Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - The Trouble with Hating You

This book caused Emotions™️. One of the most satisfying book endings I’ve read. Probably the most satisfying ending possible for someone who has survived SA. The conclusion for the parallel plot was just as satisfying as the conclusion for the romance. Liya is such a fantastically independent woman I was afraid that a HEA for the romance would quash that, and I am happy to report it did not. Jay is one of the most responsible and considerate book boyfriends I’ve read.

Check trigger warnings! There are some super heavy themes here, personally, I think they were all handled responsibly and with care.

This isn’t a great escapism book, or it wasn’t for me, just because of how emotionally heavy parts of it can be a lot. While I wouldn’t call it great for escapism it hits the spot in a whole other delightful way. Still has that big romance HEA, just with a kick-ass bit of social justice on the side.

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donnicakelsey's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

This is difficult for me. If this was my first read from an Indian author, my takeaway about Indian culture would be about its conservatism, nagging aunties, and I'd also be able to name several dishes.

However, this isn't my first book centered around Desi culture. I love (and highly recommend) Sonali Dev, Sara Desai, and Nisha Sharma. Overall, I was a little disappointed at how negatively Indian culture is portrayed at times.

So on to the plot:

Liya Thakkar is a successful biochemical engineer, happily defying conservative Indian traditions. Jay Shah, is a lawyer, and dedicated brother and son, holding on tightly to his grief. After a terrible first meeting, they begin working together.

In a classic hate to love, with an arranged marriage twist we follow these main characters as they navigate working together and confronting their pasts. Both characters bring their trauma to how they interpret each other's actions, which leads to some good banter, but some extremely frustrating scenes.

My other issue is that both Liya and Jay are both kind of unlikable. Liya is obsessed with material things and mentions her Louboutins and other expensive accessories (along with the price) many times.

Jay can be sweet and protective, but low key somewhat of a misogynist. He was surprised she could cook because she was a feminist, disregards Liya's boundaries,

forces her almost rapist to buy her flowers and apologize… bruh why should that man be around her? 😤

and blamed her for wanting to go to Dallas for her DREAM JOB. And his gift? No, just no, but also her reaction was also a big no for me.

I liked the female friendships & Shah family were fantastic. Mama Shah might seriously be my favorite character in the whole book.

2.75 stars

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duaazahra's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I love a good enemies to lovers storyline and seeing my favourite trope in a South Asian romcom? *Chefs kiss* And look at this beautiful cover! This book did take a little while for me to fully get into, but once I did I really liked it.

The Trouble With Hating you follows Liya, a young Indian woman who comes from a traditional, conservative family. Liya is the opposite of her parents — she’s outspoken, liberal, and not afraid to hold her ground. When her parents try to arrange yet another suitor for her to marry, something she’s made clear she’s not interested in, she’s immediately turned off by him. The only problem is he shows up to her work that same week, as the man in charge of saving her company. The story follows Liya and Jay’s journey of going from two people who can’t stand each other to slowly letting their guards down, and also making an impactful change in their community. It’s also filled with beautiful side stories about friendship, strength, and family — both given and chosen.

I thought the first couple of chapters were a little slow and I wasn’t exactly sure where the story was going, but after that, it really found its pace. I loved the contrast between Liya and Jay, and I loved how the story showed that South Asian culture isn’t a monolith. You have people and families with different customs and beliefs, and while Liya’s family held a more conservative view of the world, Jay’s family were quite the opposite. And sweet Jay — he’s one of my favourite type of MMC’s — soft, understanding, will turn into a cinnamon role for his girl, but fiery and determined at the same time.

One of the reasons I really loved this book was because of how much of myself and my upbringing I saw in Liya. There were so many things that she went though that I went through myself, and I understood exactly why she was the way she was and why she was so apprehensive about love and culture. And watching her growth was one of my favourite parts of the book.

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anvi's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

fun read! completed in the before exam adrenaline rush ;)

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