{"product_id":"ultimate-book-club-bundle-flirting-with-my-enemy","title":"The Ultimate Book Club Bundle: Flirting with My Enemy (Signed Books, Pamper Gifts \u0026 Printable Pack)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:'Open Sans',sans-serif;color:#2e1f26;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;margin:0 0 16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#7a2848;color:#fbe9d0;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;padding:6px 14px;border-radius:999px;margin:0 4px 6px;\"\u003e📚 November's Book Club Pick\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#3f7a4a;color:#fff;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;padding:6px 14px;border-radius:999px;margin:0 4px 6px;\"\u003e📦 In stock · Ships now\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"display:inline-block;background:#fdf2f5;color:#7a2848;border:1px solid #7a2848;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;padding:5px 14px;border-radius:999px;margin:0 4px 6px;\"\u003e✍️ Hand-signed by Laura\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#7a2848;color:#fbe9d0;border:2px solid #c9973f;border-radius:16px;padding:18px 20px;margin:0 0 14px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#e9c98f;\"\u003e🍂 November's Book Club Pick 🍂\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;line-height:1.2;margin:0 0 6px;color:#fbe9d0;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eFlirting with My Enemy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:14px;color:#f6dfe7;\"\u003eThis month, your book club is reading my laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers romcom, and I've planned the whole night for you. Books, pamper gifts, recipes, games and discussion questions. All in one box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#eef6ef;border:2px solid #3f7a4a;border-radius:16px;padding:14px 18px;margin:0 0 22px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#3f7a4a;\"\u003e✅ Ready to ship now\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:15px;color:#2e1f26;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is NOT a pre-order.\u003c\/strong\u003e Every box is signed, packed and sitting on my shelf waiting for you. Order today and it ships straight out, so your November book club is sorted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;font-size:23px;line-height:1.3;color:#7a2848;text-align:center;margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eA struggling New York bakery. A swoony British billionaire next door. And a book club with a LOT of opinions.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align:center;margin:0 0 6px;font-size:16px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYour next book club night is officially planned. 📚☕️🍰\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align:center;margin:0 0 22px;font-size:15px;\"\u003eAll you have to do is invite everyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#fdf2f5;border:1px solid #efc9d6;border-radius:16px;padding:18px 20px;margin:0 0 22px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;font-size:13px;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#9a5a74;\"\u003eYour entire book club night for\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;font-size:30px;color:#7a2848;line-height:1.2;\"\u003e$25 per person\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 14px;font-size:14px;\"\u003e📚 Signed paperback  ·  🛁 Pamper gift  ·  🖨️ 12-page printable pack  ·  for every guest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:14px;text-align:left;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color:#7a2848;\"\u003eBook Club for 5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:13px;color:#9a5a74;\"\u003e5 signed books + 5 pamper gifts\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;text-align:right;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration:line-through;color:#b89aa6;font-size:13px;\"\u003e$209.95\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"color:#7a2848;\"\u003e$125\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12px;font-weight:700;color:#c9973f;\"\u003eSave $84.95\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color:#7a2848;\"\u003eBook Club for 10\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:13px;color:#9a5a74;\"\u003e10 signed books + 10 pamper gifts\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;text-align:right;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration:line-through;color:#b89aa6;font-size:13px;\"\u003e$404.90\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"color:#7a2848;\"\u003e$250\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12px;font-weight:700;color:#c9973f;\"\u003eSave $154.90\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color:#7a2848;\"\u003eBook Club for 20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:13px;color:#9a5a74;\"\u003e20 signed books + 20 pamper gifts\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;text-align:right;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration:line-through;color:#b89aa6;font-size:13px;\"\u003e$794.80\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"color:#7a2848;\"\u003e$500\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12px;font-weight:700;color:#c9973f;\"\u003eSave $294.80\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color:#7a2848;\"\u003eJust Me (1 Kit)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:13px;color:#9a5a74;\"\u003e1 signed book + 1 pamper gift\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;text-align:right;white-space:nowrap;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration:line-through;color:#b89aa6;font-size:13px;\"\u003e$53.99\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong style=\"color:#7a2848;\"\u003e$39\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size:12px;font-weight:700;color:#c9973f;\"\u003eSave $14.99\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:12px 0 0;font-size:13px;color:#9a5a74;\"\u003eEvery size includes the complete 12-page printable book club pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;margin:0 0 26px;padding:0 6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;font-size:18px;color:#7a2848;margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"There will be fudge. I insist on the fudge.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#9a5a74;margin:0;\"\u003e— Elle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003ePicture this. The fire is on. Someone has brought entirely too many snacks. There are mugs of something warm on the table, and maybe a bottle of wine has appeared.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eOne person has read the book twice and arrived with highlighted passages and NOTES. Someone else finished it in the car outside. And there is absolutely one person who only came because they heard there would be fudge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 26px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect. That is exactly how book club should be.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;color:#7a2848;font-size:22px;text-align:center;margin:28px 0 14px;\"\u003eWhat's inside your bundle\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #efc9d6;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 18px;margin:0 0 12px;background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:17px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e📚 Hand-Signed Books\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color:#9a5a74;font-size:14px;\"\u003e· $19.99 each\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:6px 0 10px;font-size:14px;\"\u003eEvery guest gets their own paperback of \u003cem\u003eFlirting with My Enemy\u003c\/em\u003e, hand-signed by me. Yes, really. I sat and signed every single one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:14px;color:#7a4a5e;border-left:3px solid #c9973f;padding-left:10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Read it slowly. I worked very hard on that bakery.\"\u003c\/em\u003e — Elle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #efc9d6;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 18px;margin:0 0 12px;background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:17px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🛁 A Pamper Gift for Every Guest\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color:#9a5a74;font-size:14px;\"\u003e· $19 each\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:6px 0 8px;font-size:14px;\"\u003eBecause nobody should leave book club empty-handed (or puffy-eyed after the ending). Each guest takes home:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 10px;padding-left:20px;font-size:14px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA bath bomb\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Laura Burton bracelet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA fluffy spa headband\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGold under-eye pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:14px;color:#7a4a5e;border-left:3px solid #c9973f;padding-left:10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Under-eye pads. For after the twist. Trust me.\"\u003c\/em\u003e — Elle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"border:2px solid #c9973f;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 18px;margin:0 0 22px;background:#fffaf0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:17px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e🖨️ The 12-Page Printable Book Club Pack\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color:#9a5a74;font-size:14px;\"\u003e· $15\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:6px 0 8px;font-size:14px;\"\u003eEverything you need to host, designed to match the book:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 10px;padding-left:20px;font-size:14px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHost Guide \u0026amp; Agenda:\u003c\/strong\u003e your whole evening planned, from welcome to goodbye\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiscussion Questions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 16 questions (plus a bonus) to get everyone debating and defending their favorite characters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCrossword \u0026amp; Answer Key:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22 clues straight from the story. Simply reading the book wasn't enough. I've given you homework.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecipes from Elle's Kitchen:\u003c\/strong\u003e Elle's Chocolate Fudge Squares and her three-layer Angel Cake, to serve on the night\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReader Review Sheets:\u003c\/strong\u003e rate the swoon, the laughs and the tissues needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuote Bookmarks:\u003c\/strong\u003e eight to cut out and keep\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA Note from the Author:\u003c\/strong\u003e why Elle's story is so close to my heart\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;font-size:14px;color:#7a4a5e;border-left:3px solid #c9973f;padding-left:10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"My mother's recipes. Please don't skip the angel cake.\"\u003c\/em\u003e — Elle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;color:#7a2848;font-size:22px;text-align:center;margin:28px 0 12px;\"\u003e🧁 What's the book about?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIf \u003cem\u003eYou've Got Mail\u003c\/em\u003e is one of your comfort movies, put this in your cart. Seriously.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 16px;font-size:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:4px 0;\"\u003e🧁  A struggling New York bakery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:4px 0;\"\u003e🇬🇧  A swoony British billionaire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:4px 0;\"\u003e⚔️  Two bakeries at war, right next door to each other\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:4px 0;\"\u003e🔥  Enemies-to-lovers banter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:4px 0;\"\u003e🐟  A sabotage mystery to solve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:4px 0;\"\u003e😱  A twist that changes EVERYTHING\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:4px 0;\"\u003e💗  One of my favorite grand gestures I've ever written\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eElle inherited her mother's bakery, along with the enormous responsibility of keeping her legacy alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eUnfortunately, New York doesn't care about sentimental family legacies. Rent is expensive, competition is brutal, and now a huge cake franchise has opened right next door. Even worse? The man behind it is charming, British, ridiculously wealthy… and he wants to buy her bakery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin:0 0 12px;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;color:#7a2848;font-weight:600;\"\u003eKeep reading ▾\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:10px 0 10px;\"\u003eElle isn't selling. Especially when strange things start happening. A stinking delivery of fish she never ordered. A stolen magazine interview. A rival cupcake that looks suspiciously like hers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eSomeone is sabotaging her, and Elle is pretty sure she knows exactly who: the billionaire next door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003eExcept… she might be wrong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align:center;margin:0 0 26px;padding:0 6px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;font-size:18px;color:#7a2848;margin:0 0 4px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Four crates of dead trout. Who does that to a bakery?\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:13px;color:#9a5a74;margin:0;\"\u003e— Elle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;color:#7a2848;font-size:22px;text-align:center;margin:28px 0 8px;\"\u003e📖 Read Chapter One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align:center;margin:0 0 12px;font-size:14px;color:#9a5a74;\"\u003eGrab a cupcake and settle in. This is how Elle's very bad day begins…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border:1px solid #efc9d6;border-radius:14px;padding:14px 18px;margin:0 0 26px;background:#fffaf9;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;font-weight:700;color:#7a2848;\"\u003eOpen Chapter One ▾\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;font-size:16px;line-height:1.7;margin-top:12px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Hey there. I’m Elle Brook. You must be Sonia from Crumbs magazine…”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreparing for an interview in front of the mirror is a new low for me. I draw in a deep breath, fasten the last button on my shirt, and try again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Hi, Sonia. I’m Elle. Nice to meet you.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI shake my head and my loose ponytail wobbles, threatening to fall out. No matter how many times I sit in front of the mirror, going over my different greetings, I still sound too stilted and fake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRelax, Elle. Relaaaax.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe voice in my head sounds like Antonio––my yoga instructor. And when I say yoga instructor, I mean the guy I follow on YouTube.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI roll my shoulders back and straighten my spine. It’s not like me to be nervous. Not when it comes to meeting new people. I talk to hundreds of strangers every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOkay, maybe I keep most conversations to a minimum, and I struggle to hold eye contact. But I don’t usually feel this jittery about the whole thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSonia is a reporter from Crumbs––a local magazine. I’m going to have to give her lots of eye contact and tell her all about my new invention: the Meteor. It’s a simple chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting and a mind-blowing, gooey surprise inside: chili and chocolate ganache. It sends people into chocolate heaven, then BANG! The chili hits the roof of their mouth like a firework, and the explosion of flavor delivers the most intense experience, ever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt least, that’s what I’ll say to Sonia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReally, the idea is just a hint of chili to add a little heat to the flavor. But that won’t have any wow factor on the posters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis interview will take up a double spread in the magazine, and it’s the exposure I need to give my business an edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd, boy, do I need that edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo months ago, some big shot British businessman set up his franchise Got Cake? right next door to my bakery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNext door.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite a petition to stop the corporate monster opening its doors and several letters to my local congressman, nothing could stop the huge corporate bakery from opening. I guess there’s no obstacle too big for a billionaire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy friend Connie thinks I’m worrying about nothing. She works at her dad’s Chinese takeaway in Chinatown. She says there’s loads of competition over there, but they’ve all learned to co-exist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe says New York is big, and I’ve hit the jackpot with my bakery being on such a busy sidewalk, so I shouldn’t sweat it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe’s right, I guess. But every opportunity I get to earn more publicity is a big deal. Sure, people will go into Got Cake? for their mass-produced cupcakes and donuts. But everyone comes into Elle’s Kitchen for something special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Meteor cupcake is going to get the whole city talking. Soon, everyone will be saying Got––what? And this whole mess will blow over.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe door buzzes and the grating noise sends a shockwave through my body. She’s ten minutes early.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThankfully, I live in a small one-bed apartment above my bakery. So, all I have to do is walk downstairs and let her in. But as I walk downstairs, something terrible hits me, and I clamp my hand over my mouth and nose, trying to resist the urge to gag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Joyce, what is that awful smell?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoyce is an early bird. She’s always the first one to show up at work. I leave the opening up to her. The woman is past retirement age––no one really knows how old she is. But I know for a fact she’s celebrated her seventy-first birthday more than a few times. In spite of her seasoned years, she has the stamina of a twenty-year-old, I swear. She marches, actually marches, with her elbows sticking out. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her walk like a normal person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI spot her in the back, stacking boxes of frosting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“What’s that, doll? I haven’t been able to smell anything since 1994.” She flicks her hand at me with a slight shake of the head, as if to say I’m being dramatic over the smell of rotting fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Joyce, it’s really bad,” I bark through my hand. “What is it––oh.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe buzzer sends me hurrying back into the bakery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSonia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs I edge closer to the glass doors, I get a good look at the reporter waiting outside. The woman has a beautiful hourglass figure, olive skin, and a cascade of black hair flowing to her tiny waist. I pull my hand from my mouth to give her a wave as I approach the door, but as I part my lips to give a toothy grin, I inhale the putrid-smelling air, and a bubble of nausea rises to the back of my throat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe can’t have the interview here. Not now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI slow my walk across the bakery floor in a casual swagger to buy myself some time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCome on, Elle. Think. This is what you’re good at.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen my brain forms the perfect idea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI pick up my pace, yank open the door, and hop out onto the street before Sonia can step inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Well, hey there, you must be Sonia, pleased to be meeting you!” I say in a southern drawl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is not my accent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow I don’t know whether to laugh and act normal or carry on with the act. Maybe she didn’t notice?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Elle, right? I didn’t know you’re not from New York.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe did notice. Dang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI start nodding like one of those dogs with the bobbing heads. “My daddy raised me on a ranch. We kept buffalos and eagles and…”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSonia’s eyes grow so wide, they’re literally bulging out of their sockets. I cut myself off quickly with a nervous giggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI know nothing about the world beyond New York. I’ve lived here my whole life, and my daddy? He’s a mystery. I don’t even have any memories of a dad. My mom worked three jobs to keep us fed and housed, and it’s because of her strong work ethic that I’m where I am today. That’s what should go in the magazine spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Buffalos? Do you mean bison?” Sonia asks, a delicate brow shooting up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy ears ring like the shrill alarm on a sinking ship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe’re going down!\u003c\/em\u003e A voice screams in my head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI twist a stray strand of blonde hair with a breathy laugh. Meanwhile, a busy stream of people flows past us, going about their normal day and completely unaware of Sonia and I blocking the bakery door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Shall we take a walk? Central Park is just a few blocks away... I’ll show you my favorite bench,” I offer, putting my genius plan into action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOperation: Walk and Talk. It’s fool-proof.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the dead stare Sonia gives me is enough to kill a million dreams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Hmm. That sounds nice,” Sonia begins, her eyes narrowing at me––probably wondering why I now sound like a New Yorker as I’ve dropped the southern drawl. “But I’m here to do a piece on Elle’s Kitchen, and it would be a good idea to do this inside.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe makes for the door, and I slam a hand on the glass so hard, the resounding bang makes a few passersby jump and stare in alarm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“No,” I say, and it comes out in a low dramatic rumble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI picture myself glowering at the woman, with a serious smolder. I’m sure one day I’m going to look back on this and laugh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut not today. No one is laughing today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI see actual fear in Sonia’s doe eyes as she looks up at me in silence for a second. She’s probably telling herself she must still be asleep. Either that or I’m a crazy person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut I’ll take it. She can think I’m crazy. Heck, she can write in her stupid magazine that I’m the biggest loony in the city. But what I can’t let her do is walk inside my beautiful bakery and then go write about the “quaint family business ruined by the stench of dead trout.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy reputation will never recover from that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSonia steps away and studies me for a moment. I stare back, trying to keep eye contact, even though I want to pull my gaze away and glare at the small crowd of people forming around us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Move along, people,” I want to bark. “Nothing to see here.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut instead, I hold Sonia’s stare, determined to show no sign of weakness. When neither of us moves or bats an eyelid for several awkward moments, I plant a fake smile on my face and clear my throat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“It’s a lovely day. It would be a terrible shame to waste the opportunity to sit in the sunshine.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOh great. Now I sound British.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut Sonia’s line of sight shifts from my eyes to over the top of my head and her painted lips curve up into a beaming smile. An authentic one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Mr. Masters!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe shoulders past me like I’m an overgrown bush in the jungle, and my stomach plummets as I swivel on the spot to look at the person behind me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZane Masters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCool. Suave. Six-foot-something. He towers over me like a gentle giant, wearing a soft gray designer suit, smelling like wood and spice. I hate to admit it, but it’s a relief from the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe and Sonia grasp hands, and he looks down at her with such tenderness, it does something funny to my insides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hate him, and I hate that he’s so… nice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Sonia Tullo, I’m immeasurably excited to meet you. I’m a huge fan of your work,” he says in a real British accent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe cradles Sonia’s hand as if he’s holding a rare jewel, and his smile actually reaches his almond shaped eyes. I’ve heard about smiles like that, but I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen one. It’s like he’s speaking to an old friend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSonia bends over slightly with a school-girl giggle, melting under his charm. “You know what? My morning just opened up.” She shoots me a glare. “How about we do an interview?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bubble of rage boils over in my midriff and I hold my breath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. This isn’t happening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI watch, my mouth hanging, as Zane pulls open a door and waits for Sonia to walk into his snazzy Got Cake? bakery. Then he holds up a finger to her and hops over to me, his eyes twinkling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUm. No, Mr. Twinkle-eyes, you don’t get to look at me like that after stealing my interview.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Hey, Elle Brook, right?” He offers his hand, but I cross my arms and give him my best impression of my mother’s glare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo my utmost satisfaction, the twinkle fades from his eyes, and he drops his hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“I was wondering if you knew anything about a faint fishy smell coming from out back?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaint fishy smell?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy bakery door swings open, and a waft of rotting fish guts spills out into the street, several passersby groan and cover their mouths, picking up their pace as they walk away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoyce sticks her head out of the entryway, squinting at the sidewalk. Somehow, she’s oblivious to the passersby retching at the smell coming from the bakery. Her face lights up when her eyes land on me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Elle! I was wondering where you got to. I need some help in here, doll.” Then her eyes take in Mr. Twinkle-eyes, and now she’s positively beaming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat. Way to support a fellow employee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Why, Mr. Masters! Fancy seeing you out here. You’re looking suave.” She doesn’t even wait for a response before she’s gone again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the door swings shut again, my eyes are watering and I’m fighting the urge to hold my nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“No,” I lie. My voice is several octaves too high. “I’ve no idea what you mean.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZane looks at the front of Elle’s Kitchen, then at me. “All right, I just thought I’d ask. It was nice to meet you, finally. Maybe we can have a coffee this afternoon? I’d love to get to know you.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo chance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Sure,” I say, smiling sweetly now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy am I agreeing to this? Have I truly lost my marbles?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Great. I’ll swing round at lunch,” he says, his eyes twinkling again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI release my arms and let them swing awkwardly at my sides. “Well, I better get back to work. These cupcakes won’t make themselves!”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI edge away, dreading having to open that door again. My heart weeps at the thought of having to go back inside my stinky bakery. I pause by the handle, willing Zane to just walk away and leave me to die on the street.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd thankfully, he doesn’t loiter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a soft wave, he marches back into Got Cake? and disappears behind the shut door.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen I exhale deeply. I didn’t even realize I’d been holding my breath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZane Masters just took my interview, and now I have three hours to get rid of the fish smell before Zane comes over for coffee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hold my breath as I take the handle and pull it open to go back inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align:center;font-family:'Open Sans',sans-serif;font-size:14px;margin-top:18px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWant to know what happens at coffee? Your book club is about to find out. 📚☕️\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;color:#7a2848;font-size:22px;text-align:center;margin:28px 0 12px;\"\u003e💬 Why I chose this one for book club\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eBecause you are going to have OPINIONS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;\"\u003eThis isn't one of those books where everyone says \"that was cute\" and then spends the rest of the night talking about their kids. There is SO much to discuss:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"margin:0 0 12px;padding-left:20px;font-size:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow far should you go to protect your family's legacy?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan loyalty to the past stop you from building your own future?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat happens when you decide who someone is before giving them the chance to show you?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat does it actually mean to give everything for someone you love?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 26px;\"\u003eThen there's the twist. I'm saying nothing. But I desperately want to be a fly on the wall when your whole book club gets there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;color:#7a2848;font-size:22px;text-align:center;margin:28px 0 12px;\"\u003e📚 You'll love this bundle if…\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0 0 26px;font-size:15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;\"\u003e✔️  You host book club and you're tired of planning everything yourself\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;\"\u003e✔️  You love enemies-to-lovers banter with a mystery to solve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;\"\u003e✔️  \u003cem\u003eYou've Got Mail\u003c\/em\u003e is your comfort movie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;\"\u003e✔️  You want every guest to go home with a signed book and a little treat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px dashed #efc9d6;\"\u003e✔️  You need a book for November that will actually get people talking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;\"\u003e✔️  You're a book club of one, and honestly? Excellent club. Very exclusive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;color:#7a2848;font-size:22px;text-align:center;margin:28px 0 12px;\"\u003eLaura answers your questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efc9d6;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#7a2848;\"\u003eWhen will my box ship? ▾\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 0;font-size:14px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRight away.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is not a pre-order. The boxes are signed, packed and ready to ship now, and your order goes out as soon as it's processed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efc9d6;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#7a2848;\"\u003eAre the books really signed? ▾\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eYes! Every paperback is \u003cstrong\u003ehand-signed\u003c\/strong\u003e by me. Not printed. Real pen, real signature, slightly sore hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efc9d6;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#7a2848;\"\u003eDo we need to read anything first? ▾\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eNope. \u003cem\u003eFlirting with My Enemy\u003c\/em\u003e is Book 1 of my Love is a Mystery series, so it's the perfect place to start.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efc9d6;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#7a2848;\"\u003eIs it a good gift? ▾\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eIt's made for gifting. The Just Me kit is a lovely self-care present for any reader, and a group box makes you the hero of your book club.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #efc9d6;padding:10px 0;margin-bottom:26px;\"\u003e\u003csummary style=\"cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;color:#7a2848;\"\u003eWe have more than 20 people. Can you help? ▾\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:8px 0 0;font-size:14px;\"\u003eAbsolutely. If you're ordering for a large book club, library, workplace, school, community group or reader event, \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact\" style=\"color:#7a2848;font-weight:600;\"\u003econtact us\u003c\/a\u003e for a custom group order.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#7a2848;color:#fbe9d0;border-radius:16px;padding:22px 20px;margin:0 0 10px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 4px;font-size:12px;letter-spacing:2px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#e9c98f;\"\u003eNovember's Book Club Pick · Ships now\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-family:Baskervville,Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;margin:0 0 8px;color:#fbe9d0;\"\u003eYour next book club night is done\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 10px;font-size:14px;color:#f6dfe7;\"\u003eYou don't need to choose the book. You don't need to invent discussion questions, hunt for games on Pinterest or figure out what to bake. I did it for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 16px;font-size:14px;color:#f6dfe7;\"\u003ePick your group size. Send the group chat: \u003cstrong\u003e\"BOOK CLUB AT MY HOUSE.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e And start deciding who is responsible for the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/cart\/add?id=67824973873467\u0026amp;quantity=1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#c9973f;color:#fff;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:12px 20px;border-radius:999px;font-size:15px;margin:4px;\"\u003eBook Club for 5 · $125\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/cart\/add?id=67824973906235\u0026amp;quantity=1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#c9973f;color:#fff;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:12px 20px;border-radius:999px;font-size:15px;margin:4px;\"\u003eBook Club for 10 · $250\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/cart\/add?id=67824973939003\u0026amp;quantity=1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#c9973f;color:#fff;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:12px 20px;border-radius:999px;font-size:15px;margin:4px;\"\u003eBook Club for 20 · $500\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/cart\/add?id=67824973840699\u0026amp;quantity=1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:#7a2848;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:12px 20px;border-radius:999px;font-size:15px;margin:4px;\"\u003eJust Me · $39\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:16px 0 0;font-size:14px;color:#f6dfe7;\"\u003eI'll take care of the rest. 📚🍫☕️\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWarmly, Laura\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Laura Burton","offers":[{"title":"Just Me (1 Kit)","offer_id":67824973840699,"sku":"FWME-BC-1","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Book Club for 5","offer_id":67824973873467,"sku":"FWME-BC-5","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Book Club for 10","offer_id":67824973906235,"sku":"FWME-BC-10","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Book Club for 20","offer_id":67824973939003,"sku":"FWME-BC-20","price":500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0761\/8776\/3003\/files\/ultimate-book-club-bundle.jpg?v=1793254962","url":"https:\/\/www.lauraburtonauthor.com\/products\/ultimate-book-club-bundle-flirting-with-my-enemy","provider":"Lauraburtonauthor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}