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Hate You Not
I didn’t know I was that person. You know—the one who gets the kids. But that’s what the will said. June Lawler: Legal Guardian.
My niece and nephew are 6 and 9, and all they’ve ever known is San Francisco. I arrive the day after the wreck, pack up my sister’s mansion, and fly them back to Georgia.
The small-town farm where their mom and I grew up isn’t what it once was, but it’s home. That’s all they really need.
*
I was courting an investor when it happened. Tromped all up and down the Himalayas, and he didn’t even buy in. It was a week before I found out what I’d lost. My little brother meant the world to me. Now even his kids are gone.
Spirited away to Heat Springs, Georgia—population 298.
They’re living on a farm that’s half a breath from bank foreclosure with a 26-year-old who didn’t finish high school. Nowhereville is not the place for little Mastersons. But I’ll get them back. It’s the money she must want, and I’ve got lots of that.
“June Bug” Lawler is poorer than that red dirt she comes from. I can make her dreams come true—and do one last thing for my brother.
I hate him.
She makes me crazy.
He thinks he can buy me off! I’ve never met a man so arrogant.
There’s no woman anywhere more stubborn.
I wish I had never met him.
But that’s not the story.
My niece and nephew are 6 and 9, and all they’ve ever known is San Francisco. I arrive the day after the wreck, pack up my sister’s mansion, and fly them back to Georgia.
The small-town farm where their mom and I grew up isn’t what it once was, but it’s home. That’s all they really need.
*
I was courting an investor when it happened. Tromped all up and down the Himalayas, and he didn’t even buy in. It was a week before I found out what I’d lost. My little brother meant the world to me. Now even his kids are gone.
Spirited away to Heat Springs, Georgia—population 298.
They’re living on a farm that’s half a breath from bank foreclosure with a 26-year-old who didn’t finish high school. Nowhereville is not the place for little Mastersons. But I’ll get them back. It’s the money she must want, and I’ve got lots of that.
“June Bug” Lawler is poorer than that red dirt she comes from. I can make her dreams come true—and do one last thing for my brother.
I hate him.
She makes me crazy.
He thinks he can buy me off! I’ve never met a man so arrogant.
There’s no woman anywhere more stubborn.
I wish I had never met him.
But that’s not the story.
Unknown Binding
First published February 20, 2020
1,856 people are currently reading
2,310 people want to read
About the author
Ella James
83 books5,750 followersElla James is the USA Today + Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of more than twenty books. Ella lives in Colorado with her husband and three kids. When she's not writing, you can find her in the foothills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews
February 19, 2020
Riveted! Utterly Brilliant Storytelling and Unforgettable Characters. Read and Repeat.
This story…I’m a puddle! Teary-eyed, aroused, and moved. So. Freaking. Moved. Burke and June will ruin you. Sweet and honest, a heartbreak of a story line, with a lava level slow burn that hits all the right buttons. Perfect! Ella James has reached a new level.
I cannot recommend this dusky escalating love story enough. Hate You Not is heartbeat and heartache and everything I love about enemies to lovers.
I was not expecting the charmsicle that is Burke Matheson. Burke is soooo extra. He’s not alpha, he's . . . I don't know. He's beyawesome (beyond awesome). And June Bug is every single one of us.
Read this book! Unbelievably moving, it’s destined to be on every 2020 Top Romance Reads List. It’s uniquely modern, deeply resonant, and hopelessly romantic.
I could not turn the pages fast enough and I lost a whole night of sleep. These characters, the deep storyline, it’s a true enemies to friends to lovers journey.
Oh my god. I. LOVE. BURKE. I fell in love at the first flirt, when Burke stuck his foot in his mouth and spent the next 300 pages extricating it, with his sex god looks, magic uncle vibe, and the nuclear chemistry he throws June’s way. I love that he’s so resourceful, and a bit of a steamroller. Which makes for great chemistry and banter with June, who is so self-contained, she doesn’t want what he’s offering. June is not immune. Their scenes together are IN-Tense.
Burke is amazing. And flockHOT. He’s kind and gentle and knows his way around her body from head to toes. He wants to bond so badly and his woke self slays me. Burke is the book boyfriend.
I loved it. Yes it’s sweet, but it’s SIGNIFICANT. It’s complicated. I love that they are both imperfect and the grudge (you’ll have to read) works so well.
I love how Burke goes for subtle restraint. It’s just right, and I ached for his story, it’s tremendously powerful.
The story is set just off the languid red dirt backroads of Georgia in a field of pecan trees, and the writing is so rich I was there, in the humid conditions and family fun, along with the dogs and the laundry and that t-shirt drawer ;). A lovely sexy funny slow burn, James managed to balance the kids and animals so well. With the boot and the pool and the chickens and the pigs. And that red dirt.
Hate You Not is a love letter to her fans and everyone who loves banter and romance and longing and richter-scale worthy sexual tension. Unnnfff! His abs.
Burke may be an invention, but his intentions—mixed with his regret and loss, his brutal honesty—Burke is the perfect tonic to the steady diet of alphajerks that star in so many of the romances we read. I literally fell for him during his first clueless yet gobsmacked exchange with June.
Frankly, pretty sure there are more highlighted passages on my kindle than unhighlighted (chapter 10 is a tour de force in romance writing). A rarity for me. And that’s the thing. There’s not a wasted word here. Every scene, every passage has a moment. And the entire spell-binding relationship that grows out of their first meeting, their late night talks, their texts and deliveries, I love them. Burke and June stayed with me.
First and foremost this is a great story, rooted in reality with memorable characters that leave you breathless and craving more pages. You may even relish the massive book hangover that follows. God knows I’m in the middle of one.
You must know:
Burke Matheson is the Neville Longbottom of book boyfriends: at first glance the most unlikely of heroes, it turns out he’s everything, as essential as the oxygen we breath. *sigh* Burke Burke Burke
This story…I’m a puddle! Teary-eyed, aroused, and moved. So. Freaking. Moved. Burke and June will ruin you. Sweet and honest, a heartbreak of a story line, with a lava level slow burn that hits all the right buttons. Perfect! Ella James has reached a new level.
I cannot recommend this dusky escalating love story enough. Hate You Not is heartbeat and heartache and everything I love about enemies to lovers.
I was not expecting the charmsicle that is Burke Matheson. Burke is soooo extra. He’s not alpha, he's . . . I don't know. He's beyawesome (beyond awesome). And June Bug is every single one of us.
Read this book! Unbelievably moving, it’s destined to be on every 2020 Top Romance Reads List. It’s uniquely modern, deeply resonant, and hopelessly romantic.
I could not turn the pages fast enough and I lost a whole night of sleep. These characters, the deep storyline, it’s a true enemies to friends to lovers journey.
Oh my god. I. LOVE. BURKE. I fell in love at the first flirt, when Burke stuck his foot in his mouth and spent the next 300 pages extricating it, with his sex god looks, magic uncle vibe, and the nuclear chemistry he throws June’s way. I love that he’s so resourceful, and a bit of a steamroller. Which makes for great chemistry and banter with June, who is so self-contained, she doesn’t want what he’s offering. June is not immune. Their scenes together are IN-Tense.
Burke is amazing. And flockHOT. He’s kind and gentle and knows his way around her body from head to toes. He wants to bond so badly and his woke self slays me. Burke is the book boyfriend.
I loved it. Yes it’s sweet, but it’s SIGNIFICANT. It’s complicated. I love that they are both imperfect and the grudge (you’ll have to read) works so well.
I love how Burke goes for subtle restraint. It’s just right, and I ached for his story, it’s tremendously powerful.
The story is set just off the languid red dirt backroads of Georgia in a field of pecan trees, and the writing is so rich I was there, in the humid conditions and family fun, along with the dogs and the laundry and that t-shirt drawer ;). A lovely sexy funny slow burn, James managed to balance the kids and animals so well. With the boot and the pool and the chickens and the pigs. And that red dirt.
Hate You Not is a love letter to her fans and everyone who loves banter and romance and longing and richter-scale worthy sexual tension. Unnnfff! His abs.
Burke may be an invention, but his intentions—mixed with his regret and loss, his brutal honesty—Burke is the perfect tonic to the steady diet of alphajerks that star in so many of the romances we read. I literally fell for him during his first clueless yet gobsmacked exchange with June.
Frankly, pretty sure there are more highlighted passages on my kindle than unhighlighted (chapter 10 is a tour de force in romance writing). A rarity for me. And that’s the thing. There’s not a wasted word here. Every scene, every passage has a moment. And the entire spell-binding relationship that grows out of their first meeting, their late night talks, their texts and deliveries, I love them. Burke and June stayed with me.
First and foremost this is a great story, rooted in reality with memorable characters that leave you breathless and craving more pages. You may even relish the massive book hangover that follows. God knows I’m in the middle of one.
You must know:
Burke Matheson is the Neville Longbottom of book boyfriends: at first glance the most unlikely of heroes, it turns out he’s everything, as essential as the oxygen we breath. *sigh* Burke Burke Burke
February 19, 2020
June just inherited her six and nine year old niece and nephew!
Her older sister died in a car accident with her husband in San Francisco and June got the kids! Even though there were better options. Like people with money or jobs or her other sister - who already has kids and probably knows what she's doing!
But nope. June is now an auntie-mom.
Living with two little kids and two big dogs on her parents' dying farm in small-town Georgia.
Burke is the kids' uncle - their dad's older brother.
He wasn't in the country when his brother died and he's shocked to hear where the kids are now.
He needs to get them back into the city where they belong!
Off to Georgia we go ...
Let the fun times begin!
What will happen with June, Burke and the kids?
Will there be a HEA?
Read the book to find out! ☺
══════════════════
ADORABLE!
I loved reading this!
We start reading and we're right there in the car with June.
Ella describes every little detail so beautifully. I just loved that.
It's such a sweet and adorable romance - even though we don't really romance very much at the beginning! LOL! Those two can't stand each other - but of course there's also some insta attraction.
The kids are super adorable. And it's so heartbreaking to see how they miss their mom and dad! I might have had some eye leakage here and there!
We have some very funny moments and animal moments and arguing moments and it's all described so beautifully and just ... perfect. It's like I was watching it all happen on Netflix instead of reading the book!
But of course it's not all sweet southern and funny. We have some very sad & serious moments too.
Great Romance!
Wouldn't mind seeing this on Netflix one day!
Plus also - I really want some corn bread and sweet tea now! ☺
HATE YOU (NOT) was such an adorable & funny & heartbreaking enemies-to-lovers romance! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Burke - this one is MINE! ☺
💜
💜
February 17, 2020
5 Emotionally Charged Stars!
This enemies-to-lovers romance will break your heart at times but leave you smiling the rest. It’s heart-wrenching, yet heart-warming. I loved these characters and their journey to HEA.
Happily Ever Afters do exist. It’s time for Burke and June to get theirs.
June has suffered more than one devastating loss. Both events changed the entire course her life was headed. Now she's a full time farmer in Georgia and the guardian to her niece and nephew. After losing her sister and brother-in-law unexpectedly, she is thrust into parenthood. Luckily she is used to coming to the rescue and embraces her new role. She loves those kids.
Burke is a workaholic, over-achieving millionaire. The loss of his brother has left him reeling. Now to find out that he won't even get to raise his brother's kids, sets him on his path to Georgia. He's determined to convince June that the kids would be better off in California with him.
You catch more flies with honey, Burke would have been better served with that reminder. His attempts to bribe and manipulate fall on deaf ears. June is spunky and stubborn. She's not about to give them up, no matter the incentive or threat.
June and Burke definitely clash at first. Unfortunately (well maybe not), both of them also find the other incredibly attractive. SPARKS FLY! Spending time together only builds that tension and boy does it get HOT!!!
As they get to know one another, all preconceived notions fly out the window. We get to fall in love with Burke as he lets us see the real him. The man behind the obsessive work ethic with pain he hides from the world. I felt his heartache. It will tear you up to see him suffer. ALL THE FEELS with this one.
The author took us on a beautiful journey of loss and love. She shows us that love can heal the hurt and renew your faith in happily ever afters. I absolutely fell in love with these characters. This story was passionate and sexy. It also showed depth through the emotional journey these characters underwent to find their forever. You'll absolutely love this one!
This enemies-to-lovers romance will break your heart at times but leave you smiling the rest. It’s heart-wrenching, yet heart-warming. I loved these characters and their journey to HEA.
Happily Ever Afters do exist. It’s time for Burke and June to get theirs.
June has suffered more than one devastating loss. Both events changed the entire course her life was headed. Now she's a full time farmer in Georgia and the guardian to her niece and nephew. After losing her sister and brother-in-law unexpectedly, she is thrust into parenthood. Luckily she is used to coming to the rescue and embraces her new role. She loves those kids.
Burke is a workaholic, over-achieving millionaire. The loss of his brother has left him reeling. Now to find out that he won't even get to raise his brother's kids, sets him on his path to Georgia. He's determined to convince June that the kids would be better off in California with him.
You catch more flies with honey, Burke would have been better served with that reminder. His attempts to bribe and manipulate fall on deaf ears. June is spunky and stubborn. She's not about to give them up, no matter the incentive or threat.
June and Burke definitely clash at first. Unfortunately (well maybe not), both of them also find the other incredibly attractive. SPARKS FLY! Spending time together only builds that tension and boy does it get HOT!!!
As they get to know one another, all preconceived notions fly out the window. We get to fall in love with Burke as he lets us see the real him. The man behind the obsessive work ethic with pain he hides from the world. I felt his heartache. It will tear you up to see him suffer. ALL THE FEELS with this one.
The author took us on a beautiful journey of loss and love. She shows us that love can heal the hurt and renew your faith in happily ever afters. I absolutely fell in love with these characters. This story was passionate and sexy. It also showed depth through the emotional journey these characters underwent to find their forever. You'll absolutely love this one!
February 19, 2020
Ok... I’ve been seriously sitting here for a while not quite sure where to start with this review, my head and heart are mush right now. I’m just speechless!!! So many thoughts, emotions and play backs of SO many scenes I loved throughout this whole book are on a constant loop in my head making it nearly impossible to to try and write a review worthy of this book. That’s just how extraordinarily talented Ella James is ... her stories leave us speechless, breathless and struggling to get a hold of our emotions.
Ok!!! I can do this !!! Here goes 😍
I Flogging loved this so hard!!!! It seems I read this whole book in a fight with each different feeling trying to become the winner, I was crawling in emotions they were coming out of my pores. This story begs you to read without feeling anything , only to laugh at you and say “see, I knew you couldn’t last” I was tearing up in the first 5%. I knew this story was going to kill me and it did. It broke my heart then mended it all back together in a beautiful bubble with hearts and rainbows .
Ella James kicked some serious butt with this enemy to lovers tale. She doesn’t just get you with the smoking hot Burke visuals (and trust me ... there were many visuals) or the funny as hell banter, or sexy “melt your panties” sexual chemistry, she kills you with those two absolutely beautiful kids who just melt every single piece of your heart.
Burke & June ... Brought together through a current tragedy, they struggle with loss, guilt, pain and trying to do what’s right for their niece and nephew. June was awarded guardianship but Burke wants to take them home with him. He decides to go visit and thinks it will be easy to have her hand them over . Oh boy!!! Is he in for a rude shock . June is stubborn , smart , sassy, and hard headed, she will not stand for this smoking hot moneybags who thinks he can come in on his white horse to save the day. She doesn’t need saving thank you very much!!! and soon they are both giving us exactly what enemies looks like ... up close and personal.
I could not stop turning the pages, I was so obsessed with finding out everything there was to know about Burke, this man intrigued me like no other , I wanted to know what made him tick, I loved how the smaller picture of him gets so much bigger and time goes on. He is just stunning!!!! His tragic past gutted me, I had tears .. so many tears for him. I wanted a HEA he deserved and nobody would ever be good enough .. except June . As a leading Lady she was the absolute star. While these two find it difficult to lay some insults to rest, they also struggle with letting down their guards . Once they do though ... magic happens, like I mean ‘those hearts that constantly keep bugging out your eyes’ type magic. It’s electric and makes you feel like a giddy lovesick teenager.
I felt ALL THE FEELS.
This book is a ‘Must Read’ it was one of the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given. The journey to finding peace and happiness was hard and didn’t come without pain, but when you find somebody who can open you up, make you vulnerable while making you strong is someone to hold on to and never let go.
Ok!!! I can do this !!! Here goes 😍
I Flogging loved this so hard!!!! It seems I read this whole book in a fight with each different feeling trying to become the winner, I was crawling in emotions they were coming out of my pores. This story begs you to read without feeling anything , only to laugh at you and say “see, I knew you couldn’t last” I was tearing up in the first 5%. I knew this story was going to kill me and it did. It broke my heart then mended it all back together in a beautiful bubble with hearts and rainbows .
Ella James kicked some serious butt with this enemy to lovers tale. She doesn’t just get you with the smoking hot Burke visuals (and trust me ... there were many visuals) or the funny as hell banter, or sexy “melt your panties” sexual chemistry, she kills you with those two absolutely beautiful kids who just melt every single piece of your heart.
Burke & June ... Brought together through a current tragedy, they struggle with loss, guilt, pain and trying to do what’s right for their niece and nephew. June was awarded guardianship but Burke wants to take them home with him. He decides to go visit and thinks it will be easy to have her hand them over . Oh boy!!! Is he in for a rude shock . June is stubborn , smart , sassy, and hard headed, she will not stand for this smoking hot moneybags who thinks he can come in on his white horse to save the day. She doesn’t need saving thank you very much!!! and soon they are both giving us exactly what enemies looks like ... up close and personal.
I could not stop turning the pages, I was so obsessed with finding out everything there was to know about Burke, this man intrigued me like no other , I wanted to know what made him tick, I loved how the smaller picture of him gets so much bigger and time goes on. He is just stunning!!!! His tragic past gutted me, I had tears .. so many tears for him. I wanted a HEA he deserved and nobody would ever be good enough .. except June . As a leading Lady she was the absolute star. While these two find it difficult to lay some insults to rest, they also struggle with letting down their guards . Once they do though ... magic happens, like I mean ‘those hearts that constantly keep bugging out your eyes’ type magic. It’s electric and makes you feel like a giddy lovesick teenager.
I felt ALL THE FEELS.
This book is a ‘Must Read’ it was one of the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given. The journey to finding peace and happiness was hard and didn’t come without pain, but when you find somebody who can open you up, make you vulnerable while making you strong is someone to hold on to and never let go.
February 23, 2020
There’s a reason why Ella James is one of my one-click authors. She consistently crafts characters that I genuinely like, and stories that suck me in and make me feel.
Hate You (Not) is no exception. Ella James has a tendency to take general tropes and turn them on their heads, too. This enemies-to-lovers is not as light and fluffy as may seem, but honestly, that’s part of why I loved it. It gets 4.5 stars from me
I absolutely LOVE June. She’s determined, she’s hard working, and she takes no crap. On top of that, she’s got a huge heart, has a hilarious wry sense of humor, and is 100% confident in her sexuality. Ella James knows how to write steam scenes, and these were made even better because of June’s confidence, control, and sensuality. Seriously, I freaking love her.
Burke stumped me at first. I was expecting an alpha jerk, and while he started out as some cocky bully, he didn’t stay that way for long. Burke’s jerk-ness was fueled more by grief than personality, and he turned out to be quite caring and sensitive. His back story was definitely one that got me all twisted up, and while he was super sexy, he mostly let June take the lead, (which, let’s be real, is also super sexy).
Instead of Burke spending the first half of the book hating June, it’s mostly June trying to hate Burke and him trying to win her over. And I loved the way she painted small town southern life, because it was pretty spot on. I grew up in a very small town, and have now lived for several years in what’s considered the southern US. Not the Deep South, mind you, but still south of the Mason-Dixon, so I related to so much of this setting.
I’ll admit that I’ve struggled a bit in choosing a rating for this book. I’ve gone back and forth between a 4 and a 5, because I had trouble connecting with the ending. The HEA was beautiful, but there were a few things I didn’t love. I’ve settled at a 4.5, because even though the ending wasn’t my cup of tea, it’s wasn’t enough to change my love of the book as a whole, and it’s still beautifully written. So, Hate You (Not) gets 4.5 stars from me, and I genuinely loved it. It gets high recs from me!
CW:
NO cheating or OW/OM conflicts.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2HLwZEq
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3bMTkPT
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3bKS9k9
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2HD2pgs
Hate You (Not) is no exception. Ella James has a tendency to take general tropes and turn them on their heads, too. This enemies-to-lovers is not as light and fluffy as may seem, but honestly, that’s part of why I loved it. It gets 4.5 stars from me
I absolutely LOVE June. She’s determined, she’s hard working, and she takes no crap. On top of that, she’s got a huge heart, has a hilarious wry sense of humor, and is 100% confident in her sexuality. Ella James knows how to write steam scenes, and these were made even better because of June’s confidence, control, and sensuality. Seriously, I freaking love her.
Burke stumped me at first. I was expecting an alpha jerk, and while he started out as some cocky bully, he didn’t stay that way for long. Burke’s jerk-ness was fueled more by grief than personality, and he turned out to be quite caring and sensitive. His back story was definitely one that got me all twisted up, and while he was super sexy, he mostly let June take the lead, (which, let’s be real, is also super sexy).
Instead of Burke spending the first half of the book hating June, it’s mostly June trying to hate Burke and him trying to win her over. And I loved the way she painted small town southern life, because it was pretty spot on. I grew up in a very small town, and have now lived for several years in what’s considered the southern US. Not the Deep South, mind you, but still south of the Mason-Dixon, so I related to so much of this setting.
I’ll admit that I’ve struggled a bit in choosing a rating for this book. I’ve gone back and forth between a 4 and a 5, because I had trouble connecting with the ending. The HEA was beautiful, but there were a few things I didn’t love. I’ve settled at a 4.5, because even though the ending wasn’t my cup of tea, it’s wasn’t enough to change my love of the book as a whole, and it’s still beautifully written. So, Hate You (Not) gets 4.5 stars from me, and I genuinely loved it. It gets high recs from me!
CW:
NO cheating or OW/OM conflicts.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2HLwZEq
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3bMTkPT
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3bKS9k9
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2HD2pgs
February 17, 2020
4 STARS
This was a nice surprise, a great story with an interesting romance.I like the story line and the banter between the characters.Tragedy brought together June and Burke, at first they didn't like each other or this is what they thought!
June is strong and I liked her a lot!Burke make me laugh a lot and swoon!He was sexy!The kids were adorable!They might be from different places but they were perfect for each other!
This is my first book from this author and I'm going to read more for sure!
This was a nice surprise, a great story with an interesting romance.I like the story line and the banter between the characters.Tragedy brought together June and Burke, at first they didn't like each other or this is what they thought!
June is strong and I liked her a lot!Burke make me laugh a lot and swoon!He was sexy!The kids were adorable!They might be from different places but they were perfect for each other!
This is my first book from this author and I'm going to read more for sure!
February 17, 2020
4.5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was immediately transplanted into this story and I loved every moment. The author has a wonderful way of putting you head-first into the story. I loved all the details and the world-building was fantastic. I am from a small town in the south myself and grew up in the country so I loved drawing parallels from this book to my own experiences.
I thought that the character development in this book was fabulous. When you first start reading this book, the characters grab your attention straight away and you can't pull yourself away because you want more of them. The characters were distinct and memorable. I loved the side characters. The family relationships in this book are wonderful.
The romance in this book is an enemies-to-lovers trope and I think that the author really pulls it off well. When the main characters meet, they are definitely not the biggest fan of the other. One is presumptuous and the other is prideful. At first, these two clash like oil and water and then something happens to bring them closer and the walls start falling down.
I loved this plot. It was sort of tragic and bittersweet at the same time. These two souls find their way together and they wouldn't have without the bad stuff happening in their lives. I thought that the plot was clever and well planned out. The pacing of the story was perfect and I was so glued to these pages. The ending was so perfect and I couldn't have asked for better.
Overall, this was a story that really dug into my soul a little bit. I was so enamored with these characters and their story is one that really spoke to me. I'm so glad to have read this story and I will be checking out more stories by this author for sure.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I was immediately transplanted into this story and I loved every moment. The author has a wonderful way of putting you head-first into the story. I loved all the details and the world-building was fantastic. I am from a small town in the south myself and grew up in the country so I loved drawing parallels from this book to my own experiences.
I thought that the character development in this book was fabulous. When you first start reading this book, the characters grab your attention straight away and you can't pull yourself away because you want more of them. The characters were distinct and memorable. I loved the side characters. The family relationships in this book are wonderful.
The romance in this book is an enemies-to-lovers trope and I think that the author really pulls it off well. When the main characters meet, they are definitely not the biggest fan of the other. One is presumptuous and the other is prideful. At first, these two clash like oil and water and then something happens to bring them closer and the walls start falling down.
I loved this plot. It was sort of tragic and bittersweet at the same time. These two souls find their way together and they wouldn't have without the bad stuff happening in their lives. I thought that the plot was clever and well planned out. The pacing of the story was perfect and I was so glued to these pages. The ending was so perfect and I couldn't have asked for better.
Overall, this was a story that really dug into my soul a little bit. I was so enamored with these characters and their story is one that really spoke to me. I'm so glad to have read this story and I will be checking out more stories by this author for sure.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
February 19, 2020
“Sometimes the villain turns out to be the prince.”
Hate You Not is one of those books that I knew I would love, but it’s also one that just makes you sit back and sigh. In a good way that is. It’s just a satisfying read that is a bit of a journey, but ends very full circle. You’ve got this spunky and sassy heroine that’s from a small town, and you have a hero who is the total opposite. He’s reserved and he’s bossy. Not only that, but they both have these two children that they love, who have just lost their parents, so it’s all this sad emotion and all this tense emotion between the leads. It’s just... a great read. Ella James really never fails me when it comes to a well written story, and Hate You Not is no exception!
Hate You Not is one of those books that I knew I would love, but it’s also one that just makes you sit back and sigh. In a good way that is. It’s just a satisfying read that is a bit of a journey, but ends very full circle. You’ve got this spunky and sassy heroine that’s from a small town, and you have a hero who is the total opposite. He’s reserved and he’s bossy. Not only that, but they both have these two children that they love, who have just lost their parents, so it’s all this sad emotion and all this tense emotion between the leads. It’s just... a great read. Ella James really never fails me when it comes to a well written story, and Hate You Not is no exception!
January 19, 2021
It has been a while since I read a enemy to lover in a setting of co parenting. Miss James is not a new author for me. I like some of her books. Hate You (Not) has a lot of feels. What can I say? I am in love. The relationship between Burke and June is cute and sweet. The story is not overdone with cheesy and whole lot alpha male.
The relationship is more realistic. Their banter is have a lot of the right punch. The plot is min angst and very enjoyable to read in lazy day. I listened to the audio book during my hectic day at office. And the story keeps me sane. The sexy scenes are there but more demure/ polite. I am not complaining.
Overall this is a wonderful book. Just sweet. Oh and it has corn bread and sweet tea.
4 stars
The relationship is more realistic. Their banter is have a lot of the right punch. The plot is min angst and very enjoyable to read in lazy day. I listened to the audio book during my hectic day at office. And the story keeps me sane. The sexy scenes are there but more demure/ polite. I am not complaining.
Overall this is a wonderful book. Just sweet. Oh and it has corn bread and sweet tea.
4 stars
February 18, 2020
How can you not fall in love with this book? 'Hate You Not' is a brilliantly written romance story at the pen of Ella James.
The South being the very beautiful June and the North being the cold hard Burke meet head on in this story of family tragedy, love and lust. When tragedy strikes and June's sister and husband who live in San Fransisco are killed for some reason that June still can't figure out her niece and nephew come to live with her on the struggling family farm in Heat Springs right in the deep south where they are surrounded by their other aunt and uncle. As well as an assortment of, pigs, dogs and chickens, all family pets, well the dogs weren't to start with but you will have to read the book to find out that story!
Oliver and Margot June's two young charges love at first to make fun of their aunts 'southern twang' but it's not long before the charm of the south rubs off, unfortunately the same can't be said for dear ole 'Uncle Burke' who's sole purpose when he comes back from one of his many trips abroad is to move the children back up north to resume the life of city living. Thinking that he can go down to the little farm that isn't doing to well meet his brother's sister-in-law that he has never seen and offer her money to give him the kids especially as she must be dim as she never finished school.
But you know how the saying goes 'never judge a book by its colour' well never judge June's southern hospitality for being a push over; she will fight to keep the children with her even if means going against the tough; more money than sense handsome Burke. Only she just can't stop thinking about how hot he is even when they argue over Harry Potter, and she may have changed her panties a time or 2 especially when he shows off that very sexy body. And Burke may have forgotten why he was angry with June when she smiles at him. But June has seen a pain deep in Burke that has nothing to do with the loss of his brother and when things get a little to real for Burke he does the only thing he can he runs and leaves June wondering if he will ever come back and what exactly has Burke buried so deep down inside that it threatens any chance he has to live a full live with a happy ending!
The South being the very beautiful June and the North being the cold hard Burke meet head on in this story of family tragedy, love and lust. When tragedy strikes and June's sister and husband who live in San Fransisco are killed for some reason that June still can't figure out her niece and nephew come to live with her on the struggling family farm in Heat Springs right in the deep south where they are surrounded by their other aunt and uncle. As well as an assortment of, pigs, dogs and chickens, all family pets, well the dogs weren't to start with but you will have to read the book to find out that story!
Oliver and Margot June's two young charges love at first to make fun of their aunts 'southern twang' but it's not long before the charm of the south rubs off, unfortunately the same can't be said for dear ole 'Uncle Burke' who's sole purpose when he comes back from one of his many trips abroad is to move the children back up north to resume the life of city living. Thinking that he can go down to the little farm that isn't doing to well meet his brother's sister-in-law that he has never seen and offer her money to give him the kids especially as she must be dim as she never finished school.
But you know how the saying goes 'never judge a book by its colour' well never judge June's southern hospitality for being a push over; she will fight to keep the children with her even if means going against the tough; more money than sense handsome Burke. Only she just can't stop thinking about how hot he is even when they argue over Harry Potter, and she may have changed her panties a time or 2 especially when he shows off that very sexy body. And Burke may have forgotten why he was angry with June when she smiles at him. But June has seen a pain deep in Burke that has nothing to do with the loss of his brother and when things get a little to real for Burke he does the only thing he can he runs and leaves June wondering if he will ever come back and what exactly has Burke buried so deep down inside that it threatens any chance he has to live a full live with a happy ending!
March 5, 2020
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was an enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down at first -- which says a lot! I, however, started to lose that feeling after a while and especially towards the last 1/4ish. I was confused by the H's overall character if I'm being completely honest. He seemed to be too complex, and not in a good way. It just didn't seem consistent. There is also this breakthrough for him in the last part (that I really struggled with) where he comes to terms with his past. I felt confused by this whole thing. It felt almost like a different storyline that was heavy and covered some elements (BIG SPOILER) that felt was introduced and then pushed aside in a way that didn't do them justice -- and left me scratching my head as to why the author went that route in the first place. They didn't seem all that relevant in the long run other than to excuse the H ghosting the h...which I definitely wasn't a fan of. It seemed completely immature and I felt the h forgave mulch too easily. Okay! Rant over...sorry about that 😅 I liked most of the book but the last part ruined it for me...so I'm going with a middle of the road 3 stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is June and Burke's story. They both lost siblings and June finds herself with two small children to care for. Burke refuses to let his brother's kids grow up with the woman he only knows on paper, and he heads to the small town in Georgia to set things straight. They bump heads at first, but then form a friendship of sorts that eventually turns into more. There are some sad moments, some funny scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between June and Burke's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the last 1/4ish. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Burke. He was likable at times but I felt as though I was confused by his character a lot of the time. He would run hot and cold but then be overly apologetic but still ghost her...🤷🏻♀️
h (heroine) rating:
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
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: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes a few times
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had alright closure with what I would call a HFN ending even though many others would probably be fine with classifying it as a HEA. It just didn't quite have enough for me to do so myself .
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: This was an enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down at first -- which says a lot! I, however, started to lose that feeling after a while and especially towards the last 1/4ish. I was confused by the H's overall character if I'm being completely honest. He seemed to be too complex, and not in a good way. It just didn't seem consistent. There is also this breakthrough for him in the last part (that I really struggled with) where he comes to terms with his past. I felt confused by this whole thing. It felt almost like a different storyline that was heavy and covered some elements (BIG SPOILER) that felt was introduced and then pushed aside in a way that didn't do them justice -- and left me scratching my head as to why the author went that route in the first place. They didn't seem all that relevant in the long run other than to excuse the H ghosting the h...which I definitely wasn't a fan of. It seemed completely immature and I felt the h forgave mulch too easily. Okay! Rant over...sorry about that 😅 I liked most of the book but the last part ruined it for me...so I'm going with a middle of the road 3 stars.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is June and Burke's story. They both lost siblings and June finds herself with two small children to care for. Burke refuses to let his brother's kids grow up with the woman he only knows on paper, and he heads to the small town in Georgia to set things straight. They bump heads at first, but then form a friendship of sorts that eventually turns into more. There are some sad moments, some funny scenes, and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between June and Burke's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the last 1/4ish. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 3 stars. Burke. He was likable at times but I felt as though I was confused by his character a lot of the time. He would run hot and cold but then be overly apologetic but still ghost her...🤷🏻♀️
h (heroine) rating:
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
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: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes a few times
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had alright closure with what I would call a HFN ending even though many others would probably be fine with classifying it as a HEA. It just didn't quite have enough for me to do so myself .
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Read
March 17, 2020I really tried to keep reading but I couldn’t connect with the characters. All the narrations and inner thoughts didn’t manage to keep my interest.
Dnf @ 28%.
Dnf @ 28%.
February 16, 2020
Burke finds his woman amusing, “do I drive?” This time I can’t help a laugh. “You mean at home?” I grin at her. “You think my driving skills are ****, huh?” I liked that June had a temper on her, "oh, I effin’ bet it was.” She whirls on her heel and stalks inside. Even the puppies must be able to feel the rage that’s rolling off her. They scamper after her..." I liked this book, I loved Burke
February 25, 2020
Hilarious! Brilliant! Intense! Loved this enemies to lovers book! The addition of the animals and kids completely the perfect hea for me!
February 27, 2020
After the tragic death of her sister and brother in law, June finds herself the sole guardian of her young niece and nephew. She feels conflicted about taking them away from the only home and life they have ever known. They are moving from a big city to the family farm in a remote, rural town. However, this is where their mother grew up and this is what she wanted for her children in the event of something happening.
As Margot and Oliver begin to adjust to their new home they begin to embrace the country life, loving all the animals they now have around them every day and enjoying having cousins to play with. Living with Aunty June is kind of cool, she is fun, smothers them with love and they are settling into the farming lifestyle.
Then Uncle Burke turns up on their doorstep, flashing his money around and spoiling them with ‘things.’ June doesn’t think she has ever met such an arrogant, pompous douche. She can’t deny how much the kids love him though. His intention is to take the children back to the life they are accustomed to and in doing so he thinks he is doing June a favour.
Burke completely underestimated June and the fact that she is gorgeous has not gone unnoticed by him either. He can see how much she loves Oliver and Margot but surely she can see his point of view, rationally. He can give them what his brother wanted but he is slowly beginning to understand that what he thinks is best for them may be letting them be where they have a guarantee of more stability. He has a busy life and career so won’t be able to always be present with them like June can.
June’s initial assessment of Burke changes the more she gets to know him, they have something important in common, they both love Margot and Oliver. Their happiness comes first and although they may have different ideas of what that looks like, eventually they do work things out between them. Something else emerges from all of this hate/love thing they have going on, they actually discover that they like each other and one thing leads to another…
Oh yes, things change and I’m not going to say anymore about that. This was a fun read with lots of laugh out loud moments and a whole lot of cuteness too.
As Margot and Oliver begin to adjust to their new home they begin to embrace the country life, loving all the animals they now have around them every day and enjoying having cousins to play with. Living with Aunty June is kind of cool, she is fun, smothers them with love and they are settling into the farming lifestyle.
Then Uncle Burke turns up on their doorstep, flashing his money around and spoiling them with ‘things.’ June doesn’t think she has ever met such an arrogant, pompous douche. She can’t deny how much the kids love him though. His intention is to take the children back to the life they are accustomed to and in doing so he thinks he is doing June a favour.
Burke completely underestimated June and the fact that she is gorgeous has not gone unnoticed by him either. He can see how much she loves Oliver and Margot but surely she can see his point of view, rationally. He can give them what his brother wanted but he is slowly beginning to understand that what he thinks is best for them may be letting them be where they have a guarantee of more stability. He has a busy life and career so won’t be able to always be present with them like June can.
June’s initial assessment of Burke changes the more she gets to know him, they have something important in common, they both love Margot and Oliver. Their happiness comes first and although they may have different ideas of what that looks like, eventually they do work things out between them. Something else emerges from all of this hate/love thing they have going on, they actually discover that they like each other and one thing leads to another…
Oh yes, things change and I’m not going to say anymore about that. This was a fun read with lots of laugh out loud moments and a whole lot of cuteness too.
February 23, 2020
4 stars
I had read two books by Ella James so far, both that left me with a lasting impression of a writer master at writing angst and complex stories. Hate You Not is a very good read but it’s Ella James’s sweet side here.
Yes you’ll get sad moments and a secret to uncover by the end, I guess it wouldn’t be Ella James otherwise, but I experienced this one rather like a sweet story with some bitter on the side.
The synopsis says it all: June, a young woman who never finished high school will become the legal guardian of her daughter’s two young kids after a car crash.
Enters Burke, the kid’s uncle who is loaded, a workaholic and determined to get the guardianship. Surely a woman without any diploma and living in the middle of nowhere, in a small town filled with rednecks is not suited to take care of his nephew and niece?
As Burke comes all high and mighty, condescending, you can imagine how well their first meet went!
This will be an “enemies to lovers” romance very easy and entertaining to read!
June is a loveable heroine. Truly. The one you want as best friend. The one you’d leave your kids in a will. She lives on her family’s property trying to make by. June will end up with tons of pat animals and they were all adorable from horse to puppy to goat, piglet etc.
Sunny, loyal, hard working she is determined to do her best to raise these kids.
“She does a little twirl, reminding me of the cheerleader she used to be. And she says, “Well, I make cakes. Really good ones. I could be a chef or something, but I like being a farmer better.””
Burke is smart, gorgeous and comes as very judgmental at first. Once he meets June, he’ll change tactics as he can’t ignore how attractive she is!
He is deep down a good guy but he has a hard past, some secrets, that will make him behave like a douche once or twice.
Ella James wrote a small-town romance, making the South alive with all its clichés and traditions. Filled with colorful characters and oscillating between humor, heat and sadness.
I can’t resist to share with you another quote that had me laughing while reading on the train and that is the perfect symbol of a competitive “enemies to lovers” story:
“I arch a brow. Nope. I don’t. He grins as he tickles Oliver, and it’s a wicked, evil grin. I know, it says. And I love it that you hate me. I’m a villain, so this is my version of fun. Fuck villains, I say with my face. But not literally.”
Have you read it?
Thanks for reading
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
I had read two books by Ella James so far, both that left me with a lasting impression of a writer master at writing angst and complex stories. Hate You Not is a very good read but it’s Ella James’s sweet side here.
Yes you’ll get sad moments and a secret to uncover by the end, I guess it wouldn’t be Ella James otherwise, but I experienced this one rather like a sweet story with some bitter on the side.
The synopsis says it all: June, a young woman who never finished high school will become the legal guardian of her daughter’s two young kids after a car crash.
Enters Burke, the kid’s uncle who is loaded, a workaholic and determined to get the guardianship. Surely a woman without any diploma and living in the middle of nowhere, in a small town filled with rednecks is not suited to take care of his nephew and niece?
As Burke comes all high and mighty, condescending, you can imagine how well their first meet went!
This will be an “enemies to lovers” romance very easy and entertaining to read!
June is a loveable heroine. Truly. The one you want as best friend. The one you’d leave your kids in a will. She lives on her family’s property trying to make by. June will end up with tons of pat animals and they were all adorable from horse to puppy to goat, piglet etc.
Sunny, loyal, hard working she is determined to do her best to raise these kids.
“She does a little twirl, reminding me of the cheerleader she used to be. And she says, “Well, I make cakes. Really good ones. I could be a chef or something, but I like being a farmer better.””
Burke is smart, gorgeous and comes as very judgmental at first. Once he meets June, he’ll change tactics as he can’t ignore how attractive she is!
He is deep down a good guy but he has a hard past, some secrets, that will make him behave like a douche once or twice.
Ella James wrote a small-town romance, making the South alive with all its clichés and traditions. Filled with colorful characters and oscillating between humor, heat and sadness.
I can’t resist to share with you another quote that had me laughing while reading on the train and that is the perfect symbol of a competitive “enemies to lovers” story:
“I arch a brow. Nope. I don’t. He grins as he tickles Oliver, and it’s a wicked, evil grin. I know, it says. And I love it that you hate me. I’m a villain, so this is my version of fun. Fuck villains, I say with my face. But not literally.”
Have you read it?
Thanks for reading
Sophie
Find me on:
Wordpress: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook: Beware Of The Reader
Facebook group : Beware Book Boyfriends Alert
Instagram: @bewareofthereader
Twitter: @BewareOffReader
February 23, 2020
Give me an enemies-to-lovers book and I’ll be instantly invested in it. It’s my all time favourite kind of read and Hate You (Not) is exactly that. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful all wrapped up into one big ball of emotions.
June has gone through a lot, she’s suffered with losses that changed her life and left her with kids that aren’t hers. She’s a farmer full time and her life is hard but being the amazing person she is she embraces it and gets on with it.
Burke gets what he wants when he wants. Being a millionaire he’s used to getting anything but that changes when he looses his brother and his niece and nephew aren’t put in to his custody but someone else’s instead. He’s an awful and manipulative but that won’t go down with the woman he aims them at.
watching how hard these two clash is intriguing. It had me hooked throughout the book and I just couldn’t get enough. They’re both attractive and soon realise it.
Ella James truly knows how to write an incredible book. I absolutely adore her writing especially this one. I fell so hard for these characters and honestly, they’re gonna be in my heard for a long time.
June has gone through a lot, she’s suffered with losses that changed her life and left her with kids that aren’t hers. She’s a farmer full time and her life is hard but being the amazing person she is she embraces it and gets on with it.
Burke gets what he wants when he wants. Being a millionaire he’s used to getting anything but that changes when he looses his brother and his niece and nephew aren’t put in to his custody but someone else’s instead. He’s an awful and manipulative but that won’t go down with the woman he aims them at.
watching how hard these two clash is intriguing. It had me hooked throughout the book and I just couldn’t get enough. They’re both attractive and soon realise it.
Ella James truly knows how to write an incredible book. I absolutely adore her writing especially this one. I fell so hard for these characters and honestly, they’re gonna be in my heard for a long time.
January 1, 2022
Everything was mediocre. Nothing to remember. It’s a story about a millionaire who delivers himself to the small town farmer girl’s doors. It supposed to be ‘enemies to lovers’ story, but they are enemies for literally two days and than they are already crashing on each other. Although no idea why… they had nothing in common apart from loving Harry Potter (but who doesn’t love it?).
February 20, 2020
The premise of this book sounded amazing and I was stoked to get my hands on this book. Sadly an amazing premise is drowned and killed by horrendously awkward dialogue (both inner and between characters) and the lack of chemistry between any of the characters. It was boring. So beyond boring I found my eyes glazing over several times in the first chapter. Just blah blah blah.
This one star is not for the book itself, but for the tiny picture of the piggie at the beginning of each chapter.
This one star is not for the book itself, but for the tiny picture of the piggie at the beginning of each chapter.
February 19, 2020
This is the first book that I've read by this author and oh my is it brilliant. I was not disappointed all and neither will you be either. This book is a must read.
June gets her life totally flipped upside down after a major tragedy happens and throws many peoples lives up in the air. She didn't even know that she was the person that would get the call and would go to if anything did happen. June's sister and her husband died in an accident and June got the call to take care of the kids, her niece and nephew are still young at age 6 and 9. They go and stay on her parents farm in the small town in Georgia and June has to now try and navigate being a second mom to these young children and her heart. June is a real cool sassy women who wont take any crap and you have faith in her to be able to manage anything that is thrown at her.
Burke is a really sweet, loyal man,who is also very rich and sexy to boot. Al he ever does is work and is quite obsessed a total workaholic. At first he does come across to June as quite mean but she later learns the reason for his moodiness.
When they first meet they don't get along very well but when other things start to happen and go wrong they are both forced to put there differences aside for the sake of the children. Burke will try anything to get the children so he can bring them up on his own, only it doesn't play out that way.
Can they put there own problems aside and do what is best for the children ?
Can these souls really have there own happily ever after ?
( NO SPOILERS ).
There chemistry is off the charts and they both drive each other crazy with there banter which is quite sweet to see, they both find each other incredibly sexy and there sexual chemistry is sizzling. This book is a slow burn romance and a total enemies to lovers romance. I feel myself really rooting for these characters to work everything out and find myself turning the pages non stop to see what was going to happen. I genuinely couldn't put this book down. I really liked this authors writing style and I cant wait to read more of her work.
This book will really pull on your heart strings and will have your emotions all over the place. This book has a lot of heartbreak and you really feel for what they are going through, all of them including the children are suffering with loss and are grieving. It will totally pull on your heart and is very very raw to see. I really liked the characters in this book and at first I didn't think I was going to like Burke but he changed my mind.
This author has written this story so beautiful and really makes you feel everything, the hurt, the pain, the loss and then the love that they all feel together.
I will recommend this book to everyone because it was very beautiful to read and everyone should read it.
Thank you to the author and to the publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out now.
June gets her life totally flipped upside down after a major tragedy happens and throws many peoples lives up in the air. She didn't even know that she was the person that would get the call and would go to if anything did happen. June's sister and her husband died in an accident and June got the call to take care of the kids, her niece and nephew are still young at age 6 and 9. They go and stay on her parents farm in the small town in Georgia and June has to now try and navigate being a second mom to these young children and her heart. June is a real cool sassy women who wont take any crap and you have faith in her to be able to manage anything that is thrown at her.
Burke is a really sweet, loyal man,who is also very rich and sexy to boot. Al he ever does is work and is quite obsessed a total workaholic. At first he does come across to June as quite mean but she later learns the reason for his moodiness.
When they first meet they don't get along very well but when other things start to happen and go wrong they are both forced to put there differences aside for the sake of the children. Burke will try anything to get the children so he can bring them up on his own, only it doesn't play out that way.
Can they put there own problems aside and do what is best for the children ?
Can these souls really have there own happily ever after ?
( NO SPOILERS ).
There chemistry is off the charts and they both drive each other crazy with there banter which is quite sweet to see, they both find each other incredibly sexy and there sexual chemistry is sizzling. This book is a slow burn romance and a total enemies to lovers romance. I feel myself really rooting for these characters to work everything out and find myself turning the pages non stop to see what was going to happen. I genuinely couldn't put this book down. I really liked this authors writing style and I cant wait to read more of her work.
This book will really pull on your heart strings and will have your emotions all over the place. This book has a lot of heartbreak and you really feel for what they are going through, all of them including the children are suffering with loss and are grieving. It will totally pull on your heart and is very very raw to see. I really liked the characters in this book and at first I didn't think I was going to like Burke but he changed my mind.
This author has written this story so beautiful and really makes you feel everything, the hurt, the pain, the loss and then the love that they all feel together.
I will recommend this book to everyone because it was very beautiful to read and everyone should read it.
Thank you to the author and to the publishers for allowing me to read an early copy of this book.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out now.
Shelved as 'not-interested'
February 25, 2020Reading reviews,the conclusion I came up with is that this book is boring,doesn’t deliver what was promised and the connection between H/h is nonexistent and felt forced.
March 8, 2020
4.5 Stars
February 18, 2020
I dare you to not fall in love with this book!
Sexy, swoony, and heartbreaking, this story had me from the first page all the way to the last. June never expected to be guardian to her niece and nephew, yet here she is bringing them away from the hustle and bustle of city life to the Podunk town she grew up in. She's trying her best when their uncle, whom she's never met, comes and decides he will be getting those kids. This is enemies-to-lovers at its best, sparks fly, and then Burke works on unsticking his foot from his mouth the entire time. I loved it. The characters, the story, all fantastic. Love this riveting romance!
Sexy, swoony, and heartbreaking, this story had me from the first page all the way to the last. June never expected to be guardian to her niece and nephew, yet here she is bringing them away from the hustle and bustle of city life to the Podunk town she grew up in. She's trying her best when their uncle, whom she's never met, comes and decides he will be getting those kids. This is enemies-to-lovers at its best, sparks fly, and then Burke works on unsticking his foot from his mouth the entire time. I loved it. The characters, the story, all fantastic. Love this riveting romance!
March 11, 2020
I think I read a different book from everyone else who loved this "emotionally charged" story.
And I'm sorry, but calling this an "enemies-to-lovers" story is really a stretch. Because they "disliked" each other for like 2 or 3 days. Come on. *rolls eyes*
I think the story could've been way better but, for me, it dragged quite a bit and strayed all over the place. Is this supposed to be cute and light? Or a deeply emotional, angsty-filled tearjerker? Pacing felt so off and stunted.
And then when we get towards the end, there are all these revelations about the H. Like, seriously, why are you telling me this now about him when we're like 2 chapters before the book ends? Whyyyyyyyyy are you dropping bombs nowwwwwwww? What's the freaking point? Why didn't you do this wayyyyyyy earlier in the story?
Lastly, this was a HFN story. And I hate HFN endings.
And I'm sorry, but calling this an "enemies-to-lovers" story is really a stretch. Because they "disliked" each other for like 2 or 3 days. Come on. *rolls eyes*
I think the story could've been way better but, for me, it dragged quite a bit and strayed all over the place. Is this supposed to be cute and light? Or a deeply emotional, angsty-filled tearjerker? Pacing felt so off and stunted.
And then when we get towards the end, there are all these revelations about the H. Like, seriously, why are you telling me this now about him when we're like 2 chapters before the book ends? Whyyyyyyyyy are you dropping bombs nowwwwwwww? What's the freaking point? Why didn't you do this wayyyyyyy earlier in the story?
Lastly, this was a HFN story. And I hate HFN endings.
February 18, 2020
A sweet, funny and sexy enemy to lover romance with small town feels, Hate You Not is a must read for it's so beautifully written with characters that just stole your heart easily.
June have to be guardian to two children after her sister and brother in law died in terrible accident. It wasn't easy for both children who just lost their parents to move to this little town out of no where from big city. But June have her way and big heart with family to support her in her small farm. Until Uncle Burke come with his condescending judgemental attitude.
Burke is a diva. A rich big city boy, he know for sure the only thing spinster aunt June Bug with a farm that didn't make anything, only goal of having his nephews in her custody is to have their inheritance for her own benefits. And he won't allowed it.
Armed with solid confidance and money to buy June, Burke only meet with beautiful, warm hearted, smart mouth, brilliant and sassy not spinster June Lawler.
Between two dogs, two puppies, a redneck brother, over familiar sister, country bumkin friends, moonshine party, rodeo gone wrong... Something change. Feelings grow. Spark flies. Steamy boiling. But Burke have secret he won't let anyone specially June, know about it.
Secret he believe could get people around him dead like his mom.
June have to be guardian to two children after her sister and brother in law died in terrible accident. It wasn't easy for both children who just lost their parents to move to this little town out of no where from big city. But June have her way and big heart with family to support her in her small farm. Until Uncle Burke come with his condescending judgemental attitude.
Burke is a diva. A rich big city boy, he know for sure the only thing spinster aunt June Bug with a farm that didn't make anything, only goal of having his nephews in her custody is to have their inheritance for her own benefits. And he won't allowed it.
Armed with solid confidance and money to buy June, Burke only meet with beautiful, warm hearted, smart mouth, brilliant and sassy not spinster June Lawler.
Between two dogs, two puppies, a redneck brother, over familiar sister, country bumkin friends, moonshine party, rodeo gone wrong... Something change. Feelings grow. Spark flies. Steamy boiling. But Burke have secret he won't let anyone specially June, know about it.
Secret he believe could get people around him dead like his mom.
Shelved as 'dnf'
February 24, 2020DNF at 21%
not really feeling it. I think this is the third book i’ve DNF’d by this author so I guess that means it’s time to move on
not really feeling it. I think this is the third book i’ve DNF’d by this author so I guess that means it’s time to move on
October 2, 2021
Sweet slow-burn romance with a few triggers. 3.5 stars, rounded up
There were moments, it was too slow for me. I do like children in books, but I don't necessarily have to read about every single interaction of the MCs with them. It felt too long and the chemistry between June and Burke wasn't strong enough to keep me entertained at all times.
Apart from that, it was a great story, especially enjoyed the setting in Southern Georgia. I'm goin' to bake me some cornbread today 😂
March 16, 2020
Awesome girl falls for asshole boy. Stop romanticizing lackluster men.
February 17, 2020
I have written hundreds of reviews, and still struggle with the beginning. For me, the first line in a review is a make it or break it. So I try my hardest to make sure I start off with something profound to catch the attention of like minded readers, but when I am dealing with such a profound author, it makes it that more difficult for me and with such book as this one, I'm still over here trying to find the words to put down. So I am going to go ahead and apologize in advance.
Hate You Not took a completely different direction than I thought it would go. This Enemies - To - Lovers Romance features a sweet Southern Belle that gives as good as she gets and a Tech Savvy City Slicker that likes to ruffle more than a few feathers. For me, the beginning took off at a slower pace than I preferred, and I was trying really hard not to hate the Hero. So that's why I rated Hate You Not at a 4 Star review. Before I continue, I need it to be known that the Hero more than redeemed himself.
With that said, I shall continue with why this book is so amazing. Ella James knows how to weave a tale of essentially two broken souls, trying to find their footing. Her writing was easy to follow along to, and it wasn't long before she completely captivated me. Hate You Not held angst with a tad of mysteriousness, but also held witty banter within the dialogue that had me laughing my tale off. When I say June and Burke's story had depth, I mean it had DEPTH. This author reached into the recess of my soul with the depth that June and Burke's story took. It was sad, but BEAUTIFUL. The emotions were real, the heart of the story was real, this story was just real.
The chemistry was different than I am used to, but in a good way. It was more subtle and slow to take besides the obvious physical attractions. It was nice to see chemistry based off of seeing someone behind the lens. I felt there was more of a personal connection and because of that it made this love story more wholesome.
I can keep going and going but that would just be a bad deal for us all. Overall, Hate You Not is an amazing story, and I am so glad I had the chance to read it. I look forward to more work by this author.
*I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK
*FULL REVIEW UNDER REVIEWS FROM THE HEART
~ Ashley
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Hate You Not took a completely different direction than I thought it would go. This Enemies - To - Lovers Romance features a sweet Southern Belle that gives as good as she gets and a Tech Savvy City Slicker that likes to ruffle more than a few feathers. For me, the beginning took off at a slower pace than I preferred, and I was trying really hard not to hate the Hero. So that's why I rated Hate You Not at a 4 Star review. Before I continue, I need it to be known that the Hero more than redeemed himself.
With that said, I shall continue with why this book is so amazing. Ella James knows how to weave a tale of essentially two broken souls, trying to find their footing. Her writing was easy to follow along to, and it wasn't long before she completely captivated me. Hate You Not held angst with a tad of mysteriousness, but also held witty banter within the dialogue that had me laughing my tale off. When I say June and Burke's story had depth, I mean it had DEPTH. This author reached into the recess of my soul with the depth that June and Burke's story took. It was sad, but BEAUTIFUL. The emotions were real, the heart of the story was real, this story was just real.
The chemistry was different than I am used to, but in a good way. It was more subtle and slow to take besides the obvious physical attractions. It was nice to see chemistry based off of seeing someone behind the lens. I felt there was more of a personal connection and because of that it made this love story more wholesome.
I can keep going and going but that would just be a bad deal for us all. Overall, Hate You Not is an amazing story, and I am so glad I had the chance to read it. I look forward to more work by this author.
*I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK
*FULL REVIEW UNDER REVIEWS FROM THE HEART
~ Ashley
Follow the blog:
Instagram: http://bit.ly/RftHInstagram
Blog: http://bit.ly/RftHBlog
Facebook: http://bit.ly/RftHFacebook
Twitter: http://bit.ly/RftHTwitter
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/RftHBookBub
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RftHGoodreads
MeWe: http://bit.ly/RfthBlogMeWe
February 18, 2020
4 Small Town Crowns
I love Ella James her writing is so effortless and charming, and this book is a reflection of that. Her ease with words draws you into her stories and wraps around you like a warm blanket on a cold night, warming you up from the inside out. Reading her stories feels a lot of times like coming home, and it’s a genuinely nice feeling.
His mouth clamps over mine so hard and fast that I gasp. When I do, his tongue glides into my mouth. He kisses with what has got to be some pent-up lust.
Burke plays at being a bad guy but really, he’s just a broken man trying to keep his life together. Tragedy ultimately brings him and June together, but slowly as they spend more time together you can feel the connection between them growing. They couldn’t be any more different coming from such polar opposite backgrounds, but I think that’s why they work so well, those differences help them heal.
He tastes like peach and nighttime, like pool water and pain and just a pinch of starlight.
June is the ultimate girl next door she is a sassy stubborn woman and I loved it. She never backed down from Burke, she stood up for herself and her family, even when he was being a monstrous ass. I think that’s one of the things that drew Burke to her, he is so used to woman just throwing themselves at him he wasn’t used to one openly hating him. And I think that her openness and truth of how she felt about him helps him to see something more in her.
It’s like jumping off a cliff—this fierce attraction and admitting it. Off-limits, insensible and reckless.
These two characters are damaged in their own ways, they’ve had a lot of tragedy in their individual worlds, but I think that their souls can feel a kinship because of that. Everyone want’s someone to understand them and help them when they need it. It’s a universal human trait to want that connection even if you’d never considered it before. So, I think when your soul meet’s it’s mate you will find your way to each other eventually.
I have the sense he’s been waiting for me. His eyes hold mine, and I’d bet the whole world that he has been.
Ella has created a heartwarming tale of the power of family, forgiveness and acceptance. These characters are lovely and when you read this you’ll feel like your reading about long lost friends.
I love Ella James her writing is so effortless and charming, and this book is a reflection of that. Her ease with words draws you into her stories and wraps around you like a warm blanket on a cold night, warming you up from the inside out. Reading her stories feels a lot of times like coming home, and it’s a genuinely nice feeling.
His mouth clamps over mine so hard and fast that I gasp. When I do, his tongue glides into my mouth. He kisses with what has got to be some pent-up lust.
Burke plays at being a bad guy but really, he’s just a broken man trying to keep his life together. Tragedy ultimately brings him and June together, but slowly as they spend more time together you can feel the connection between them growing. They couldn’t be any more different coming from such polar opposite backgrounds, but I think that’s why they work so well, those differences help them heal.
He tastes like peach and nighttime, like pool water and pain and just a pinch of starlight.
June is the ultimate girl next door she is a sassy stubborn woman and I loved it. She never backed down from Burke, she stood up for herself and her family, even when he was being a monstrous ass. I think that’s one of the things that drew Burke to her, he is so used to woman just throwing themselves at him he wasn’t used to one openly hating him. And I think that her openness and truth of how she felt about him helps him to see something more in her.
It’s like jumping off a cliff—this fierce attraction and admitting it. Off-limits, insensible and reckless.
These two characters are damaged in their own ways, they’ve had a lot of tragedy in their individual worlds, but I think that their souls can feel a kinship because of that. Everyone want’s someone to understand them and help them when they need it. It’s a universal human trait to want that connection even if you’d never considered it before. So, I think when your soul meet’s it’s mate you will find your way to each other eventually.
I have the sense he’s been waiting for me. His eyes hold mine, and I’d bet the whole world that he has been.
Ella has created a heartwarming tale of the power of family, forgiveness and acceptance. These characters are lovely and when you read this you’ll feel like your reading about long lost friends.
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