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rioreadsbooks's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
If You Hate Me (Toronto Terror Book 1)
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first Helena Hunting book, and I have to say... I was left perplexed. I thought the general plot was engaging and had me wanting to learn more about the characters and their story. And...for some reason I couldn't put it down. However, I feel like there were so many opportunities for character/plot development and growth, and it was the same issues coming up throughout. The Male MC was so frustrating! I wanted to like him, and at times I did, but then he would go back to his complete and utter TOXIC, A**HOLE behavior. I felt like the FMC deserved so much more, but she wasn't without fault either. I am glad everything worked out for them, but the route to get there was winding for sure. Also, the spice was spicing, which im not adverse to, but I do feel like the spice overtook the plot and was just there to be there. Honestly, this book was WILD 🫣😳.
⚠️Warning⚠️
Language, high spice, explicit sexual content, alcohol consumption.
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first Helena Hunting book, and I have to say... I was left perplexed. I thought the general plot was engaging and had me wanting to learn more about the characters and their story. And...for some reason I couldn't put it down. However, I feel like there were so many opportunities for character/plot development and growth, and it was the same issues coming up throughout. The Male MC was so frustrating! I wanted to like him, and at times I did, but then he would go back to his complete and utter TOXIC, A**HOLE behavior. I felt like the FMC deserved so much more, but she wasn't without fault either. I am glad everything worked out for them, but the route to get there was winding for sure. Also, the spice was spicing, which im not adverse to, but I do feel like the spice overtook the plot and was just there to be there. Honestly, this book was WILD 🫣😳.
⚠️Warning⚠️
Language, high spice, explicit sexual content, alcohol consumption.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Cursing
Moderate: Alcohol
culzean's review
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Abandonment, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
kelly_e's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Title: If You Hate Me
Author: Helena Hunting
Series: Toronto Terror #1
Genre: Romance
Rating: 1.50
Pub Date: March 7, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Good Girls PR in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Spicy • Problematic • Excessive
📖 S Y N O P S I S
My new roommates are two pro hockey players. First, my manwhore older brother, and second, his seriously hot best friend (who I seriously hate).This was a last resort. No one should be sleeping on a futon that smells like Cheetos and ball sweat. But here I am, trying to get my life together.
Tristan Stiles is the bane of my existence. He never wears a shirt. We can’t seem to stop fighting. He’s an arrogant playboy with a filthy reputation. Sure, I had a crush on him when I was fourteen, but that was a long time ago. I know better than to trust him. I just need to survive long enough to find a new job and get a new place. And not accidentally let Tristan rail me into next week.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd read A Love Catastrophe earlier this year by the same author and really liked her writing style. When the opportunity arose to get an eARC of If You Hate Me, the first in a new series, I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, this one really just didn't work for me for a whole host of reasons.
Firstly, in this enemies-to-lovers/forbidden romance, the sex completely overtook the entire story, to the point that there wasn't really a plot anymore. It was verging more on the erotica side of things than anything else. Additionally, there was no real relationship development - it's basically just them saying and doing really hurtful things to one another and then having sex, over and over and over again...
Secondly, there is not only one, but TWO third act breakups, which was absolutely ridiculous. It could have easily ended several times and been 100 pages shorter or at least add some more to their actual relationship and backstory. The characters also had solid bones, but the author chose not to development them and really made it all about the sex. Eventually I was more interested in some of the side characters.
I also struggled with the whole hockey culture and puck bunny aspect of the story. Yes, I understand this type of stuff happens, but it is a stereotype that isn't necessarily the norm and that the hockey world is trying to change, so I don't think books like this help. Trip was absolutely ruthless in his treatment of women. It was just ick.
And my biggest issue of all is the author having absolutely no regard for vaginal health. It's quite obvious to me she was going for shock value, as some of the scenes are just absolutely wild and scream 'yeast infection'. I don't need that in my life, nor do I need it in my book - like just no thank you! Additionally, the scene with Tristan's brother where he confides in him about a non-consensual sexual encounter could have been a real plus in the book, but it was simply brushed off and forgotten about.
I appreciated the attention given to money and food anxiety, yet it didn't add up throughout the plot. For example, Trip is out partying every single night, yet he is concerned about his finances? That doesn't add up. Even with Rix there was a lot of discrepancy in what she was saying and what she was doing
The highlight for me was the absolutely hilarious fictionalization of Toronto's professional hockey team being good, having just come off a championship run.
I am not sure I read the same book as all the people giving this five-star. If this is people's example of a healthy relationship than there is definitely a bigger issue here. I kept thinking it would redeem itself, so I kept going, but I should've just given up. It left me with the ick feeling, and it's not a book I would want any young woman entering adulthood to read. I definitely won't be continuing with this series (even though I am curious about some of the side characters). But I also haven't completely given up on Helena Hunting's writing, although I may stick to her traditionally published works going forward.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• unhealthy relationships
• page after page of spice
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Money shouldn't be the thing that prevents you from achieving your dreams."
Author: Helena Hunting
Series: Toronto Terror #1
Genre: Romance
Rating: 1.50
Pub Date: March 7, 2024
I received a complimentary eARC from Good Girls PR in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Spicy • Problematic • Excessive
📖 S Y N O P S I S
My new roommates are two pro hockey players. First, my manwhore older brother, and second, his seriously hot best friend (who I seriously hate).This was a last resort. No one should be sleeping on a futon that smells like Cheetos and ball sweat. But here I am, trying to get my life together.
Tristan Stiles is the bane of my existence. He never wears a shirt. We can’t seem to stop fighting. He’s an arrogant playboy with a filthy reputation. Sure, I had a crush on him when I was fourteen, but that was a long time ago. I know better than to trust him. I just need to survive long enough to find a new job and get a new place. And not accidentally let Tristan rail me into next week.
💭 T H O U G H T S
I'd read A Love Catastrophe earlier this year by the same author and really liked her writing style. When the opportunity arose to get an eARC of If You Hate Me, the first in a new series, I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, this one really just didn't work for me for a whole host of reasons.
Firstly, in this enemies-to-lovers/forbidden romance, the sex completely overtook the entire story, to the point that there wasn't really a plot anymore. It was verging more on the erotica side of things than anything else. Additionally, there was no real relationship development - it's basically just them saying and doing really hurtful things to one another and then having sex, over and over and over again...
Secondly, there is not only one, but TWO third act breakups, which was absolutely ridiculous. It could have easily ended several times and been 100 pages shorter or at least add some more to their actual relationship and backstory. The characters also had solid bones, but the author chose not to development them and really made it all about the sex. Eventually I was more interested in some of the side characters.
I also struggled with the whole hockey culture and puck bunny aspect of the story. Yes, I understand this type of stuff happens, but it is a stereotype that isn't necessarily the norm and that the hockey world is trying to change, so I don't think books like this help. Trip was absolutely ruthless in his treatment of women. It was just ick.
And my biggest issue of all is the author having absolutely no regard for vaginal health. It's quite obvious to me she was going for shock value, as some of the scenes are just absolutely wild and scream 'yeast infection'. I don't need that in my life, nor do I need it in my book - like just no thank you! Additionally, the scene with Tristan's brother where he confides in him about a non-consensual sexual encounter could have been a real plus in the book, but it was simply brushed off and forgotten about.
I appreciated the attention given to money and food anxiety, yet it didn't add up throughout the plot. For example, Trip is out partying every single night, yet he is concerned about his finances? That doesn't add up. Even with Rix there was a lot of discrepancy in what she was saying and what she was doing
The highlight for me was the absolutely hilarious fictionalization of Toronto's professional hockey team being good, having just come off a championship run.
I am not sure I read the same book as all the people giving this five-star. If this is people's example of a healthy relationship than there is definitely a bigger issue here. I kept thinking it would redeem itself, so I kept going, but I should've just given up. It left me with the ick feeling, and it's not a book I would want any young woman entering adulthood to read. I definitely won't be continuing with this series (even though I am curious about some of the side characters). But I also haven't completely given up on Helena Hunting's writing, although I may stick to her traditionally published works going forward.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• unhealthy relationships
• page after page of spice
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Money shouldn't be the thing that prevents you from achieving your dreams."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Cursing, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Misogyny, Abandonment, Mental illness, Classism, Alcohol, and Sexism
food insecurity, money anxietyfangirlfaction's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
This book is hands down the best Helena Hunting book to date. It is also one of the best hockey romances I have ever read. Wow, this book, ya'll. This book absolutely blew me away and I am starting to feel the book hangover.
Helena Hunting is a Romancelandia queen. She knows her craft well and how to create a god-tier sports romance. I still have not recovered from all the awesome in this book. Hunting's writing style is one of the best in the bookish world. It is relatable and has a unique voice that grabs you right from the start and keeps you locked in. The plot of this book was executed brilliantly. Hunting has a way of bringing my favorite tropes to life that feels fresh and distinct to her brand of romance.
These characters carved out a piece of my heart. Even the secondary characters were incredible. The main characters were easy to connect with and were fleshed out well. They were complex and had a lot of depth. The secondary characters felt just as important as the main couple. I truly fell in love with this cast of characters and I am so eager to know more about the side characters. This book is being marketed as a standalone and doesn't seem to be connected to a series from what I can tell so far but I am hoping that changes so we can get books about the other characters. They legit won over my heart.
One of the things that I absolutely adored about this book was the camaraderie and friendships. The girl friendships that Bea makes are so uplifting and amazing. I wanted to be a part of their girl group so badly! They were all supportive and genuine and it was so positive. It was exactly what Bea needed. I also loved the male friendships in the book. Tristan and Flip's hockey teammates were just as supportive as Bea's friends. The overall theme of friendship in the book really put a smile on my face.
The romance in this book had me so invested. I was so into it. Bea and Tristan start out with an enemies-to-lovers vibe going on, but that soon changes when they start a frenemies-with-benefits situation and they start spending more time together. That morphs into wanting to spend time together in other ways and then the feelings creep up. It's a whole thing. Tristan has a lot of personal hangups to sort out though before he and Bea can get their HEA. I loved the way that Tristan was with Bea. He was sweet and thoughtful and worshipped her. He was a goner for her and it was the cutest thing.
Helena Hunting really stepped up her game with the spice in this book! Holy moly, folks, this spice was lit and I am here for it all day long. While the spice was turned up a notch it didn't take away from the substance of the story or the genuineness of Rix and Tristan's relationship. These two were beyond explosive together. Their chemistry was off the charts and it was compounded by the enemies-to-lovers thing they had going on in the beginning. Whew, I can only hope that the next hockey romances from Helena Hunting have the same caliber when it comes to the spice. I'm going to need a folding fan at the ready to beat back the vapors.
Overall, this book is next level. This book is going to the top of my list of favorite books of 2024. It really had that kind of impact on me. This book just ticked every single box for me. The writing was masterful, the characters were memorable, and the plot kept me wanting more the entire time. The characters in this book were extraordinary and so incredibly special. I don't know how to put it into words the right way but these characters were addicting and they consumed my every thought. This is a book that I will undoubtedly read again in the future. It was that kind of book. One hundred percent re-readable. I am so stoked for Helena Hunting's next release and I am sending all the good vibes into the universe that we will see more of these characters in the future. Pick this one up (and go for the audiobook because it was legit incredible) because you will not regret it!
This book is hands down the best Helena Hunting book to date. It is also one of the best hockey romances I have ever read. Wow, this book, ya'll. This book absolutely blew me away and I am starting to feel the book hangover.
Helena Hunting is a Romancelandia queen. She knows her craft well and how to create a god-tier sports romance. I still have not recovered from all the awesome in this book. Hunting's writing style is one of the best in the bookish world. It is relatable and has a unique voice that grabs you right from the start and keeps you locked in. The plot of this book was executed brilliantly. Hunting has a way of bringing my favorite tropes to life that feels fresh and distinct to her brand of romance.
These characters carved out a piece of my heart. Even the secondary characters were incredible. The main characters were easy to connect with and were fleshed out well. They were complex and had a lot of depth. The secondary characters felt just as important as the main couple. I truly fell in love with this cast of characters and I am so eager to know more about the side characters. This book is being marketed as a standalone and doesn't seem to be connected to a series from what I can tell so far but I am hoping that changes so we can get books about the other characters. They legit won over my heart.
One of the things that I absolutely adored about this book was the camaraderie and friendships. The girl friendships that Bea makes are so uplifting and amazing. I wanted to be a part of their girl group so badly! They were all supportive and genuine and it was so positive. It was exactly what Bea needed. I also loved the male friendships in the book. Tristan and Flip's hockey teammates were just as supportive as Bea's friends. The overall theme of friendship in the book really put a smile on my face.
The romance in this book had me so invested. I was so into it. Bea and Tristan start out with an enemies-to-lovers vibe going on, but that soon changes when they start a frenemies-with-benefits situation and they start spending more time together. That morphs into wanting to spend time together in other ways and then the feelings creep up. It's a whole thing. Tristan has a lot of personal hangups to sort out though before he and Bea can get their HEA. I loved the way that Tristan was with Bea. He was sweet and thoughtful and worshipped her. He was a goner for her and it was the cutest thing.
Helena Hunting really stepped up her game with the spice in this book! Holy moly, folks, this spice was lit and I am here for it all day long. While the spice was turned up a notch it didn't take away from the substance of the story or the genuineness of Rix and Tristan's relationship. These two were beyond explosive together. Their chemistry was off the charts and it was compounded by the enemies-to-lovers thing they had going on in the beginning. Whew, I can only hope that the next hockey romances from Helena Hunting have the same caliber when it comes to the spice. I'm going to need a folding fan at the ready to beat back the vapors.
Overall, this book is next level. This book is going to the top of my list of favorite books of 2024. It really had that kind of impact on me. This book just ticked every single box for me. The writing was masterful, the characters were memorable, and the plot kept me wanting more the entire time. The characters in this book were extraordinary and so incredibly special. I don't know how to put it into words the right way but these characters were addicting and they consumed my every thought. This is a book that I will undoubtedly read again in the future. It was that kind of book. One hundred percent re-readable. I am so stoked for Helena Hunting's next release and I am sending all the good vibes into the universe that we will see more of these characters in the future. Pick this one up (and go for the audiobook because it was legit incredible) because you will not regret it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment and Cursing
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