When Lindale Middle School's social studies teacher and her husband are forced to back out of chaperoning a group of eighth graders on a three-week trip to Rome, the school sends out a request for two teachers to take their place. At first no one is interested, but when the administration sweetens the deal by offering a
$2,500 bonus, English teacher Audrey Cohen
decides to volunteer. The only problem is that her nemesis, algebra teacher Noah Peterson, has also decided to volunteer. Neither of them is willing to back out, so only a few short weeks later, they find themselves on a plane to Italy with nine 13-year-olds in tow. It will be a miracle if they make it through the trip without killing each other...or maybe kissing each other instead?
The author posted on Instagram that she thinks this is her funniest book to date, and I have to agree. I loved Noah and Audrey's witty banter and the way they constantly taunted and teased each other. The slow burn between them was absolutely delicious and so well done; it almost seemed as if the tension between them could be cut with a knife at times. I couldn't wait for them to finally admit how they really felt about each other and act on their feelings! In addition, I loved how well the author set the scene in Rome. I felt like I was walking the streets right beside Audrey, Noah, and their students (and boy, did it make me hungry for a cannoli).
I'm not sure I have the words to express how much I loved this book. I can't recommend it highly enough, and even though it's only January, I'm sure that "Enemies Abroad" is going to be one of my favorite books of
2022. I can't wait to find out what R.S. Grey comes up with next.
*Review copy provided by the author via InkSlingerPR. All opinions expressed are my own.
About "Enemies Abroad"
It’s simple: Noah Peterson and I are enemies. Our fellow teachers know it, our friends know it—even the Starbucks drive-through lady knows it since every Monday she scrawls the name A. Hole for me on Noah’s cappuccino when I pick up the weekly group order.
The shrill whine of the school bell announces the start of each day’s no-holds-barred grudge match. Since neither of us is looking to get fired or thrown in prison, we war with our words and our wits. We prefer banter that bites. All day, I’m on edge, looking around every corner, expecting him to do his worst. Just when I think I can’t take the sight of his (regretfully) handsome face for one more minute, the school day is done.
Summer usually offers the sweetest relief—a two-month Noah detox—but not this year.
“We need two volunteers to chaperone a group of eighth graders in Rome” becomes a game of chicken neither one of us is willing to lose. We both want that bonus check.
“Back out,” I tell him.
“Scared?” he taunts.
No one thinks it’s a good idea for us to go to Rome together, least of all me. Taking this battle abroad will only lead to mayhem and misery.
DING. Ladies and gentlemen of flight UA447 with service to Rome, fasten your seatbelts.
We’re bound to have a bumpy ride.
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