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betweentheshelves's review
emotional
funny
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
5.0
Did I stay up way too late finishing this book last night because I just couldn't put it down? Yes, yes I did. Though that's partly my fault for also starting it so late into the night. What really gripped me about this book was the characters and the overall emotional depth. It's just so well done. Dylan and Jonah are archenemies at the beginning of the book, but as they both get to know each other, they realize there is a lot more to each of them than meets the eye.
I do want to mention that this book is also falling prey to a trend I've been seeing in queer YA in the last year or so in that it's being marketed as a fluffly, cute romance (even down to the cover design), but it's not really that? Yes, you have fake dating and some of the classic fake dating tropes, but both Jonah and Dylan are dealing with some very real trauma, which leads to some really emotional moments in the book. These are all mentioned in the content warnings at the very beginning of the book, but if you go in expecting cute fluffy romance, this isn't what you're going to get.
But I digress! The marketing has nothing to do with the actual writing of the book, which in my opinion, is really well done. As someone who generally reads books for character, I was so invested in both Dylan and Jonah. I read something somewhere that Amanda Woody was influenced by Red, White, and Royal Blue when writing this, and I can truly see this book as a pretty good read-a-like for that, as least in character chemistry. Just not in overall story plotline.
All in all, if you're looking for an emotional, heartfelt queer romance to read this Pride Month, definitely pick this one up!
I do want to mention that this book is also falling prey to a trend I've been seeing in queer YA in the last year or so in that it's being marketed as a fluffly, cute romance (even down to the cover design), but it's not really that? Yes, you have fake dating and some of the classic fake dating tropes, but both Jonah and Dylan are dealing with some very real trauma, which leads to some really emotional moments in the book. These are all mentioned in the content warnings at the very beginning of the book, but if you go in expecting cute fluffy romance, this isn't what you're going to get.
But I digress! The marketing has nothing to do with the actual writing of the book, which in my opinion, is really well done. As someone who generally reads books for character, I was so invested in both Dylan and Jonah. I read something somewhere that Amanda Woody was influenced by Red, White, and Royal Blue when writing this, and I can truly see this book as a pretty good read-a-like for that, as least in character chemistry. Just not in overall story plotline.
All in all, if you're looking for an emotional, heartfelt queer romance to read this Pride Month, definitely pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, and Biphobia
elizajaquays's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I would like to sue for emotional damages and a box of tissues.
But seriously though, this was so good. Even if I did sob so hard I worried my cats.
I am a sucker for the fake dating trope and Amanda Woody executed it masterfully in They Hate Each Other. Honestly though, how could anything have gone wrong with their incredibly well thought out plan to fake date and break up to get their friends off their backs?!?!
The backbone of this romcom was finding family and the weight of self-sufficiency (hence all the bawling) and even though the topics were heavy, the lighthearted hate to love kept things moving.
4.75/5 stars
But seriously though, this was so good. Even if I did sob so hard I worried my cats.
I am a sucker for the fake dating trope and Amanda Woody executed it masterfully in They Hate Each Other. Honestly though, how could anything have gone wrong with their incredibly well thought out plan to fake date and break up to get their friends off their backs?!?!
The backbone of this romcom was finding family and the weight of self-sufficiency (hence all the bawling) and even though the topics were heavy, the lighthearted hate to love kept things moving.
4.75/5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Sexual harassment
r_a's review
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
Minor: Physical abuse
analenegrace's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-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
This was a cute YA with characters that felt fleshed out and real. My only criticism comes from the end, which felt like it just kept going and going when it could have ended when the characters got back together. The sex-focused ending did not feel necessary. I also don't love when teenagers confess their love so quickly, it just frustrates me as an adult.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Addiction
Moderate: Child abuse and Sexual content
Minor: Biphobia and Racism
taliejane's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This story beautifully combines a love story that will have your heart racing with every story beat, with a poignant exploration of the protective love between siblings and heavy burden of responsibility which that love can produce.
Dylan and Jonah have been archenemies since they were eleven. Unfortunately, they share a friend group and everyone is convinced they have AMAZING chemistry and are destined to fall in love. After accidentally falling asleep in the same bed following homecoming, their friends' nagging reaches unbearable levels and they devise a plan to fake date to get them off their case once and for all.
Themes: Romance, LGBT, Bisexuality, Transgender character, Friendship, Siblings, Family, Abuse, Anxiety and Panic.
Trigger warning ⚠️
There are very good depictions of panic attacks and anxiety which could be triggering. There is also mention of child abuse, although it is not explicit. Violence and alcoholism in guardians and parental figures is also featured.
Spoilers below!
I really expected this book to be your classic enemies to lovers story (with a queer main couple) and thus everything I love in a romance book. It completely delivered on that front, however I did not expect to connect so deeply with the story.
The love story which unfolds between the main characters is lovely, cute, funny, and exciting. You enjoy watching them slowly develop feelings for each other, despite trying to cling to their mutual hatred as long as possible. Both Jonah and Dylan are lovable and kind, and you are truly rooting for both of them by the end of the story.
In the background, both characters are facing complicated challenges in their own families. Although, this is primarily a romance, the author has woven a poignant exploration of sibling and parental relationships around the central love story. I recognised so many of my own experiences in those of the characters. As the characters come to terms with their feelings towards their family, I felt small parts of myself heal along with them. I think the way the theme of family is handled is truly the triumph of this book.
Bisexuality and homosexuality are so beautifully represented. This is not a coming out story, nor do the characters face any homophobia. The lack of discrimination doesn't feel unrealistic, characters discuss the difficulties of having a marginalised identity and the intersections between race, sexuality and class, but it isn't a part of THIS particular story. As a bisexual woman, it was so beautiful to read a story where two bisexuals were just existing in their community.
I also found the depictions of panic and anxiety incredibly accurate. The story is written in dual POV, and so we experience both the perspective of characters being guided through a panic attack and helping someone else with one. The story discusses the ways in which trauma can emerge at times we least expect it to, and how we can overcome trauma when we feel safe to open up about our experiences. I found the author really understood these feelings and depicted them perfectly.
Overall, this story is funny and engaging. It is paced extremely well, keeping the story flowing and balanced well between dialogue and prose. The plot is realistic and the outcomes all feel earned. There were moments where my heart was beating so fast, and I think I read the last third of the book in a ridiculous amount of time - something like 45 minites. I cannot recommend this book enough! I really think it will be the next big book in queer romance 💗
Dylan and Jonah have been archenemies since they were eleven. Unfortunately, they share a friend group and everyone is convinced they have AMAZING chemistry and are destined to fall in love. After accidentally falling asleep in the same bed following homecoming, their friends' nagging reaches unbearable levels and they devise a plan to fake date to get them off their case once and for all.
Themes: Romance, LGBT, Bisexuality, Transgender character, Friendship, Siblings, Family, Abuse, Anxiety and Panic.
Trigger warning ⚠️
There are very good depictions of panic attacks and anxiety which could be triggering. There is also mention of child abuse, although it is not explicit. Violence and alcoholism in guardians and parental figures is also featured.
I really expected this book to be your classic enemies to lovers story (with a queer main couple) and thus everything I love in a romance book. It completely delivered on that front, however I did not expect to connect so deeply with the story.
The love story which unfolds between the main characters is lovely, cute, funny, and exciting. You enjoy watching them slowly develop feelings for each other, despite trying to cling to their mutual hatred as long as possible. Both Jonah and Dylan are lovable and kind, and you are truly rooting for both of them by the end of the story.
In the background, both characters are facing complicated challenges in their own families. Although, this is primarily a romance, the author has woven a poignant exploration of sibling and parental relationships around the central love story. I recognised so many of my own experiences in those of the characters. As the characters come to terms with their feelings towards their family, I felt small parts of myself heal along with them. I think the way the theme of family is handled is truly the triumph of this book.
Bisexuality and homosexuality are so beautifully represented. This is not a coming out story, nor do the characters face any homophobia. The lack of discrimination doesn't feel unrealistic, characters discuss the difficulties of having a marginalised identity and the intersections between race, sexuality and class, but it isn't a part of THIS particular story. As a bisexual woman, it was so beautiful to read a story where two bisexuals were just existing in their community.
I also found the depictions of panic and anxiety incredibly accurate. The story is written in dual POV, and so we experience both the perspective of characters being guided through a panic attack and helping someone else with one. The story discusses the ways in which trauma can emerge at times we least expect it to, and how we can overcome trauma when we feel safe to open up about our experiences. I found the author really understood these feelings and depicted them perfectly.
Overall, this story is funny and engaging. It is paced extremely well, keeping the story flowing and balanced well between dialogue and prose. The plot is realistic and the outcomes all feel earned. There were moments where my heart was beating so fast, and I think I read the last third of the book in a ridiculous amount of time - something like 45 minites. I cannot recommend this book enough! I really think it will be the next big book in queer romance 💗
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Violence
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