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Almond Bay #1
The Way I Hate Him
Why am I holding a box of stolen memorabilia formerly owned by my ex-boyfriend's boss in my arms? It's called . . . revenge.
After failing my last semester for my masters degree, I decided to come back to my hometown of Almond Bay and wallow in self pity while my boyfriend told me everything was going to be okay. To my dismay, instead of open arms, he greeted me with a box to move my things.
Now I'm not a petty person, but when he told me he broke up with me because I was boring, there's only so much of the higher road I can take. Hence the box of memorabilia I took from him.
The plan? To give it back to his boss, who happens to be my brother's nemesis, and get the ex fired. But plans never go the way you want them, because instead of dropping off the box with a note, I'm pinned with the crime by Hayes Farrow himself.
And because my life is so pathetic, he gives me two options: turn me into the police and press full charges or . . . work it off. How could I possibly work for someone I can't stand? Easy, I don't look good in orange.
But working for Hayes isn't as horrible as I thought it would be. The hate I had for him begins to turn into something else - something deeper, something I never thought I'd feel.
Unfortunately there are still old grudges and family drama to deal with. And what happens when my brother finds out that I'm working for the guy he hates more than anyone else in the world? Will I be able to follow my heart or will the way I hate him blind me from the love I feel?
After failing my last semester for my masters degree, I decided to come back to my hometown of Almond Bay and wallow in self pity while my boyfriend told me everything was going to be okay. To my dismay, instead of open arms, he greeted me with a box to move my things.
Now I'm not a petty person, but when he told me he broke up with me because I was boring, there's only so much of the higher road I can take. Hence the box of memorabilia I took from him.
The plan? To give it back to his boss, who happens to be my brother's nemesis, and get the ex fired. But plans never go the way you want them, because instead of dropping off the box with a note, I'm pinned with the crime by Hayes Farrow himself.
And because my life is so pathetic, he gives me two options: turn me into the police and press full charges or . . . work it off. How could I possibly work for someone I can't stand? Easy, I don't look good in orange.
But working for Hayes isn't as horrible as I thought it would be. The hate I had for him begins to turn into something else - something deeper, something I never thought I'd feel.
Unfortunately there are still old grudges and family drama to deal with. And what happens when my brother finds out that I'm working for the guy he hates more than anyone else in the world? Will I be able to follow my heart or will the way I hate him blind me from the love I feel?
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2023
About the author
Meghan Quinn
104 books30.5k followersLike me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinna...
When I was in high school I occasionally read books but was consumed by other teenage things so I didn't take the time to appreciate a good book on a cloudy day, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch. It wasn't until I received a Kindle for Christmas one year that my world completely flipped upside down. When looking for books I came across the Contemporary Romance genre and was sold and I haven't turned back since.
You can either find my head buried in my Kindle, listening to inspiring heart ripping music or typing away on the computer twisting and turning the lives of my characters while driving my readers crazy with anticipation.
I currently reside in beautiful Colorado Springs where the sun is always shining and there is a trail waiting to be hiked on every corner. I share a lovely and warm home with the love of my life and my five, four-legged children.
When I was in high school I occasionally read books but was consumed by other teenage things so I didn't take the time to appreciate a good book on a cloudy day, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch. It wasn't until I received a Kindle for Christmas one year that my world completely flipped upside down. When looking for books I came across the Contemporary Romance genre and was sold and I haven't turned back since.
You can either find my head buried in my Kindle, listening to inspiring heart ripping music or typing away on the computer twisting and turning the lives of my characters while driving my readers crazy with anticipation.
I currently reside in beautiful Colorado Springs where the sun is always shining and there is a trail waiting to be hiked on every corner. I share a lovely and warm home with the love of my life and my five, four-legged children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,798 reviews
August 14, 2023
DNF @ 75%
This started off pretty decently - if completely contrived - but hey, it's romance, so I accept some ridiculous premises by rote. That said, this was moving along okay.
Hattie and Hayes had decent tension going...until they didn't.
It's like once they decided to actually try to be together, Hattie was a born-again virgin and they commenced dry humping for what felt like the next million chapters. It felt like a step back and I was completely bored out of my mind.
This started off pretty decently - if completely contrived - but hey, it's romance, so I accept some ridiculous premises by rote. That said, this was moving along okay.
Hattie and Hayes had decent tension going...until they didn't.
It's like once they decided to actually try to be together, Hattie was a born-again virgin and they commenced dry humping for what felt like the next million chapters. It felt like a step back and I was completely bored out of my mind.
August 12, 2023
I'm seriously so disappointed with this book and I'm really a huge fan of Megan's but this one made me want to pull all my hair out it was so infuriating 😫
To summarize the female protagonist boyfriend breaks up with her because he finds her boring, while packing her stuff she finds a box that belonged to her boyfriends boss(he had been stealing from him but oh she helped so why she acted surprised? Dunno) So she decides to give the box back to his boss incriminate her ex and leave. but when the male protagonist reveals that he knows she helped in stealing his stuff due to cameras he blackmails her in working with him or he will go to the police. And that's how the story begins...
First of all : Hayes spends the entirety of the book playing with her feelings, rejecting her and humiliating her. She cannot take no for an answer trying a bazillion times to change Hayes mind (which isn't easy and i mean that). Also another negative trait of her is that she forgives him at the speed of light... which made me hella mad!!! like girl have some fucking respect for yourself!!! I couldn't believe that he genuinely cared for her as he's constantly hurting her . I neither couldn't believe how was possible that she acted so forgiving when Hayes actions towards her are straight downgrading.
Lets talk about one of the scenes that made murderous: when they go to San Francisco . On his point of view we know that it wasn't necessary for her to go with him but he wanted her to go because he wanted her to be by his side. you hear this and you say ah that's so cute but then you'll understand why i hated him even more after this...
He deceives her by not debriefing her of this shoot. Basically it was going to be an intimate nude video shoot with another woman so you know the girl who has been rejected a trillion of times by him, giving constant clear signals of wanting him and then having to experience seeing him being completely nude with someone else oh yeah I will find it pretty damn cruel and not okay even though it's a job. so she is literally there helping him with the crew while they are shooting scenes that I don't understand like it was for a fragrance it wasn't a p*** video!! Chill out!! i felt like it was too much for it being just a fragrance comercial. He basically gets hard while doing the shoot obviously she's distraught at seeing this and the whole interaction( he grabbing the woman boobs and basically tossing her around in bed like they were having sex while being practically naked) she's containing her tears all throughout and is fully heartbroken (even for me was a torture to read). once it's ends she goes to he's camerino and who is leaving the camerino? The woman he just shooted with. nothing did happened actually but the female protagonist doesn't think that (cant blame her 🥺♥️) and decides that shes over him, gets angry believes that he isn't interested in her, and gives up. She falls apart emotionally and starts crying, getting mad at him. he contains her and says it was just a job, that he rejected this woman's advances... she points out that he got hard while being with the woman and he says the most pathetic thing everr !!!! he says that he got hard because (listen to this!!🤭) he pictured her as the woman he was touching and not actually the woman he was with!!! 🤣Like really? Yeah SO believable...🤣 i loved that for the first time she speaks out,gets hella mad and puts him in his place. for a moment there I thought that maybe finally things were getting somewhere but that oh so lasted a couple of minutes because oh you guessed right! She forgives him AGAIN 😫
He knew damn well what he was doing by not clarifying to her about what was expected of him on the shoot and that for me was the last straw in hoping a change of heart in Hayes. plain cruel and cynical. Tell me why the f*** he didn told her what was going to be happening on the shoot ???? at least give her a possibility to choose if she's willing to see that or not, to be prepared of it, to clear out all her future insecurities, to not hurt her, to actually demonstrate even though he couldn't be with her he cared but no he didn't care shit for her !!! All I could think of was how angry he would've reacted if the tables were turned🙄
He straightforward humiliates her making her feel stupid and small. Such a manipulative piece of 💩💩
Now moving on to her family what a piece of s*** her brother and her sister and her dead sister were !!! Like they could all go to hell!!!🤬 I didn't like them at all it was all too 13 reasons why for my liking... Even though at the end there is kind of like a revelation where it shows things aren't the way it seems I still struggled with liking the sort of schemes that the dead sister settle upon them... why I felt the brother and sister were so f****** wrong with her? mourning is different for everybody as we each take our time to heal differently so for them making her feel bad feel guilty because she didn't fulfill what her dead sister wanted for her and in a way said "oh you got the easy Road here and we are actually doing all the hard work and still you are complaining and crying because of you missing your death sister even though we are in the same position as you and can perfectly manage?" I wanted to f****** scream at them and punch them on the face multiple times!!!!! 🤬
I felt constantly so bad for her because she was on one side constantly rejected by the guy she liked and then on the other side mourning her sister while so trying to connect with his brother and sister while being pushed out by them without knowing why while not understanding why her dead sister (that she was the closest to) didn't left her anything so yeah I felt so sad for her like I thought she was going to commit suicide at one point really... but no dont worry this book isn't like that😉
The only person that I truly adored was the best friend Maggie she was always there for her when she was sad when she was happy just a major supporter and yeah I really felt the love and the care with her so go Maggie!💗💗💗🤩🤩
So now let's talk about the rivalry, the reason why he doesn't want to cave on having a relationship with the female protagonist. so we know that the female protagonist brother and the male protagonist where kind of best friends when they were younger but for reasons we yet not know they don't talk any more with each other and call themselves enemies. This rivalry last for up to 4 years. he constantly rejects her saying he considers himself a bad person, as the one who did wrong to her brother and who believed if they have something her brother wouldn't forgive her... He puts the blame all on her brother when actually the true reason was his own insecurities being also the reason why he never really fight for her brother to know the actual truth and instead lets him hate him😐 Another thing that didn't make sense at all was that the brother never told the female protagonist (aka her sister) what happened between Hayes and him. I was like why so much secrecy if their rivalry is always a topic in their conversations? it didn't seem realistic to me that she didn't know. that no one but Hayes and her brother know. Her attitude wasn't justified at all... Tell me why did she hate him? Why? We never know.... It seems she only hates him because her brother does which is pathetic really...🤷🏻♀️ It would have been much better her knowing what her brother believed as truth therefore being biased and taking HIS side. THAT would've explain why she was so adamant in hating him at first. But then we also don't know why Hayes was so adamant in hating her if the rivalry involved only his brother so...🤦🏼♀️
Now let's go with the following character that I despised: Abel. He was the 3rd friend in the mix and he keeps being friends with them without taking sides(already I don't like).... He acts as the toxic messenger dove. He could have easily solved the conflict between the two friends right away because he had proof that what the male protagonist was accused of was false being himself a witness. And his lame excuse (because literally this book is full of excuses never acknowledging their wrongs) was because their sister died and he didn't find the time soothing to mend their friendship. Bullshit!!! i was laughing my ass off when this fact was revealed because c'mon!!! that isn't what a good friend does!!!!He should've have told them a long time ago!!! he should've united them!!!! He should have decently apologize to both of them because really? He has the audacity put himself as a victim and say "oh I tried and tried but you (the brother) didn't believe me so I decided not do anything about it" 🙄🙄 seriously what is it with these male characters? they're all terrible liars, narcissistic manipulators, non-empathetic cruel people. People you should stay away from 💯 I like that at least the brother apologizes to the male protagonist for not trusting him and for ghosted him right away but still I felt like Abel action's should have been addressed😡
The third act break up didn't surprise me at all as his a snowball of toxicness... so basically is him being damn cruel to her bringing up her own insecurities as a weapon breaking up with her and then her brother coming in making him realize that her sister is perfect for him and then him going after her and she forgiving him right away.🙄 Oh I almost forgot. Another of the reasons he felt that they weren't right for each other was because he felt she was too young for him even though he's the one acting childish and immature but well...💅
I really had hopes for it to change and that's why i kept on reading but unfortunately it wasn't . At least the title seems feeting because I so much hate him👍 so damn unhealthy and toxic🙅🏼♀️ Hayes character was a MAJOR 🚩
Ps I was waiting for him to sing her the songs he written of her at the end and even that doesn't happen 🙁
To summarize the female protagonist boyfriend breaks up with her because he finds her boring, while packing her stuff she finds a box that belonged to her boyfriends boss(he had been stealing from him but oh she helped so why she acted surprised? Dunno) So she decides to give the box back to his boss incriminate her ex and leave. but when the male protagonist reveals that he knows she helped in stealing his stuff due to cameras he blackmails her in working with him or he will go to the police. And that's how the story begins...
First of all : Hayes spends the entirety of the book playing with her feelings, rejecting her and humiliating her. She cannot take no for an answer trying a bazillion times to change Hayes mind (which isn't easy and i mean that). Also another negative trait of her is that she forgives him at the speed of light... which made me hella mad!!! like girl have some fucking respect for yourself!!! I couldn't believe that he genuinely cared for her as he's constantly hurting her . I neither couldn't believe how was possible that she acted so forgiving when Hayes actions towards her are straight downgrading.
Lets talk about one of the scenes that made murderous: when they go to San Francisco . On his point of view we know that it wasn't necessary for her to go with him but he wanted her to go because he wanted her to be by his side. you hear this and you say ah that's so cute but then you'll understand why i hated him even more after this...
He deceives her by not debriefing her of this shoot. Basically it was going to be an intimate nude video shoot with another woman so you know the girl who has been rejected a trillion of times by him, giving constant clear signals of wanting him and then having to experience seeing him being completely nude with someone else oh yeah I will find it pretty damn cruel and not okay even though it's a job. so she is literally there helping him with the crew while they are shooting scenes that I don't understand like it was for a fragrance it wasn't a p*** video!! Chill out!! i felt like it was too much for it being just a fragrance comercial. He basically gets hard while doing the shoot obviously she's distraught at seeing this and the whole interaction( he grabbing the woman boobs and basically tossing her around in bed like they were having sex while being practically naked) she's containing her tears all throughout and is fully heartbroken (even for me was a torture to read). once it's ends she goes to he's camerino and who is leaving the camerino? The woman he just shooted with. nothing did happened actually but the female protagonist doesn't think that (cant blame her 🥺♥️) and decides that shes over him, gets angry believes that he isn't interested in her, and gives up. She falls apart emotionally and starts crying, getting mad at him. he contains her and says it was just a job, that he rejected this woman's advances... she points out that he got hard while being with the woman and he says the most pathetic thing everr !!!! he says that he got hard because (listen to this!!🤭) he pictured her as the woman he was touching and not actually the woman he was with!!! 🤣Like really? Yeah SO believable...🤣 i loved that for the first time she speaks out,gets hella mad and puts him in his place. for a moment there I thought that maybe finally things were getting somewhere but that oh so lasted a couple of minutes because oh you guessed right! She forgives him AGAIN 😫
He knew damn well what he was doing by not clarifying to her about what was expected of him on the shoot and that for me was the last straw in hoping a change of heart in Hayes. plain cruel and cynical. Tell me why the f*** he didn told her what was going to be happening on the shoot ???? at least give her a possibility to choose if she's willing to see that or not, to be prepared of it, to clear out all her future insecurities, to not hurt her, to actually demonstrate even though he couldn't be with her he cared but no he didn't care shit for her !!! All I could think of was how angry he would've reacted if the tables were turned🙄
He straightforward humiliates her making her feel stupid and small. Such a manipulative piece of 💩💩
Now moving on to her family what a piece of s*** her brother and her sister and her dead sister were !!! Like they could all go to hell!!!🤬 I didn't like them at all it was all too 13 reasons why for my liking... Even though at the end there is kind of like a revelation where it shows things aren't the way it seems I still struggled with liking the sort of schemes that the dead sister settle upon them... why I felt the brother and sister were so f****** wrong with her? mourning is different for everybody as we each take our time to heal differently so for them making her feel bad feel guilty because she didn't fulfill what her dead sister wanted for her and in a way said "oh you got the easy Road here and we are actually doing all the hard work and still you are complaining and crying because of you missing your death sister even though we are in the same position as you and can perfectly manage?" I wanted to f****** scream at them and punch them on the face multiple times!!!!! 🤬
I felt constantly so bad for her because she was on one side constantly rejected by the guy she liked and then on the other side mourning her sister while so trying to connect with his brother and sister while being pushed out by them without knowing why while not understanding why her dead sister (that she was the closest to) didn't left her anything so yeah I felt so sad for her like I thought she was going to commit suicide at one point really... but no dont worry this book isn't like that😉
The only person that I truly adored was the best friend Maggie she was always there for her when she was sad when she was happy just a major supporter and yeah I really felt the love and the care with her so go Maggie!💗💗💗🤩🤩
So now let's talk about the rivalry, the reason why he doesn't want to cave on having a relationship with the female protagonist. so we know that the female protagonist brother and the male protagonist where kind of best friends when they were younger but for reasons we yet not know they don't talk any more with each other and call themselves enemies. This rivalry last for up to 4 years. he constantly rejects her saying he considers himself a bad person, as the one who did wrong to her brother and who believed if they have something her brother wouldn't forgive her... He puts the blame all on her brother when actually the true reason was his own insecurities being also the reason why he never really fight for her brother to know the actual truth and instead lets him hate him😐 Another thing that didn't make sense at all was that the brother never told the female protagonist (aka her sister) what happened between Hayes and him. I was like why so much secrecy if their rivalry is always a topic in their conversations? it didn't seem realistic to me that she didn't know. that no one but Hayes and her brother know. Her attitude wasn't justified at all... Tell me why did she hate him? Why? We never know.... It seems she only hates him because her brother does which is pathetic really...🤷🏻♀️ It would have been much better her knowing what her brother believed as truth therefore being biased and taking HIS side. THAT would've explain why she was so adamant in hating him at first. But then we also don't know why Hayes was so adamant in hating her if the rivalry involved only his brother so...🤦🏼♀️
Now let's go with the following character that I despised: Abel. He was the 3rd friend in the mix and he keeps being friends with them without taking sides(already I don't like).... He acts as the toxic messenger dove. He could have easily solved the conflict between the two friends right away because he had proof that what the male protagonist was accused of was false being himself a witness. And his lame excuse (because literally this book is full of excuses never acknowledging their wrongs) was because their sister died and he didn't find the time soothing to mend their friendship. Bullshit!!! i was laughing my ass off when this fact was revealed because c'mon!!! that isn't what a good friend does!!!!He should've have told them a long time ago!!! he should've united them!!!! He should have decently apologize to both of them because really? He has the audacity put himself as a victim and say "oh I tried and tried but you (the brother) didn't believe me so I decided not do anything about it" 🙄🙄 seriously what is it with these male characters? they're all terrible liars, narcissistic manipulators, non-empathetic cruel people. People you should stay away from 💯 I like that at least the brother apologizes to the male protagonist for not trusting him and for ghosted him right away but still I felt like Abel action's should have been addressed😡
The third act break up didn't surprise me at all as his a snowball of toxicness... so basically is him being damn cruel to her bringing up her own insecurities as a weapon breaking up with her and then her brother coming in making him realize that her sister is perfect for him and then him going after her and she forgiving him right away.🙄 Oh I almost forgot. Another of the reasons he felt that they weren't right for each other was because he felt she was too young for him even though he's the one acting childish and immature but well...💅
I really had hopes for it to change and that's why i kept on reading but unfortunately it wasn't . At least the title seems feeting because I so much hate him👍 so damn unhealthy and toxic🙅🏼♀️ Hayes character was a MAJOR 🚩
Ps I was waiting for him to sing her the songs he written of her at the end and even that doesn't happen 🙁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2023
10⭐️
I think Hayes Farrow is officially my new favorite Meghan Quinn character!!!!! And one of my top book boyfriends, PERIOD.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK SO FREAKING MUCH. AND THE AUDIO WAS AMAZING!!!! MQ always brings her A-Game with the duet narrations & badass narrators.
My heart is still recovering from this novel. It was emotional. It was sexy. It was romantic. It was heart felt. It had it all. It hooked me right from the beginning & I absolutely loved every second of it!
I loved the enemies to lovers nature between Hayes & Hattie. It was so fun, & then as their relationship changes I VERY much enjoyed their flirty nature. THE TENSION. THE TEASING. UGH SO HOT. Hayes had me swooning left & right, And he was just so damn GOOD. His heart & thoughtfulness stole my heart!!!!
I would like to dedicate a special spot for Maggie bc that is #1 best friend material right there! I loved her with my whole heart. She was so freaking funny but the realest one. I hope she gets a book bc she’s probably my favorite side character!!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Rockstar romance
Boss x employee
Brothers enemy
Ex boyfriends boss
Age Gap
Enemies to Lovers
Forced proximity
Small town
I think Hayes Farrow is officially my new favorite Meghan Quinn character!!!!! And one of my top book boyfriends, PERIOD.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK SO FREAKING MUCH. AND THE AUDIO WAS AMAZING!!!! MQ always brings her A-Game with the duet narrations & badass narrators.
My heart is still recovering from this novel. It was emotional. It was sexy. It was romantic. It was heart felt. It had it all. It hooked me right from the beginning & I absolutely loved every second of it!
I loved the enemies to lovers nature between Hayes & Hattie. It was so fun, & then as their relationship changes I VERY much enjoyed their flirty nature. THE TENSION. THE TEASING. UGH SO HOT. Hayes had me swooning left & right, And he was just so damn GOOD. His heart & thoughtfulness stole my heart!!!!
I would like to dedicate a special spot for Maggie bc that is #1 best friend material right there! I loved her with my whole heart. She was so freaking funny but the realest one. I hope she gets a book bc she’s probably my favorite side character!!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Rockstar romance
Boss x employee
Brothers enemy
Ex boyfriends boss
Age Gap
Enemies to Lovers
Forced proximity
Small town
Shelved as 'not-for-me'
August 12, 2023I can’t believe I probably won’t be able to read this book…
Not only does the prologue open up with the H and OW (he’s asking for a bj while the woman is topless, but then he forgets her name and they get interrupted so the ow leaves) but during the book he basically asks/wants the h to accompany him to a nude video shoot, KNOWING that the h has been wanting him and he’s been rejecting her. And he NEVER tells her that this shoot will have him and another woman nude…
And he gets hard
And he claims he was picturing the h 😐
How many times have I read this already 🤦🏻♀️. Come on MQ!!! I expected better 😭
ETA- I have a friend who does professional photo/video shoots, and the groping and grinding is NOT normal… it’s very clinical… and they cover up their parts…
I get it. The book is about more than just this ^^, but I would have a HARD time moving past this knowing he does this on purpose 😐.
I’m so disappointed… i almost always 4-5 star MQ’s books. And, of course, the h quickly forgives him in this book 😐. What’s the point of this scene if she forgives him quickly 🤦🏻♀️. Give him hell girl 😐
The h is holding back her tears, but just quickly forgives him !?!?
😐
I’m so so annoyed
I appreciate the detailed spoilers here ❤️https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Not only does the prologue open up with the H and OW (he’s asking for a bj while the woman is topless, but then he forgets her name and they get interrupted so the ow leaves) but during the book he basically asks/wants the h to accompany him to a nude video shoot, KNOWING that the h has been wanting him and he’s been rejecting her. And he NEVER tells her that this shoot will have him and another woman nude…
And he gets hard
And he claims he was picturing the h 😐
How many times have I read this already 🤦🏻♀️. Come on MQ!!! I expected better 😭
ETA- I have a friend who does professional photo/video shoots, and the groping and grinding is NOT normal… it’s very clinical… and they cover up their parts…
I get it. The book is about more than just this ^^, but I would have a HARD time moving past this knowing he does this on purpose 😐.
I’m so disappointed… i almost always 4-5 star MQ’s books. And, of course, the h quickly forgives him in this book 😐. What’s the point of this scene if she forgives him quickly 🤦🏻♀️. Give him hell girl 😐
The h is holding back her tears, but just quickly forgives him !?!?
😐
I’m so so annoyed
I appreciate the detailed spoilers here ❤️https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2023
I will say this after ever MQ book I read, but she can honestly do no wrong!
Synopsis: After the death of her sister and failing the last semester of grad school, Hattie returns to her family’s small hometown of Almond Bay. Shortly after her arrival, she gets blackmailed into taking a job with Hayes, a famous musician who also happens to be her brother’s enemy. As Hattie begins to navigate this new world and tries to mend her “broken” relationship with her siblings, she ends up falling for the one person she is supposed to hate.
Thoughts: Not only did this book have Megan Quinn’s quintessential banter, steam and humor, but it also had the perfect balance of heart and emotion. Hattie and Hayes’s relationship was sweet and endearing, and there was something special about seeing them go from enemies to friends with tons of flirting to something more. I also LOVED the cast of secondary characters and am excited for Hattie’s siblings to get their own books!
I listened to the audiobook, and thought Teddy Hamilton and Vanessa Edwin did an amazing job displaying all the angst and emotions during the tougher conversations while also brining the comedic relief during the hopeful and happy moments. My favorite part, as always with MQ’s books, was how the audio was performed in a duet format, so rather than the narrators alternating chapter by chapter the dialogue switched off within a chapter.
Read if you like:
-Celebrity romance
-Age gap (12 years)
-Brother’s enemy
-Forced proximity
-Enemies to friends to lovers
-Small town setting
-Spice
Synopsis: After the death of her sister and failing the last semester of grad school, Hattie returns to her family’s small hometown of Almond Bay. Shortly after her arrival, she gets blackmailed into taking a job with Hayes, a famous musician who also happens to be her brother’s enemy. As Hattie begins to navigate this new world and tries to mend her “broken” relationship with her siblings, she ends up falling for the one person she is supposed to hate.
Thoughts: Not only did this book have Megan Quinn’s quintessential banter, steam and humor, but it also had the perfect balance of heart and emotion. Hattie and Hayes’s relationship was sweet and endearing, and there was something special about seeing them go from enemies to friends with tons of flirting to something more. I also LOVED the cast of secondary characters and am excited for Hattie’s siblings to get their own books!
I listened to the audiobook, and thought Teddy Hamilton and Vanessa Edwin did an amazing job displaying all the angst and emotions during the tougher conversations while also brining the comedic relief during the hopeful and happy moments. My favorite part, as always with MQ’s books, was how the audio was performed in a duet format, so rather than the narrators alternating chapter by chapter the dialogue switched off within a chapter.
Read if you like:
-Celebrity romance
-Age gap (12 years)
-Brother’s enemy
-Forced proximity
-Enemies to friends to lovers
-Small town setting
-Spice
July 28, 2023
The Way I Hate Him by Meghan Quinn is a standalone rom-com. Dual POV w/HEA
Tropes:
⭐ Small-town
⭐ Age Gap
⭐ Enemies-to-Lovers
⭐ Boss/Employee
"The Way I Hate Him" by Meghan Quinn was a delightful and surprisingly touching romantic comedy. Hattie Rowley, an honest-to-the-core 24-year-old facing multiple challenges in life, returns to her hometown after failing grad school and going through a disappointing breakup.
Her plan for revenge on her ex-boyfriend leads her to Hayes Farrow, a rockstar who also happens to be her brother's nemesis. Despite their initial antagonistic back-and-forth, Hattie and Hayes eventually find their very secret and electric groove.
Hattie's grief over the recent loss of her sister/mother figure felt raw and genuine, evoking empathy. The emotional depth added a powerful layer to the otherwise humorous narrative, making it a more well-rounded experience.
Hayes, too, is struggling with his own issues and feels stuck until Hattie's chaotic entrance brings "electric sunshine" into his life. And though he presented an asshole façade, he was caring, attentive, and downright swoony when he let himself. Their journey together leads to personal growth and pulling themselves out of darkness, ultimately finding solace in each other.
The chemistry between Hattie and Hayes was sizzling hot. Their banter was entertaining and added spice to the story, making it an engaging read. A couple of supporting characters started unfavorably, they gradually improved, and it would be intriguing to see their stories unfold in an interconnected series.
While the book had enough drama to keep things interesting, I just wasn't looking forward to a third-act conflict. Although I understood it was necessary to round out Hayes' character, a more mature approach to navigating storms could have made the story even more compelling. Additionally, I wished for a more profound display of remorse from him after some hurtful words were exchanged during the conflict.
"The Way I Hate Him" was hooking, balancing humor and emotion admirably. I'm eager to see what Meghan Quinn has in store for her readers next!
Tropes:
⭐ Small-town
⭐ Age Gap
⭐ Enemies-to-Lovers
⭐ Boss/Employee
"The Way I Hate Him" by Meghan Quinn was a delightful and surprisingly touching romantic comedy. Hattie Rowley, an honest-to-the-core 24-year-old facing multiple challenges in life, returns to her hometown after failing grad school and going through a disappointing breakup.
Her plan for revenge on her ex-boyfriend leads her to Hayes Farrow, a rockstar who also happens to be her brother's nemesis. Despite their initial antagonistic back-and-forth, Hattie and Hayes eventually find their very secret and electric groove.
Hattie's grief over the recent loss of her sister/mother figure felt raw and genuine, evoking empathy. The emotional depth added a powerful layer to the otherwise humorous narrative, making it a more well-rounded experience.
Hayes, too, is struggling with his own issues and feels stuck until Hattie's chaotic entrance brings "electric sunshine" into his life. And though he presented an asshole façade, he was caring, attentive, and downright swoony when he let himself. Their journey together leads to personal growth and pulling themselves out of darkness, ultimately finding solace in each other.
The chemistry between Hattie and Hayes was sizzling hot. Their banter was entertaining and added spice to the story, making it an engaging read. A couple of supporting characters started unfavorably, they gradually improved, and it would be intriguing to see their stories unfold in an interconnected series.
While the book had enough drama to keep things interesting, I just wasn't looking forward to a third-act conflict. Although I understood it was necessary to round out Hayes' character, a more mature approach to navigating storms could have made the story even more compelling. Additionally, I wished for a more profound display of remorse from him after some hurtful words were exchanged during the conflict.
"The Way I Hate Him" was hooking, balancing humor and emotion admirably. I'm eager to see what Meghan Quinn has in store for her readers next!
July 24, 2023
How do I even begin to review this incredible freaking book? Having just finished moments ago, I’m still so full of thoughts, feelings and so much emotion.
I’ve been a MQ fan for YEARSSSS, like there’s only a handful of her books currently on my TBR because I’ve read the rest of them. When people ask who my auto buy author is, it’s hands down alway MQ! That being said, as an avid arc reader, this is the first time I actually saw and applied for this book on time! I felt like I won the lottery.
I’ve so been looking forward to this book ever since she’s started making little hints in her stories.. and obviously the excitement just heightened more with each snippet she’d share. That map! Gah, I couldn’t take it. So when the arc arrived I halted all other reads and DOVE in.
Can I just say that I do NOT cry at books. I DO NOT.. Well did not, because this book got me good, several times actually. I was a blubbering bafoon towards the end. My daughter looking at me like I’ve grown an extra eye, and I pay her no mind because the blubbering would not cease.
This book has EVERYTHING I love about a MQ book. I laughed so much I snorted, I related to the characters, fell in love with them and their development. Even the side characters, like… Can I have a grapefruit developed Maggie please? I love so many of MQ’s books and I quite literally could never pick a favorite. But if my hand was forced, this would absolutely be the first book that comes to mind.
Thank you for sharing you’re brilliant mind and beautiful heart with us readers Meghan. From the bottom of my heart, I live for the beauty of your books, and this one there’s not enough words for me to explain everything this one has made me feel. Hell now I’m tearing up again.. What is happening?! This book I tell you. Drop everything and read it!
I’ve been a MQ fan for YEARSSSS, like there’s only a handful of her books currently on my TBR because I’ve read the rest of them. When people ask who my auto buy author is, it’s hands down alway MQ! That being said, as an avid arc reader, this is the first time I actually saw and applied for this book on time! I felt like I won the lottery.
I’ve so been looking forward to this book ever since she’s started making little hints in her stories.. and obviously the excitement just heightened more with each snippet she’d share. That map! Gah, I couldn’t take it. So when the arc arrived I halted all other reads and DOVE in.
Can I just say that I do NOT cry at books. I DO NOT.. Well did not, because this book got me good, several times actually. I was a blubbering bafoon towards the end. My daughter looking at me like I’ve grown an extra eye, and I pay her no mind because the blubbering would not cease.
This book has EVERYTHING I love about a MQ book. I laughed so much I snorted, I related to the characters, fell in love with them and their development. Even the side characters, like… Can I have a grapefruit developed Maggie please? I love so many of MQ’s books and I quite literally could never pick a favorite. But if my hand was forced, this would absolutely be the first book that comes to mind.
Thank you for sharing you’re brilliant mind and beautiful heart with us readers Meghan. From the bottom of my heart, I live for the beauty of your books, and this one there’s not enough words for me to explain everything this one has made me feel. Hell now I’m tearing up again.. What is happening?! This book I tell you. Drop everything and read it!
Shelved as 'dnf-or-nfm'
July 19, 2023Self note:
- The prologue opens with a woman straddling him and bouncing on his *ahem*
- When someone came inside the room and saw the H and ow, his inner monologue is: "It’s not the first time he’s walked in on me with a girl, and it won’t be the last"
I really like Ms. Quinn's book and I enjoyed most of them but I think I'll skip this one. It's a me case and to each their own as always.
- The prologue opens with a woman straddling him and bouncing on his *ahem*
- When someone came inside the room and saw the H and ow, his inner monologue is: "It’s not the first time he’s walked in on me with a girl, and it won’t be the last"
I really like Ms. Quinn's book and I enjoyed most of them but I think I'll skip this one. It's a me case and to each their own as always.
August 12, 2023
what’s worse than losing your sister? flunking out of school because of your grief and your shitty boyfriend breaking up with you afterwards and telling you he only stayed because your sister was sick. talk about salt in the wounds.
so when hattie’s moving her stuff out of said ex’s place and comes across things he stole from his famous boss, she decides to get some payback and return the things to his boss hoping he’ll fire him but instead, he blackmails her into being his assistant. the catch? her brother HATES him so she can’t tell anyone what she’s doing.
i LOVED hayes and hattie. they had so much banter and back and forth. hayes was my favorite kind of grumpy man because he’s saying he’s annoyed with her but doing the cutest things ever for her. he was so so cute and i loved their connection so much. 3 things that kept this from being 5 stars for me though:
- this should’ve been 150~ pages shorter. i am team “we need more 250 page books” already but this was LONG. and i was super super interested in the couple parts and less interested in all the side stories.
- her brother and sister, especially her sister, were awful to her at some parts. i get that it was supposed to show how emotions were high after the loss of their sister but it was the fact that she apologized too after doing nothing wrong.
- the third act breakup. this story had the perfect setup for a revenge plot where hayes and hattie team up to take everyone down so the third act was really predictable and unnecessary in this case.
so when hattie’s moving her stuff out of said ex’s place and comes across things he stole from his famous boss, she decides to get some payback and return the things to his boss hoping he’ll fire him but instead, he blackmails her into being his assistant. the catch? her brother HATES him so she can’t tell anyone what she’s doing.
i LOVED hayes and hattie. they had so much banter and back and forth. hayes was my favorite kind of grumpy man because he’s saying he’s annoyed with her but doing the cutest things ever for her. he was so so cute and i loved their connection so much. 3 things that kept this from being 5 stars for me though:
- this should’ve been 150~ pages shorter. i am team “we need more 250 page books” already but this was LONG. and i was super super interested in the couple parts and less interested in all the side stories.
- her brother and sister, especially her sister, were awful to her at some parts. i get that it was supposed to show how emotions were high after the loss of their sister but it was the fact that she apologized too after doing nothing wrong.
- the third act breakup. this story had the perfect setup for a revenge plot where hayes and hattie team up to take everyone down so the third act was really predictable and unnecessary in this case.
July 28, 2023
Meghan, Meghan, Meghan... you did it again with the Rom-Coms! She has become an auto-buy/read author for me ever since the Cane Brothers.
I was sold when one of the book tropes was enemies to lovers, however you get more than just that! Nothing like a rockstar - brother's ex-bestfriend - enemies to lovers - age gap trope to really get you. The banter between Hattie and Hayes is top tier and I live for it. Meghan is the queen of Rom-Coms!
Trigger on grief as Hattie deals with this throughout the book.
I LOOOOVED this book (I need more Hayes & Hattie though...) and can't wait for more stories from Almond Bay.
I was sold when one of the book tropes was enemies to lovers, however you get more than just that! Nothing like a rockstar - brother's ex-bestfriend - enemies to lovers - age gap trope to really get you. The banter between Hattie and Hayes is top tier and I live for it. Meghan is the queen of Rom-Coms!
Trigger on grief as Hattie deals with this throughout the book.
I LOOOOVED this book (I need more Hayes & Hattie though...) and can't wait for more stories from Almond Bay.
August 1, 2023
3 ⭐️
The Way I Hate Him was unfortunately a bit of a letdown. While there were elements I really enjoyed, the hero and the romance were quite disappointing in my opinion.
It is dual POVs of the main characters, Hayes and Hattie, and there were some great tropes like, an age-gap, enemies to lovers, a small town romance, and a slight boss-employee relationship. I would recommend checking the content warnings before reading, as the loss of a loved one and grief were heavily discussed throughout the story.
The overall premise was fairly entertaining; there were some amusing and heartfelt moments that I enjoyed. The discussions of grief and moving on were pretty well written as well. There were moments that definitely made me tear up, as Hattie’s journey with grief and remembering her sister were heartbreakingly beautiful.
While, I also liked the family aspect and how connected Hattie was with her late sister, there wasn’t a lot of healing or discussions between her other siblings. So I definitely wanted a bit more communication between them all, as they were kind of mean to her especially in the beginning.
Some of the side characters were great, like Hayes’ grandmother and Hattie’s best friend, Maggie. The small town feel while not as prominent as I was expecting was still entertaining as well.
The romance between Hayes and Hattie definitely could have been better. While, they did have some very sweet, heartwarming and spicy moments, they also had a lot of push and pull. Their romantic development was very slow-paced and the constant back and forth was just frustrating. It also felt like Hattie loved him and tried to make their relationship work more than Hayes did, which wasn’t my favorite. I will say though, the spice did not disappoint and there were moments that were quite romantic and cheesy.
Now the biggest issue I had with this book was definitely because of Hayes. His constant hot and cold attitude was just so frustrating. His reasoning for constantly pushing her away mainly had to do with the feud he had with Hattie’s brother. While, I understood to a certain degree why he didn’t try to repair their friendship, it was just annoying that it could have all been easily resolved once he started having true feelings for Hattie.
The whole commercial scene and how that all played out was also just gross in my opinion. While, I understood what Hayes was trying to do, it was horrible and I felt so bad for Hattie. It really just made me not like Hayes to be honest. He also did not grovel at all for that whole situation and she forgave him way to easily, which was very annoying.
The third act conflict was also very messy and rushed. Again, Hayes’ behavior was horrible and it seemed like Hattie was the one that kept getting hurt. Those last few chapters were very rushed and wrapped things up way too quickly. There was also no groveling from Hayes after what he said/did, which was so disappointing and she again forgave him way too easily. I definitely felt like she deserved better or they at least should have spent more time apart working on their issues, especially Hayes, and then reconciled slower.
The epilogue was sweet but I just felt like it wasn’t really finished, I wanted more to be honest.
Overall, an okay read just not what I was expecting or hoping for.
**ARC received in exchange of an honest review**
The Way I Hate Him was unfortunately a bit of a letdown. While there were elements I really enjoyed, the hero and the romance were quite disappointing in my opinion.
It is dual POVs of the main characters, Hayes and Hattie, and there were some great tropes like, an age-gap, enemies to lovers, a small town romance, and a slight boss-employee relationship. I would recommend checking the content warnings before reading, as the loss of a loved one and grief were heavily discussed throughout the story.
The overall premise was fairly entertaining; there were some amusing and heartfelt moments that I enjoyed. The discussions of grief and moving on were pretty well written as well. There were moments that definitely made me tear up, as Hattie’s journey with grief and remembering her sister were heartbreakingly beautiful.
While, I also liked the family aspect and how connected Hattie was with her late sister, there wasn’t a lot of healing or discussions between her other siblings. So I definitely wanted a bit more communication between them all, as they were kind of mean to her especially in the beginning.
Some of the side characters were great, like Hayes’ grandmother and Hattie’s best friend, Maggie. The small town feel while not as prominent as I was expecting was still entertaining as well.
The romance between Hayes and Hattie definitely could have been better. While, they did have some very sweet, heartwarming and spicy moments, they also had a lot of push and pull. Their romantic development was very slow-paced and the constant back and forth was just frustrating. It also felt like Hattie loved him and tried to make their relationship work more than Hayes did, which wasn’t my favorite. I will say though, the spice did not disappoint and there were moments that were quite romantic and cheesy.
Now the biggest issue I had with this book was definitely because of Hayes. His constant hot and cold attitude was just so frustrating. His reasoning for constantly pushing her away mainly had to do with the feud he had with Hattie’s brother. While, I understood to a certain degree why he didn’t try to repair their friendship, it was just annoying that it could have all been easily resolved once he started having true feelings for Hattie.
The whole commercial scene and how that all played out was also just gross in my opinion. While, I understood what Hayes was trying to do, it was horrible and I felt so bad for Hattie. It really just made me not like Hayes to be honest. He also did not grovel at all for that whole situation and she forgave him way to easily, which was very annoying.
The third act conflict was also very messy and rushed. Again, Hayes’ behavior was horrible and it seemed like Hattie was the one that kept getting hurt. Those last few chapters were very rushed and wrapped things up way too quickly. There was also no groveling from Hayes after what he said/did, which was so disappointing and she again forgave him way too easily. I definitely felt like she deserved better or they at least should have spent more time apart working on their issues, especially Hayes, and then reconciled slower.
The epilogue was sweet but I just felt like it wasn’t really finished, I wanted more to be honest.
Overall, an okay read just not what I was expecting or hoping for.
**ARC received in exchange of an honest review**
Want to read
July 12, 2023I need safety info 🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️
August 4, 2023
Could have been shorter and way better. A lot of the parts of the book should have been deleted.
I loved the book up to a point. I didn't like the opening chapter. I hated the scene with Odette. Then I started enjoying the story, despite its dragging at time. But, then at the 90% point, it went downhill and nothing could save it. 500 pages and then you wait until the last few pages to introduce a clusterf## of a conflict, where the hero spouts unforgivable cruel things, and then you decide a sorry and one page are enough to solve the issue. I love Meghan Quinn I enjoyed a lot of her books. Sadly, this was not one of them.
I loved the book up to a point. I didn't like the opening chapter. I hated the scene with Odette. Then I started enjoying the story, despite its dragging at time. But, then at the 90% point, it went downhill and nothing could save it. 500 pages and then you wait until the last few pages to introduce a clusterf## of a conflict, where the hero spouts unforgivable cruel things, and then you decide a sorry and one page are enough to solve the issue. I love Meghan Quinn I enjoyed a lot of her books. Sadly, this was not one of them.
August 8, 2023
This was really good and I have a feeling everyone will be obsessed with Hayes. (Although he personally drove me INSANE at the end) 🙄
I really thought this was a great book. I laughed, I cried, and I stayed pretty engaged the entire time. My only downfall is I do think it could’ve been about 150 pages shorter 😂🫣
But - all in all.. I really enjoyed this book!
✨brothers enemy
✨forbidden romance
✨small town
✨forced proximity
✨age gap
✨workplace
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really thought this was a great book. I laughed, I cried, and I stayed pretty engaged the entire time. My only downfall is I do think it could’ve been about 150 pages shorter 😂🫣
But - all in all.. I really enjoyed this book!
✨brothers enemy
✨forbidden romance
✨small town
✨forced proximity
✨age gap
✨workplace
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 19, 2023
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The h's best friend and their relationship. The h's niece. The tension and steam.
The Not-So-Good: How the h allowed others to mistreat her. The conflict.
The Bad: The pacing. The ending and lack of closure. The lack of grovel.
Overall: This was too long. It felt too long when once they finally start something, I was greatly tempted to skim because I was a little bored with the fluffy stuff. I enjoyed the tension and the banter/humor, but I really think it needed to be edited down. There wasn't nearly enough grovel, it gets too fluffy at one point, and the ending just sucked in terms of closure. I'm going with a middle of the road 3 "just okay" rating for this one.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Hattie and Hayes' story. Hattie returns to her hometown after failing graduate school and needing to reconnect with her siblings after they lost their older sister to cancer. She was planning on staying with her long time boyfriend, only he dumps her for not being "entertaining" anymore. She ends up getting some things he stole from his boss, who happens to be her older brother's nemesis and a famous singer that she secretly fangirls for, Hayes. Only things backfire when Hayes accuses her of stealing the things she tries to return and makes her work for him in exchange for not contacting the police. There is some fun banter with some good tension, some sexy times, and some grief...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Hattie and Hayes' POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow in some parts and then I realized it was 516 pages on my kindle app 😳 wasn't expecting that! I never skimmed though I was definitely tempted a few times.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings (though I wouldn't call it hate-to-love)
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Hayes. I liked him but he let his damage get the best of him.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Hattie. While I liked her, I wanted her to demand better treatment from others (not just the H but her family too)
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed a few tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The premise. The h's best friend and their relationship. The h's niece. The tension and steam.
The Not-So-Good: How the h allowed others to mistreat her. The conflict.
The Bad: The pacing. The ending and lack of closure. The lack of grovel.
Overall: This was too long. It felt too long when once they finally start something, I was greatly tempted to skim because I was a little bored with the fluffy stuff. I enjoyed the tension and the banter/humor, but I really think it needed to be edited down. There wasn't nearly enough grovel, it gets too fluffy at one point, and the ending just sucked in terms of closure. I'm going with a middle of the road 3 "just okay" rating for this one.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Hattie and Hayes' story. Hattie returns to her hometown after failing graduate school and needing to reconnect with her siblings after they lost their older sister to cancer. She was planning on staying with her long time boyfriend, only he dumps her for not being "entertaining" anymore. She ends up getting some things he stole from his boss, who happens to be her older brother's nemesis and a famous singer that she secretly fangirls for, Hayes. Only things backfire when Hayes accuses her of stealing the things she tries to return and makes her work for him in exchange for not contacting the police. There is some fun banter with some good tension, some sexy times, and some grief...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Hattie and Hayes' POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow in some parts and then I realized it was 516 pages on my kindle app 😳 wasn't expecting that! I never skimmed though I was definitely tempted a few times.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings (though I wouldn't call it hate-to-love)
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Hayes. I liked him but he let his damage get the best of him.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Hattie. While I liked her, I wanted her to demand better treatment from others (not just the H but her family too)
Sadness level: Low/moderate. I shed a few tears but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Yes
July 28, 2023
The way this book broke me and put me back together, I have no words.
I am an ultimate fan girl of Meghan Quinn, and this book just cements on why that is.
The journey these characters take is full of anguish and love. Never have I rooted for a couple so much.
I cried, I laughed and I cried some more. So be ready with the tissue. For reals, not joking there.
I am fully immersed in this new world and loved to see little Easter eggs from past worlds.
Cannot wait to see more of these characters.
I am an ultimate fan girl of Meghan Quinn, and this book just cements on why that is.
The journey these characters take is full of anguish and love. Never have I rooted for a couple so much.
I cried, I laughed and I cried some more. So be ready with the tissue. For reals, not joking there.
I am fully immersed in this new world and loved to see little Easter eggs from past worlds.
Cannot wait to see more of these characters.
August 8, 2023
Okay, so I did it; yup, with all the hype surrounding this book. I dove in and freaking LOVED IT!
Hayes is one of my top book boyfriends, and Hattie is a hoot; she is a nut job, stubborn, loyal, and fierce, and I could see being best friends with the girl. Five percent in, I must have laughed a good twelve times.
My god, the things Hayes did for Hattie. He melted my heart and turned it into a puddle—all efforts to put a smile on Hattie’s face. Don’t get me wrong, as much as I love Hayes, he loves to self-sabotage himself. Totally frustrating.
I love a good brother best friend but add enemies to lovers to the mix. With a small town, age gap, and rockstar romance, you have a masterpiece.
Some parts made me cry like a baby, and I didn't expect it! I love when that happens.
February 29, 2024
Why. But like - why do I keep doing this to myself???
I don't like rockstar romance.
I don't like small town romance.
I don't like OW/OM drama, i don't like grief and sibling bullshit.
So why in the name of all that's holy did I read this but also - the first 50% were aight. It just really unravelled after that. And I skimmed. A lot. Like, a LOT.
In fact, revisiting this review - i don't even know any more what this was about?
And i love Meghan Quinn's books.
This just absolutely was not for me.
I don't like rockstar romance.
I don't like small town romance.
I don't like OW/OM drama, i don't like grief and sibling bullshit.
So why in the name of all that's holy did I read this but also - the first 50% were aight. It just really unravelled after that. And I skimmed. A lot. Like, a LOT.
In fact, revisiting this review - i don't even know any more what this was about?
And i love Meghan Quinn's books.
This just absolutely was not for me.
February 18, 2024
Just what I ordered! I laughed out loud and grinned so much while reading. The end got a little long, but I love this small town and am so excited there will be more stories with these characters!
September 21, 2023
I have a lot to say about this book but to summarise - I really didn’t enjoy it.
Having said that, I hope Ryland gets his own novel. His story has so much potential and I really want to hate him less.
Maggie was my favourite part of this book, and I’m desperate for her story (hopefully with Ryland). I absolutely do not need more of Aubree though. She is the worst sister and has only one mildly redeeming scene in this entire book.
Having said that, I hope Ryland gets his own novel. His story has so much potential and I really want to hate him less.
Maggie was my favourite part of this book, and I’m desperate for her story (hopefully with Ryland). I absolutely do not need more of Aubree though. She is the worst sister and has only one mildly redeeming scene in this entire book.
August 7, 2023
2 ⭐️
I love the author, but this was a disappointing read.
The male character Hayes is a walking red flag; he's a toxic man to avoid. The cliché of the bad boy with a string of girls at his feet, no thank you. Hattie, darling, you need to grow up a bit and stop being so naive, letting yourself be treated that way.
He just keeps rejecting her, telling her she's a child, making sexual innuendos since their first meeting, even though he's her boss. Then he makes her jealous, she cries, says she wants nothing to do with him anymore, and suddenly the guy is head over heels in love.
The miscommunication and the third act breakup are a dealbreaker for me. I would have loved to enjoy this book and these characters but I'm not a fan of their relationship.
And I'm noticing that a lot of romances are starting to become cobblestones. A romance doesn't need to be 500 pages long, that's far too long. And the longer it is, the more boring and repetitive it gets.
I know that a book doesn't write itself so two stars for the effort.
I love the author, but this was a disappointing read.
The male character Hayes is a walking red flag; he's a toxic man to avoid. The cliché of the bad boy with a string of girls at his feet, no thank you. Hattie, darling, you need to grow up a bit and stop being so naive, letting yourself be treated that way.
He just keeps rejecting her, telling her she's a child, making sexual innuendos since their first meeting, even though he's her boss. Then he makes her jealous, she cries, says she wants nothing to do with him anymore, and suddenly the guy is head over heels in love.
The miscommunication and the third act breakup are a dealbreaker for me. I would have loved to enjoy this book and these characters but I'm not a fan of their relationship.
And I'm noticing that a lot of romances are starting to become cobblestones. A romance doesn't need to be 500 pages long, that's far too long. And the longer it is, the more boring and repetitive it gets.
I know that a book doesn't write itself so two stars for the effort.
August 2, 2023
Meghan does it again with her new book! Hattie and Hayes are enemies as Hattie's brother and him have a long standing feud from high school. She is dating Hayes' former personal assistant and to get revenge on him steals back a bunch of things her ex stole from Hayes. He gives Hattie two choices and she ends up working from him, from there a lot of humor ensues and definitely a few moments that will tug at your heartstrings! I am hoping we get Hattie's best friend Maggie's story as well as Aubree and Ryland her siblings. I would definitely recommend this book!
July 23, 2023
Read this if you like:
•small town romances
•rockstar romance (he’s a singer)
•enemies to lovers
•meddling grandma
Meghan Quinn can do no wrong. This book had everything. I was laughing out loud at times, I was swooning at times and others I felt so much heartbreak for the grief the characters were going through. Hayes is such a swoon worthy MMC. Hattie is going through a lot after the death of her sister and she’s learning to find herself again back in her hometown. She takes a job with Hayes even though he’s her brother’s enemy and if her brother found out she’d be in trouble. I loved the cute quirky small town. I NEED a recipe for this cherry almond cookies (ahem @Meghan Quinn can the finished version have this recipe?!)
Thank you Meghan Quinn for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book comes out August first and you won’t want to miss it!
•small town romances
•rockstar romance (he’s a singer)
•enemies to lovers
•meddling grandma
Meghan Quinn can do no wrong. This book had everything. I was laughing out loud at times, I was swooning at times and others I felt so much heartbreak for the grief the characters were going through. Hayes is such a swoon worthy MMC. Hattie is going through a lot after the death of her sister and she’s learning to find herself again back in her hometown. She takes a job with Hayes even though he’s her brother’s enemy and if her brother found out she’d be in trouble. I loved the cute quirky small town. I NEED a recipe for this cherry almond cookies (ahem @Meghan Quinn can the finished version have this recipe?!)
Thank you Meghan Quinn for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book comes out August first and you won’t want to miss it!
August 7, 2023
Oh wow, this book…it was nearly perfect. It had everything I enjoy about MQ’s writing. First of all, the banter. The (almost) hateful barbs that Hattie and Hayes threw at each other, had me smirking (a favorite word of MQ?) because you knew it masked some underlying sexual tension. The banter between Hattie and bff Maggie (often by text) was lol hilarious. (Maggie was a total goof at times and really needs a book, but also a wonderfully loyal friend to Hattie). This author is second to none with the comedic scenes.
What else? Oh, the characters. Expertly drawn. Lots of backstory so you really get to know them—I could picture each one of them. Hattie’s family especially…although I really really disliked how they treated Hattie for about half of the book and I wanted to know WHY? (We eventually find out) The other supporting characters might not have gotten as much page time on this book, but I have a feeling at least one of them will/should get their own book (I’m looking at you, Abel).
The plot. Burnt out rock star returns to his hometown and his world collides with the younger sister of his former best friend, who is back in town mourning the death of her sister (a major plot point). This had all kinds of forbidden desires being stirred up but why was it forbidden? Why did Hattie’s older brother hate Hayes so much?
You’ll find out but Hayes…why did you let this drag on? I want you to fight for yourself because you deserve it…
The steam…..oh boy. Lots of teasing and sexual tension between Hattie and Hayes had you begging ‘alright already, please get them together!’ Don’t worry they get a whole chapter to go crazy on each other…and it is plenty HOT.
So that takes care of the title of the book…but there was still about 50% to go. If you know MQ’s writing, you just know it’s not going to be all sunshine and roses for the rest of the book. There’s going to be a conflict or two, some broken hearts, and plenty of crying (from the characters, and most likely the reader). But hang in there, there’s plenty of material to keep you turning the pages, and a few surprises too.
And then the book should be called The Way I Love Him…
I loved Hattie and Hayes together (although I was not happy with Hayes all the time). They both had similar backgrounds, and fear of abandonment issues and not always feeling ‘good enough’. They had some things to work on but I believed in them as a couple. And when Hattie was hurt (either by her family or Hayes), I hurt for her. I cried. She was just a ray of light: funny, loving, giving…I was rooting hard for her!
This book ranks in the top 5 of MQ books for me (and I’ve read most of them). I think I’m going to love this series and I already love the setting. MQ has a way with small town romance that I really enjoy!
5 big stars
Oh yes, I really need to see more of Hattie and Hayes in future books..
What else? Oh, the characters. Expertly drawn. Lots of backstory so you really get to know them—I could picture each one of them. Hattie’s family especially…although I really really disliked how they treated Hattie for about half of the book and I wanted to know WHY? (We eventually find out) The other supporting characters might not have gotten as much page time on this book, but I have a feeling at least one of them will/should get their own book (I’m looking at you, Abel).
The plot. Burnt out rock star returns to his hometown and his world collides with the younger sister of his former best friend, who is back in town mourning the death of her sister (a major plot point). This had all kinds of forbidden desires being stirred up but why was it forbidden? Why did Hattie’s older brother hate Hayes so much?
You’ll find out but Hayes…why did you let this drag on? I want you to fight for yourself because you deserve it…
The steam…..oh boy. Lots of teasing and sexual tension between Hattie and Hayes had you begging ‘alright already, please get them together!’ Don’t worry they get a whole chapter to go crazy on each other…and it is plenty HOT.
So that takes care of the title of the book…but there was still about 50% to go. If you know MQ’s writing, you just know it’s not going to be all sunshine and roses for the rest of the book. There’s going to be a conflict or two, some broken hearts, and plenty of crying (from the characters, and most likely the reader). But hang in there, there’s plenty of material to keep you turning the pages, and a few surprises too.
And then the book should be called The Way I Love Him…
I loved Hattie and Hayes together (although I was not happy with Hayes all the time). They both had similar backgrounds, and fear of abandonment issues and not always feeling ‘good enough’. They had some things to work on but I believed in them as a couple. And when Hattie was hurt (either by her family or Hayes), I hurt for her. I cried. She was just a ray of light: funny, loving, giving…I was rooting hard for her!
This book ranks in the top 5 of MQ books for me (and I’ve read most of them). I think I’m going to love this series and I already love the setting. MQ has a way with small town romance that I really enjoy!
5 big stars
Oh yes, I really need to see more of Hattie and Hayes in future books..
December 7, 2023
I’m not the biggest fan of small town or rockstar romances, but the way Meghan does it in this book was excellent! My only reason for deducting a star is there were parts that dragged on a bit, and I REALLY wanted some groveling, or for the third act breakup to not have happened at all. Overall, a fun spicy read!
- Age gap
- Brother’s enemy
- Forced proximity
- One bed
- Grumpy/Sunshine
Spice:
- Age gap
- Brother’s enemy
- Forced proximity
- One bed
- Grumpy/Sunshine
Spice:
August 3, 2023
loveeee MQ
Anything she writes. I’m gonna read. Soooo there isn’t much else to say besides I laughed, cried and wanted to bop him upside the head. It was spicy swoony and funny. My fave trio.
Anything she writes. I’m gonna read. Soooo there isn’t much else to say besides I laughed, cried and wanted to bop him upside the head. It was spicy swoony and funny. My fave trio.
August 2, 2023
The Way I Hate Him - Meghan Quinn
⭐️Small Town
⭐️ Enemies to Lovers
⭐️Rockstar
⭐️Dirty Talking MC
⭐️Age Gap
⭐️Brother’s Enemy
⭐️Dual POV
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️
Let me first start my saying…if Meghan writes it I’m going to read it. I’ve read all of her books and fully enjoyed every 👏🏼single 👏🏼 one of them!
Hattie and Hayes’s story is NO different.
Hayes is a rockstar and is living his life on the road in loneliness and using everything in his power to not feel and let people in. The man is a walking, dirty talking, sin, sex god in a backwards baseball hat🤯
Hattie is suffering the loss of her sister and her purpose of life. She finds herself back in her family’s small town of Almond Bay. Only to end up getting broken up with by her loser ex boyfriend. In an effort to regain some strength she goes to Hayes house to return stolen items from her ex to Hayes.
Hayes “blackmails” her into working for him and through that they start to fall for each other.
Hayes and Hattie start off as enemies and start to grow their relationships from friends to lovers.
Hayes has demons from his past that he’s working through as does Hattie. They realize they are stronger together then apart. The love and bond they share only grows more and more.
Hayes’s Gran completely had me in tears I was laughing so bloody hard. I love how Meghan always includes one character that just makes you cry with laughter…and that is definitely what you get with Gran.
As for the spice…let’s just say…chapter 20 🔥
I can’t wait to see where Meghan takes this new series and can’t wait to see who Ryland and Maggie end up with 👏🏼
Not to mention her little mentions of her other “Meghan Universe” characters literally had me grinning like a fool.
Highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series!
⭐️Small Town
⭐️ Enemies to Lovers
⭐️Rockstar
⭐️Dirty Talking MC
⭐️Age Gap
⭐️Brother’s Enemy
⭐️Dual POV
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️
Let me first start my saying…if Meghan writes it I’m going to read it. I’ve read all of her books and fully enjoyed every 👏🏼single 👏🏼 one of them!
Hattie and Hayes’s story is NO different.
Hayes is a rockstar and is living his life on the road in loneliness and using everything in his power to not feel and let people in. The man is a walking, dirty talking, sin, sex god in a backwards baseball hat🤯
Hattie is suffering the loss of her sister and her purpose of life. She finds herself back in her family’s small town of Almond Bay. Only to end up getting broken up with by her loser ex boyfriend. In an effort to regain some strength she goes to Hayes house to return stolen items from her ex to Hayes.
Hayes “blackmails” her into working for him and through that they start to fall for each other.
Hayes and Hattie start off as enemies and start to grow their relationships from friends to lovers.
Hayes has demons from his past that he’s working through as does Hattie. They realize they are stronger together then apart. The love and bond they share only grows more and more.
Hayes’s Gran completely had me in tears I was laughing so bloody hard. I love how Meghan always includes one character that just makes you cry with laughter…and that is definitely what you get with Gran.
As for the spice…let’s just say…chapter 20 🔥
I can’t wait to see where Meghan takes this new series and can’t wait to see who Ryland and Maggie end up with 👏🏼
Not to mention her little mentions of her other “Meghan Universe” characters literally had me grinning like a fool.
Highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the rest of the series!
August 1, 2023
Meghan is one of my all-time favorite authors and I have yet to find a book by her that I did not like. There is no exception here. I absolutely devoured this book! Dare I say this might be my favorite by her ever!!
Hattie is back in her hometown after taking failing her last semester of college trying to get her masters degree. She comes home only to have her boyfriend of eight years break up with her because she is boring and not entertaining. She is also dealing with the grief surrounding losing her older and closest sister. Needless to say Hattie is just all around feeling lost.
Hayes is the bad boy rockstar who can get any girl he wants. He heads home to Almond Bay to see his grandma who took a bad fall. But when his ex-best friend's little sister shows up at his house, he blackmails her into working for him and his entire world is flipped.
The banter between Hattie and Hayes, in pure MQ fashion, was top tier, bc she is the QUEEN. I was literally laughing so hard at parts through-out the book. But she was also breaking my heart, pissing me off and making me swoon. Plus the spice that she brought with this one...one word EDGING!!! WOW! I am def a Hayes fan now...
Overall I really enjoyed this new book by her and hoping there are more to come in this series....single dad? reverse grumpy-sunshine maybe? IDK she has two siblings and I think they deserve their own books!!
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
Tropes:
- Small Town Romance
- Brother’s Enemy
- Age Gap
- Forbidden Romance
- Rockstar Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
Thank you Meghan and team for the eARC.
Hattie is back in her hometown after taking failing her last semester of college trying to get her masters degree. She comes home only to have her boyfriend of eight years break up with her because she is boring and not entertaining. She is also dealing with the grief surrounding losing her older and closest sister. Needless to say Hattie is just all around feeling lost.
Hayes is the bad boy rockstar who can get any girl he wants. He heads home to Almond Bay to see his grandma who took a bad fall. But when his ex-best friend's little sister shows up at his house, he blackmails her into working for him and his entire world is flipped.
The banter between Hattie and Hayes, in pure MQ fashion, was top tier, bc she is the QUEEN. I was literally laughing so hard at parts through-out the book. But she was also breaking my heart, pissing me off and making me swoon. Plus the spice that she brought with this one...one word EDGING!!! WOW! I am def a Hayes fan now...
Overall I really enjoyed this new book by her and hoping there are more to come in this series....single dad? reverse grumpy-sunshine maybe? IDK she has two siblings and I think they deserve their own books!!
Overall: 5
Spice: 3.5
Tropes:
- Small Town Romance
- Brother’s Enemy
- Age Gap
- Forbidden Romance
- Rockstar Romance
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
Thank you Meghan and team for the eARC.
August 6, 2023
***AUDIOBOOK***
4.5 STARS
LOVED IT! I loved the enemies to lovers that stems from family rivalry, and Meghan Quinn knows how to build the tension off of that.
There was also a more serious note of dealing with grief and how the death of a family member can alter plans you’ve had for your life.
I will say the conflict to the grovel and forgiveness was super short. I would have liked to have the conflict come sooner and there be a bigger grovel.
Not only did we get hilarity and romance and steam, but we also got an introspection into grief.
The narrators were fantastic as well!
4.5 STARS
LOVED IT! I loved the enemies to lovers that stems from family rivalry, and Meghan Quinn knows how to build the tension off of that.
There was also a more serious note of dealing with grief and how the death of a family member can alter plans you’ve had for your life.
I will say the conflict to the grovel and forgiveness was super short. I would have liked to have the conflict come sooner and there be a bigger grovel.
Not only did we get hilarity and romance and steam, but we also got an introspection into grief.
The narrators were fantastic as well!
December 6, 2023
I have been devouring Meghan Quinn's books this year, and I feel like with every new release they just get better and better. This one took me a minute to get into, I'd say somewhere around 25 or 30% I was really invested and didn't want to pause or stop. Also, real quick, shoutout to the audiobook narrators because they slayed. I loved these characters a lot and their portrayal was spot on.
I think Hattie and Hayes are a more lowkey character compared to other MQ books. They have a really fun banter for the first quarter of the book. And as they develop trust and a friendship and then a relationship, that banter was still there a little bit, just transformed from like a "I really don't like you" type banter to a "I'm going to banter with you until we're both hot and bothered" type 😂 and what's not to love about that, right? I loved the progression of their relationship, it was very natural.
Now, there's this other plot running simultaneously to the lovebirds and that would involve Hattie and her two siblings, Aubree and Ryland. Here's kind of where the story made me a little mad (but eventually brought me back in). These three are dealing with the very recent loss of their sibling, Cassidy. We meet Hattie as she's just flunked her midterms and failed out of her classes for that semester of earning her masters degree. You'd think, "well the girl JUST lost the sibling she was closest to, so why not take a semester off to be with family to grieve?" Come to find out her siblings shoved her back to school before the reading of the will, hid the fact that Cassidy put it in said will that Hattie should finish her degree, then were extremely cold with her upon her return back to town. As a younger sibling, you'd obviously start questioning the strength of the sibling bonds and that really takes a toll on someone. If my sister came to me and said "my professors and I thought it best I should take the semester off to grieve" (even if that was a lie she was saying so they didn't find out she flunked), I wouldn't CONTINUE to try and shove her back to school. I'd say "for sure, clearly you need family right now. Let's get you to a place where you feel ready to go back." LIKE A NORMAL PERSON 💀 I have some real issues with these siblings, because all of that devolved into also telling Hattie to her face that she was "dead to me" and then the lamest apology I've ever seen written for saying something like that. I will give them credit for earning redemption and having their own character development... but MAN did that really grind my gears (clearly, since it's taken up majority of my review).
Okay, I'll stop ranting about all that now. Overall, I loved this book! Between this and He's Not My Type, MQ is really touching on a lot of different types of grief in her novels and I really love that. 💜
I think Hattie and Hayes are a more lowkey character compared to other MQ books. They have a really fun banter for the first quarter of the book. And as they develop trust and a friendship and then a relationship, that banter was still there a little bit, just transformed from like a "I really don't like you" type banter to a "I'm going to banter with you until we're both hot and bothered" type 😂 and what's not to love about that, right? I loved the progression of their relationship, it was very natural.
Now, there's this other plot running simultaneously to the lovebirds and that would involve Hattie and her two siblings, Aubree and Ryland. Here's kind of where the story made me a little mad (but eventually brought me back in). These three are dealing with the very recent loss of their sibling, Cassidy. We meet Hattie as she's just flunked her midterms and failed out of her classes for that semester of earning her masters degree. You'd think, "well the girl JUST lost the sibling she was closest to, so why not take a semester off to be with family to grieve?" Come to find out her siblings shoved her back to school before the reading of the will, hid the fact that Cassidy put it in said will that Hattie should finish her degree, then were extremely cold with her upon her return back to town. As a younger sibling, you'd obviously start questioning the strength of the sibling bonds and that really takes a toll on someone. If my sister came to me and said "my professors and I thought it best I should take the semester off to grieve" (even if that was a lie she was saying so they didn't find out she flunked), I wouldn't CONTINUE to try and shove her back to school. I'd say "for sure, clearly you need family right now. Let's get you to a place where you feel ready to go back." LIKE A NORMAL PERSON 💀 I have some real issues with these siblings, because all of that devolved into also telling Hattie to her face that she was "dead to me" and then the lamest apology I've ever seen written for saying something like that. I will give them credit for earning redemption and having their own character development... but MAN did that really grind my gears (clearly, since it's taken up majority of my review).
Okay, I'll stop ranting about all that now. Overall, I loved this book! Between this and He's Not My Type, MQ is really touching on a lot of different types of grief in her novels and I really love that. 💜
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