Frenemy Fix-Up was a fun, cute, steamy short read that I had a lot of fun with! The ending was a bit rushed considering the length of this book—it could have been about 20 pages longer and wrapped things up a bit more nicely. However, it required me to stuff down some of my morals and stances on things, and Colin was completely unlikable for most of the book.

Thank you to Harlequin - Romance, Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and NetGalley for providing an ARC!

4th in the series but could be read as a standalone--this was steamy as heck but the ending still felt hella rushed, even though this book has a larger page count than the previous ones, which were part of a different imprint. Colin held on to his "I'm better than this/her" persona way too long--the only time he wasn't giving off elitist vibes (except for literally the last couple of pages) was when they were doing it, which wasn't a good look. I'd love to see the last 2 Gems have heroes who spend less time looking down their noses at their heroines and realize their worth a bit sooner...

Rating: 3 1/2 stars / C+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This book was misogynistic and hard to read. There were several ‘man of the house’ references, woman putting down women just because they were a significant other’s ex, and objectifying women. When I saw in other reviews that the MMC was not likable I assumed it was a morally gray character, which I enjoy reading, but this MMC was just…. a terrible finance bro.

The book itself felt a bit choppy, which made reading slower than it should have been. The book also uses the main romance tropes and cliches, which made it very predictable.

I read this book as a standalone, not as part of the Six Gems series, and it while I was able to follow the story, I would not recommend as a standalone.

Here's the thing...I wasn't a fan of Colin. He was hard to read on page. Yahrah covers some topics in this novel that I believe could have led to a very compelling romance. Colin felt like a user which left me feeling like shay's arc was totally lost.

Frenemy Fix-Up by Yahrah St. John is the fourth book in the Six Gems series, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone as well. Accountant Colin Anderson is working himself into an early grave. Shay Davis is finally living her dream of owning a yoga studio. Sure, they went to high school together—but that’s where their similarities end. He’s Mr. Corporate, hustling late into the night so his firm can go public, while she flows through sun salutations and half-moon poses at her own pace. So when a health scare pushes Colin to make a few life changes, he knows where to turn. If he’s going to get right with his career, he’ll need the right woman—and to get the right woman, he has to prioritize his health. Who better than Shay to help whip his butt into shape so he can win back his high school girlfriend? The catch is, she only has ninety days to do it. And they both really, really get on each other’s nerves. Soon, though, their sessions are heating up the studio. But as Colin gets closer to achieving his goal, he and Shay both move further away from what they thought they wanted. Before they know it, they’ll have to step out of their comfort zones and rethink their own versions of “right" before their time is up.

Frenemy Fix-Up has a fun set up and I thought the story was engaging and entertaining to read. I liked the complexity of both characters. I liked the reality of all the characters, not just the man players. Everyone made good and bad decisions, things that needed forgiveness and understanding- and the book covered more about the families and friends to give a better understanding of the characters than many other books offer. I greatly enjoyed this bigger picture- because we are all shaped by our lives and experiences and leaving that out of the equation does not feel authentic. The book gives a full picture of the characters and I enjoyed getting the big picture. My only disappointment was that the resolution felt a little flat for me, I wanted a little follow up to the discussion, but I am sure those reading the series will get to see more of how they find their way forward together.

Shay and Colin, former high school acquaintances, reunite under unexpected circumstances in this engaging read filled with drama, action, and steamy romance. Shay, a divorced yoga studio owner, agrees to train workaholic accountant Colin during his medical leave in exchange for financial support. As their relationship deepens, they confront personal struggles and past traumas, leading to a poignant exploration of trust and vulnerability. While the fourth installment in a series, the dynamic between Shay and her friends adds depth to the story, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that emphasizes the importance of life beyond career success.

"Cute" doesn't even begin to describe the charm of "Frenemy Fix-Up"! From start to finish, I found myself completely invested in Shay and Colin's journey. Their banter kept me entertained, and I couldn't help but root for them as they navigated their way through unexpected challenges and budding romance. Shay's vibrant personality and Colin's determined spirit make them a perfect match, even if they don't realize it at first. With each turn of the page, I found myself eagerly anticipating their next encounter, hoping they would find their way to each other. If you're looking for a feel-good read that will leave you with a smile on your face, "Frenemy Fix-Up" is the perfect choice. I dare you not to fall in love with Shay and Colin

This book was a solid 3 for me! I loved the yoga plot (and it honestly got me thinking about improving my own health) and it was a quick read and palate cleanser between other books.
I didn't really connect with either of the main characters. Colin continued to give me the ick. He constantly reiterated that his ex was someone he would be "proud" to bring home to his mom and have babies with, while the FMC was the opposite of that. His journey was redeeming but those parts were cringey to read. St. John's writing style reminded me of Farrah Rochon (The Dating Playbook) so if you like her, this will be a good book for you!
Thank you Netgalley for providing this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Frenemy Fix-Up by Yahrah St John is a good fit for people looking for a heartwarming and uplifting story about self-discovery, personal growth, and unexpected romance.

This was my first book by this author and will have to go back and read the rest of this series! Loved all the joy, friendship, family, and yoga! It was a fun high school crush to lover. I really enjoyed the FMC but not so much the MMC. This one is spicy with nice female friendship woven in!

Thanks to Harlequin for a copy of the book. All reviews are my own.

I started practicing yoga consistently last November and have been amazed by the wonderful way its improved my life. My mental, emotional, and physical health have all benefited from taking the time to be on the mat, focusing on breathing, and moving through a series of poses that help me find balance and build strength.

Given this, I was excited to read this new book from Yahrah St. John, the fourth in the Six Gems series. I really appreciated the inclusion of yoga and how the FMC, Shay, is so proud of her studio and the way that she is able to help improve peoples’ lives. She is a fierce, badass business owner who has been through a lot in her life and deserves all the flowers. I love the relationship she has with her besties, the six of whom form the “Six Gems” in the series name.

And then there’s Colin, the MMC. I do not like Colin and honestly, Shay could have done better. This guy comes across as a snob, makes himself the centre of attention, and, what made me really cringe, uses sex to distract from conversations and conflict and basically get his way. He also started a relationship with Shay, fully intending to break it off so he could be with another woman who was ‘classier.’ Many red flags for me with this guy.

He also kept referring to Shay’s fitness approaches as “New Age” which came across as super condescending especially when you consider that yoga’s origins can be traced back 5000 years.

So unfortunately, this book was a miss for me. Shay deserved better!

This was everything that a frenemy could be when fighting to stand on not falling in love. The way these two didn’t get that fate had them in a chokehold to fall for each other was so comical. I can’t wait to see what happens next because this was definitely a happy for now type vibe and not a typical happily ever after. Love this!

I am always ecstatic when given the opportunity by Harlequin to read a book in advance. This particular book had potential to be a captivating read, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. Nevertheless, there were some aspects that I appreciated in the story. One of them being the emphasis on work-life balance, a topic that many people struggle with in their lives. Another highlight was the portrayal of strong friendships, which I always enjoy reading about in books. However, I did have a tough time with the relationship between Colin and Shay. To be honest, I didn't like Colin, and I felt that their relationship was one-sided. It seemed like he benefited more from the relationship than Shay did, and I couldn't see why she would even want to be with him. I believe the story could have been improved with more fleshed-out scenes that would have given a better understanding of their dynamic. Overall, this addition to the series wasn't my favorite, but I am still looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

Thank you to Netgalley and Afterglow books for the eARC! Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me. I found the characters to be a bit one-dimensional and I wasn't invested in their love story. I also didn't love the tropes in this book - I do think it was written well though, a very fast, quick read that many others will enjoy! I recognize that not every book is for every person.

- 4 stars / 3 spice

- Resolution happened a bit too quickly and a bit off script. Lots of build up but resolution Colin came to could have been more thoroughly witnessed. seemed off page his sudden switch.
- Lots of chemistry
- And support from the Gems - intrigued to read Thier stories!
- Mental health depicted well
- Colin had some growing up to do as a lot of reviews suggest. But that was the point of this character development in my opinion. That he had lot of rough edges to smooth out in his journey of growth from unhealthy lifestyle (including his mental health / thoughts) to healthy facilitated by Shay
- Shay was making choices that were right for her. Love to see women stand up for what they deserve!!

This was a good read and I enjoyed the characters. It wasn’t too top heavy with drama but I did enjoy what was written. The spice was chef’s kiss even though I felt there should have been more communication because the lines are easy to get blurred which gave this book realistic feels that I enjoyed. This book has definitely got me pining away for the next book in the series and I can’t wait.


Thank you the Publisher and Netgalley for this ARC!!

Got a copy of this book from Net Galley. I've been following this series and was excited for this installment.
Shay and Colin kinda knew each other in high school. She had a crush on him and he didn't really acknowledge her existence. They aren't exactly enemies but they butt heads on their first meeting after years.
Then he needs her help. He makes her an offer she can't refuse and she agrees to help him get healthy. The chemistry between them is right there from the start.
Once they cross that line, things between them are explosive. They end up being friends with benefits. But of course feelings begin to grow.
I really enjoyed this love story. For once, I wished the ending was dragged out a little longer. I wanted them to get to happily ever after but I felt like she let him off the hook too quickly.
This was an awesome addition to the Six Gems series and I can't wait for the next book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ and a half

This novel covers a bit of topics that I found to be important and could have made a compelling love story but Colin was quite literally awful to read on page. He was self-absorbed and I think a bit of a user. Shay on the other hand was trying to make a way that somehow got lost in the quasi-relationship. Were they ever really enemies or was there just miscommunication? I also think that they didn't talk about their relationship he just kept showing up at places to have sex. It felt lopsided and ended abruptly.

This was a fun and steamy opposites attract, let's bang it out, dual POV love story between yoga instructor Shay and accountant Collin who comes to Shay for help when he has an angina attack and gets put on a three month medical leave from work.

Force proximity, sizzling chemistry and unexpected feelings made this a quick and enjoyable read. I especially loved how important Shay's girlfriend 'Gem' group was to her. The six women are besties for life and support one another through love, loss, weddings and pregnancies.

This was my first book by Yahrah St. John and I'm excited to read more in the Six Gems series, starting with ex ballerina Lyric's book slated to release this August. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and finished copy in exchange for my honest review!

CW: parental abandonment, mental illness (depression) in a parent

Shay Davis is a yoga instructor who owns her own studio called Balance and Elevate. She is part of the “Six Gems” crew that have been friends for years. Shay she's Colin Anderson, her old high school crush. Unfortunately, Colin didn’t know she existed back then. Their exchange is borderline hostile and flirty. They are clearly attracted to each other. Colin is climbing the corporate ladder and has been burning the candle at both ends in preparation for a major milestone with his company. In addition to work, he envisions the type of woman he should marry, and Shay doesn’t fit that mold.

A health scare forces Colin to pause and change his focus. Shay is in the right place at the right time to help Colin develop healthy habits with his mind, body and soul, and the story goes from there. Colin was stuck between what he thought he should want in a woman and the beautiful, caring person in Shay that was right in front of him. Shay has insecurities from past failed relationships and feels she isn't good enough.

As in previous stories, there were important scenes with the “six gems” as they prepared for an important milestone in one of their lives. There were a couple of predictable moments related to Colin’s expertise and Shay’s business as well as the flow of the story. Overall, this is a cute story. There are some steamy scenes as Shay helps Colin in the bedroom and out. This was an enjoyable read with 3.5 stars.