loud countless times and my heart squeezing in my chest just as much with every flip of the pages.
Regardless of your romance genre preferences, you will not want to miss this stand alone novel. It is hilarious, refreshing and heart warming. So grab your blanket, your drink of choice, and curl up, because this book deserves its place in anyone's library.
July 25, 2022
[blurb]I hate him; he can’t stand me; my sister won’t stop believing this is our Enemies to Lovers, Sweet and Sassy, Small-town Romance, seventy thousand words, confirmed HEA.
[review] I could not have picked a better book to break my audiobook only streak. What a cute and wholesome book. Well… not too wholesome. This book is full of real life snark and relatable worries. Real life insecurities and Real life situations.
I also love the inclusiveness of asexuality and pro LGBTQIA
Big sister for the win. I love that she took that criticism and came back. 'Yes I get it, but I'm still here, and I love you' heck yeah big sis.
This book is perfect for the person who loves romance but wants the story and not the smut. For the person who wants the real life tale and the snark of real life. This book is just so sweet! I loved everything about it and I can't wait to read more!
Thank you so much Camilla Evergreen for the ARC of this book to review!! It was the perfect way to spend a rainy weekend!
[review] I could not have picked a better book to break my audiobook only streak. What a cute and wholesome book. Well… not too wholesome. This book is full of real life snark and relatable worries. Real life insecurities and Real life situations.
I also love the inclusiveness of asexuality and pro LGBTQIA
Big sister for the win. I love that she took that criticism and came back. 'Yes I get it, but I'm still here, and I love you' heck yeah big sis.
This book is perfect for the person who loves romance but wants the story and not the smut. For the person who wants the real life tale and the snark of real life. This book is just so sweet! I loved everything about it and I can't wait to read more!
Thank you so much Camilla Evergreen for the ARC of this book to review!! It was the perfect way to spend a rainy weekend!
July 24, 2022
Addictively brilliant and fresh! I loved, loved, loved this beautifully twisted and sweet book!
This is heart melting and sigh inducing with tons of humorous moments. The snarky inner thoughts and dialogue drew me in and wouldn't let me go.
Harper and Cyprian are just these two beings that collide together and everything in their existence changes. And he gets her!! All her broken and insecure pieces and he just shrugs and rolls with it. And he's just as fierce as she is and they bandy about and it's just glorious!
My heart sings with joy at this brilliantly told tale. It's a beautiful push and pull that is compelling and absolutely captivating! These characters have woven their way into my heart and now I have to live pouty-faced because I know I'm going to miss them. Que book hangover!
This is heart melting and sigh inducing with tons of humorous moments. The snarky inner thoughts and dialogue drew me in and wouldn't let me go.
Harper and Cyprian are just these two beings that collide together and everything in their existence changes. And he gets her!! All her broken and insecure pieces and he just shrugs and rolls with it. And he's just as fierce as she is and they bandy about and it's just glorious!
My heart sings with joy at this brilliantly told tale. It's a beautiful push and pull that is compelling and absolutely captivating! These characters have woven their way into my heart and now I have to live pouty-faced because I know I'm going to miss them. Que book hangover!
September 11, 2023
3.5 stars
I'm all here for the snark, grumpy banter, and hilarious one-liners in this book. . Unfortunately, the entire Harper-wrote-a-book-and-Cyprian-wants-to-publish-it deal was a blatant conflict of interest and introduced a power dynamic into the situation that felt plain wrong. I would have been much more comfortable if Cyprian had asked someone objective (perhaps his dad?) to vet the book before he moved forward with it. The relative ease with which Harper managed to get published was also frustrating given how difficult the process is in real life, as was the consistent misuse of certain words and phrases.
Bottom line: Not without its issues, but at the end of the day, this is a cute romance with fun characters and a lot of heart.
I'm all here for the snark, grumpy banter, and hilarious one-liners in this book. . Unfortunately, the entire Harper-wrote-a-book-and-Cyprian-wants-to-publish-it deal was a blatant conflict of interest and introduced a power dynamic into the situation that felt plain wrong. I would have been much more comfortable if Cyprian had asked someone objective (perhaps his dad?) to vet the book before he moved forward with it. The relative ease with which Harper managed to get published was also frustrating given how difficult the process is in real life, as was the consistent misuse of certain words and phrases.
Bottom line: Not without its issues, but at the end of the day, this is a cute romance with fun characters and a lot of heart.
March 23, 2024
Ok I gave this five stars for sheer entertainment value and not real life because there was a ton of negativity and insults and sarcasm and there's no way I'd be able to live with that in my own life, so it's a good thing my life isn't this story, right? Shiane and Poison, of course I'm calling them that, have an enemies to enemies to maybe friends maybe lovers, huge miscommunication and then let's see what that gets us....
Clean romance. I was introduced to this author through a more recent faerie book.and enjoyed the style enough to find others to see if I liked them as well.
Side note- I love that she wrote their story. I normally hate miscommunication tropes but it worked well enough here.
Rom com but heavy on the snarky com. Bring it on. I will definitely read more of this author's books.
Clean romance. I was introduced to this author through a more recent faerie book.and enjoyed the style enough to find others to see if I liked them as well.
Side note- I love that she wrote their story. I normally hate miscommunication tropes but it worked well enough here.
Rom com but heavy on the snarky com. Bring it on. I will definitely read more of this author's books.
February 1, 2026
**Originally reviewed on Amazon in November of 2024**
I have been bingeing Camilla's books since CEO Cinnamon Roll graced my suggestions a couple of months ago, and I have three books left before I'm waiting for more releases. Could Have Been Us did not disappoint. I love romance of any subgenre but something about how she writes her female leads just has me feeling seen for the first time. What I really loved about Poison and Shiane is that about 2/3 of the way through you realize that the male lead is just as messed up as the female, but that's kind of what makes them perfect for one another. I'm paraphrasing, but there's a line about how being able to be ugly with someone else and still be loved completely is a really beautiful thing. So good. I absolutely love this author and her writing.
I have been bingeing Camilla's books since CEO Cinnamon Roll graced my suggestions a couple of months ago, and I have three books left before I'm waiting for more releases. Could Have Been Us did not disappoint. I love romance of any subgenre but something about how she writes her female leads just has me feeling seen for the first time. What I really loved about Poison and Shiane is that about 2/3 of the way through you realize that the male lead is just as messed up as the female, but that's kind of what makes them perfect for one another. I'm paraphrasing, but there's a line about how being able to be ugly with someone else and still be loved completely is a really beautiful thing. So good. I absolutely love this author and her writing.
July 25, 2022
This was such a great and lovable story! I ended up finishing it in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down.
The progression of Cyprian and Harper’s - no sorry, Shiane and Poison’s - relationship was full of hilarious banter, trips to the local bookstore, and finished off with a heartwarming happily ever after.
I loved the fact that the main characters are both grumpy. It allows for so much sarcastic banter which is basically my love language. They just play off each other so perfectly!
If you’re looking for unique, lovable characters and a super cute story, I absolutely recommend Could Have Been Us! I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, Could Have Been Closer, when it comes out!
Thank you to Camilla Evergreen for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review.
The progression of Cyprian and Harper’s - no sorry, Shiane and Poison’s - relationship was full of hilarious banter, trips to the local bookstore, and finished off with a heartwarming happily ever after.
I loved the fact that the main characters are both grumpy. It allows for so much sarcastic banter which is basically my love language. They just play off each other so perfectly!
If you’re looking for unique, lovable characters and a super cute story, I absolutely recommend Could Have Been Us! I can’t wait to read the second book in the series, Could Have Been Closer, when it comes out!
Thank you to Camilla Evergreen for providing me with an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 28, 2022
I really liked this book a lot. The wit and sarcasm is super funny. Normally, I don't enjoy it when characters trade barbs, but it worked out really well here. Cyprian and Harper are super hilarious and cute together. I love how Cyprian is a proper grump. I guess I love my grumpy heroes, but he cares a lot about those around him. Harper also is strong witted. I love that she stands up for herself. Tanner has been a crap friend and she doesn't tolerate it. The romance in this book is awesome. I love the hate-kisses. The two sure have lots of steam, but they do a great job communicating about their insecurities. I love that Cyprian is a bad boy with a heart of gold. Also, Harper knowing all the book cliches is awesome.
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