Her Dearest Enemy (Harlequin Historical) [Mass Market Paperback]

Elizabeth Lane (Author)

Book Description

Series: Harlequin Historical | Publication Date: May 1, 2005

Life Had Taught Brandon Calhoun Some Hard Lessons

1) Marriage could be a nightmare.
2) Raising a daughter on his own wasn't easy.
3) If he wanted something done right, he'd better do it himself.

But schoolmarm Harriet Smith had her own clear ideas about living that threw him decidedly off balance—and made him yearn for more!

And Now Harriet Had Some Lessons For Him!

1) He couldn't control other people's lives.
2) Money didn't mean more than family.
3) She was a woman to be reckoned with!

Of course, she wasn't above learning something new: that Brandon was the most compelling man she'd ever met—and though he might be her dearest enemy, he was about to become a whole lot more….

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373293542
• ISBN-13: 978-0373293544
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,522,896 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've been a professional writer for about thirty years, and I love sharing stories with my readers. Mostly I write historical romance, but have ventured into other arenas as well. If you look at my book list you'll see a number of children's books included. For many years I worked as an educational curriculum designer. The children's books were part of my day job.
If you want to know more, here's the text of a recent interview which also appears on the eharlequin site.


On Writing and Reading...
What do you love most about being a writer?
The creative process, and hearing from people who've enjoyed my stories.
What do you like least about being a writer?
Rejections--and yes, I still get them!

Do you have a favorite locale or setting for your novels? What is it and why is it your favorite?
No particular place, but almost all my novels have outdoor settings. My favorite background for a story is any place that's open and wild and beautiful.

Which of the books you have written is your favorite?
My books are like my children--some gave me more trouble than others but I love them all equally.

What are your five all-time favorite books?

After a lifetime spent reading hundreds and hundreds of books, how can I possibly come up with five all-time favorites?
Here, in no particular order, are five books I loved. After I write them down, I'll probably think of five more I liked even better. 

Out of Africa by Izak Dinesen
The Greek Passion by Nikos Kazantzakis
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
The Jungle Books by Rudyard Kipling
What one specific piece of advice would you give a would-be writer trying to kick-start a career?
Don't go it alone. Network--join romance writers' groups; enter contests; go to regional and national conventions; learn from others.

On Romance...
Describe the ultimate romantic meal.
Anything cooked well by a delicious man, served with wine and followed by chocolate.

What is your all-time favorite romantic movie?
"Casablanca"

What is your all-time favorite romantic song or composition?
"As Time Goes By" (of course)

What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?
A sunrise hot-air balloon trip over the mountains.

How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?
I have many wonderful relationships in my life. I nurture them with kindness and communication.

What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic?
Be the heroine of your own life. Don't wait for adventures to happen; create your own.

Where is the most romantic place you've ever traveled?
Portuguese Macao--before the Chinese took it over and turned it into a gambling mecca. That bit of paradise is nothing but a memory now.

All About me...
Besides writing, what other talent would you most like to have?
I love to dance and I do, but I don't have the talent to do it well. I would like to be a wonderful dancer--like my daughter.

Who is someone you admire and why?
My father, who gave me lifelong lessons in courage, honesty and dignity.

Share one of your favorite indulgences with us.
Iced soy latte flavored with cinnamon

What quality do you most admire in a man?
Compassion

What is the one thing you've always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try?
Scuba diving--not so much for want of courage as for want of a willing partner.

If you weren't a writer, what would you be?
I have a biology degree and wanted to study animals in the wild. Life made me a writer instead.

What quote or personal saying do you live by? Who said it?
"Life is trouble. Only death is not. To be alive is to undo your belt and look for trouble."
--Nikos Kazantzakis in Zorba the Greek

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good -- a little bit over the top, May 3, 2005

By 

SusieQ (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Her Dearest Enemy (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

Elizabeth Lane has nice descriptive writing, and her characters are mature and believeable, with the only drawback being the heroine's having just a touch of what I call typical Harlequin-heroine syndrome (the: I-can't-control-these-warm-feelings-in-my-belly-at-the-sight-of-the-hero's-chest, syndrome). The heroine redeems herself from this flaw, however, by constantly confronting the hero with his stubborn refusal to reconcile with his estranged daughter.

The plot moves along sensibly, with good character growth and interactions. The plot is also believable (a pleasant change in a Harlequin, for me) and only becomes melodramaticly flawed toward the end, with leering criminals shooting the hero; kidnapping the hero's pregnant daughter; threatening the heroine, and the daughter giving birth in a mountain cave. But what's gone on before the last couple chapters is pretty good, so I will grant the book 3 stars. On the whole, it's a VG read (until those last few chapters) and worth a couple hours of your time, although it doesn't make keeper status with me. I think the best recommendation I can give is that I would read more work by this author.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Soft, Gentle Storytelling., April 25, 2005

By 

MaryGrace Meloche (Ontario, Canada.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Her Dearest Enemy (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

HER DEAREST ENEMY is a simple little western with a tender, innocent touch. Elizabeth Lane easily draws the reader into her story by using wonderful description and expression.

In the year 1884, Brandon Calhoun is the richest man in Dutchman's Creek and he wants the best for his only daughter. And the best is not poor, young Will Smith.

Harriet Smith is Dutchman's Creek's unpretentious schoolmarm. She is also Will Smith's straightforward older sister and she is not impressed with Brandon Calhoun's snide remarks or his attempts to manhandle her family. Why the self-righteous prig even tried to buy her!

Jenny Calhoun and Will Smith are young and in love. Too bad no one will endorse their happiness or their desired marriage. Now, the two youthful sweethearts have no other choice - they must elope! After all, a baby needs a family.

The author writes a wonderful heroine in Harriet Smith; her leading lady is witty, strong, and kind. Her hero, Brandon Calhoun, is cast as a gruff, no-nonsense man on the outside, but inside his heart is full of love - a love he tries to hide from his estranged daughter. Yet, it is the growing love Calhoun feels for the cantankerous Miss Harriet Smith that truly has him befuddled!

Elizabeth Lane does an attractive job building Brandon and Harriet's relationship. The reader knows where that relationship is going, but the ride there is still fun and sparkling. Admirably, Ms. Lane never allows her story to drag, she keeps it moving at an even pace, and allows the reader to finish satisfied - sometimes the simple things in life are clearly rewarding. Nicely done Elizabeth Lane.
Grade A-

This review is based on an Advanced Reading Copy.

MaryGrace Meloche

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The banker and the schoolmarm, April 24, 2005

By 

Debbie K. Gilbert (North Central, Tx USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Her Dearest Enemy (Harlequin Historical) (Mass Market Paperback)

Brandon Calhoun owns the bank in Dutchman Creek, Colorado, Harriet Smith is the schoolmarm.

Brandon is in his late 30's raising his daughter, Jenny alone after the dead of his wife. Harriet is 29 also raising her younger brother, Will after the death of their parents. Both have big plans for the young adults in their charge and it doesn't involve falling in love and marriage while still in their teens...but that is just what happens after Jenny becomes pregnant.
Brandon gives Jenny a choice....have the baby in Baltimore and let a family adopt it or he would cut her off. She choose her baby and marriage to Will.

Harriet loves both Will and Jenny so she lets them live with her in her tiny rented house. She tries to heal the rift between father and daughter keeping the communications open by visiting Brandon with updates on his daughter. Each time Harriet and Brandon are in the same room sparks fly....but only in his dreams does Brandon make love to Harriet. As they battle pride and their strong wills they also fall in love with each other, but how can they be a family when Brandon hates her brother and can't forgive Jenny for not living his dream life for her?