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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
Another fun (and awkward!) tale from Bethany Turner littered with lots of pop culture and a little snark.
I've enjoyed reading Ms Turner's books since I discovered "The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck" a few years ago. There's just something special and engaging about her writing... and her social media posts are quirky and self-deprecating.
I've enjoyed reading Ms Turner's books since I discovered "The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck" a few years ago. There's just something special and engaging about her writing... and her social media posts are quirky and self-deprecating.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This was a cute romance - the premise of it at least. I found it quite difficult to get in to, for 3 reasons.
Firstly, this is written in a dual POV style - which is great. However, the female main character’s chapters are written in the first person, but the male main character’s chapters are written in third person narration (even though his thoughts and feelings are clear in this narration). It’s very jarring jumping between the two and feels disjointed and confusing.
Secondly, both characters are so very deeply awful in their thoughts and behaviour towards each other throughout the first half of the book. While this usually works in an enemies to lovers trope, this book doesn’t read as that. And while I understand that character growth is required, again I didn’t feel this was accomplished as such. Also, both of them just come across as deeply pretentious. Her with all the redundant celebrity references, and him with all the pseudo intellectual references.
Lastly, they despise each other almost throughout and then all it takes is literally one day for them to be falling in love? I simply didn’t buy it.
I have the deepest respect for authors, and it takes a huge amount of work and courage to write a book. The premise of this book is good, and with some edits and maybe some rewrites, it could be really good.
Still, I am thankful for the opportunity to read and review this book
Firstly, this is written in a dual POV style - which is great. However, the female main character’s chapters are written in the first person, but the male main character’s chapters are written in third person narration (even though his thoughts and feelings are clear in this narration). It’s very jarring jumping between the two and feels disjointed and confusing.
Secondly, both characters are so very deeply awful in their thoughts and behaviour towards each other throughout the first half of the book. While this usually works in an enemies to lovers trope, this book doesn’t read as that. And while I understand that character growth is required, again I didn’t feel this was accomplished as such. Also, both of them just come across as deeply pretentious. Her with all the redundant celebrity references, and him with all the pseudo intellectual references.
Lastly, they despise each other almost throughout and then all it takes is literally one day for them to be falling in love? I simply didn’t buy it.
I have the deepest respect for authors, and it takes a huge amount of work and courage to write a book. The premise of this book is good, and with some edits and maybe some rewrites, it could be really good.
Still, I am thankful for the opportunity to read and review this book
I received a digital audiobook ARC from Netgalley. More like 2.5 stars rounded up.
If the book blurb seems a little muddled, the book is even more so. And it’s not just the fact that the blurb right off the bat ruins the reveal of Sebastian’s hostility towards Brynn--that he sees her as a superficial diva and not as a journalist. Taking the story at face value, it’s just everybody being mean towards each other for meanness sake.
Mind you, Brynn asks for it. If you're on an All-Sweetness-and-Light mission, perhaps not snap at everyone in your path before you make it on camera. (And actually film stuff when moments work in your favor.)
But Sebastian doesn’t make himself any more likable to the reader than she does. And their antics that make us find them so unlikeable carry on for a little too long. The title should read “Brynn and Sebastian Are Hated By Everyone.”
Life in a small mountain town, Seb’s heartbreaking backstory as a war correspondent--all lose their power due to pacing that’s a little off. And instead of a gradual transition from enemies to lovers--although, as a clean read, there’s not much to the “lovers” part--it's like a switch has flipped, making it even tougher for the reader to accept the plot so far--at least it did for me.
But we’ll see what future novels hold.
If the book blurb seems a little muddled, the book is even more so. And it’s not just the fact that the blurb right off the bat ruins the reveal of Sebastian’s hostility towards Brynn--that he sees her as a superficial diva and not as a journalist. Taking the story at face value, it’s just everybody being mean towards each other for meanness sake.
Mind you, Brynn asks for it. If you're on an All-Sweetness-and-Light mission, perhaps not snap at everyone in your path before you make it on camera. (And actually film stuff when moments work in your favor.)
But Sebastian doesn’t make himself any more likable to the reader than she does. And their antics that make us find them so unlikeable carry on for a little too long. The title should read “Brynn and Sebastian Are Hated By Everyone.”
Life in a small mountain town, Seb’s heartbreaking backstory as a war correspondent--all lose their power due to pacing that’s a little off. And instead of a gradual transition from enemies to lovers--although, as a clean read, there’s not much to the “lovers” part--it's like a switch has flipped, making it even tougher for the reader to accept the plot so far--at least it did for me.
But we’ll see what future novels hold.
This book was a cute quick read with fun banter.
However, the plot quickly became dull due to unrealistic character growth and portrayal of love. Nearly every character in this book was negative and "grumpy" which became boring.
But I really enjoyed the setting of the story: a small town where everyone knows each other.
However, the plot quickly became dull due to unrealistic character growth and portrayal of love. Nearly every character in this book was negative and "grumpy" which became boring.
But I really enjoyed the setting of the story: a small town where everyone knows each other.
“Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other” is a charming small town romance that follows a big shot city girl as she is forced to return to her tiny hometown in the mountains of Colorado and face her past. While visiting her hometown, Brynn meets Sebastian, a newcomer and former globe trotted who has moved to the small town in hope have discovering the quiet life. Right off the bat they hate each other - hence the fabulous title - but they have more in common than they’re willing to admit.
This book includes:
- small town romance
- city girl + small town boy
- redemption
- healing
This story is fun and easy to follow. It read much like a hallmark movie to me - light, cheerful, not particularly memorable. I didn’t connect super deeply to either of the protagonists or the story, but it was an enjoyable ride and would be a fabulous read around the holiday season. I loved the way the audiobook had two narrators, one for each of the protagonists. It really adds a special level of enjoyment.
I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
This book includes:
- small town romance
- city girl + small town boy
- redemption
- healing
This story is fun and easy to follow. It read much like a hallmark movie to me - light, cheerful, not particularly memorable. I didn’t connect super deeply to either of the protagonists or the story, but it was an enjoyable ride and would be a fabulous read around the holiday season. I loved the way the audiobook had two narrators, one for each of the protagonists. It really adds a special level of enjoyment.
I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
3 stars.
I think I started liking this book about halfway or two-thirds through! LOL! Turner definitely writes witty, snappy dialogue, and I enjoyed that a lot--but the MC (Brynn) was just not my cup of tea for a bulk of that initial portion of the book. Very negative compared to her on-screen persona, and quick to anger.
Sebastian, I thought, was a great foil to her, and I really enjoyed his story arc and just him as a character. Talk about a slow burn, in every respect, and getting the full story (no pun intended) on his past was powerful.
There were passing faith references to God, prayer, etc., but I would've enjoyed seeing more of this--partly because Thomas Nelson was the publisher, and partly because it would have made both Brynn's and Seb's story arcs more powerful. The book title indicates they hate each other (and they do, more or less, in the book), but their respective changes were a bit on a dime, and very self-focused at the root--no inner Holy Spirit conviction or faith element in that aspect, which I felt was a missed opportunity. And, as Gilmore Girls-esque as much of the pop-culture references were, a few felt a bit too close to the edge (i.e. swooning over Jennifer Aniston's "I am my own soulmate" from a while back).
So, it was an interesting way to while away the time, but I can't say I'd rush into a re-read. This book is more in line with Turner's [b:Hadley Beckett's Next Dish|52536733|Hadley Beckett's Next Dish|Bethany Turner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573694306l/52536733._SY75_.jpg|73663743] than [b:The Do-Over|58429276|The Do-Over|Bethany Turner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1644335975l/58429276._SY75_.jpg|91688188]; I prefer _The Do-Over_, myself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I think I started liking this book about halfway or two-thirds through! LOL! Turner definitely writes witty, snappy dialogue, and I enjoyed that a lot--but the MC (Brynn) was just not my cup of tea for a bulk of that initial portion of the book. Very negative compared to her on-screen persona, and quick to anger.
Sebastian, I thought, was a great foil to her, and I really enjoyed his story arc and just him as a character. Talk about a slow burn, in every respect, and getting the full story (no pun intended) on his past was powerful.
There were passing faith references to God, prayer, etc., but I would've enjoyed seeing more of this--partly because Thomas Nelson was the publisher, and partly because it would have made both Brynn's and Seb's story arcs more powerful. The book title indicates they hate each other (and they do, more or less, in the book), but their respective changes were a bit on a dime, and very self-focused at the root--no inner Holy Spirit conviction or faith element in that aspect, which I felt was a missed opportunity. And, as Gilmore Girls-esque as much of the pop-culture references were, a few felt a bit too close to the edge (i.e. swooning over Jennifer Aniston's "I am my own soulmate" from a while back).
So, it was an interesting way to while away the time, but I can't say I'd rush into a re-read. This book is more in line with Turner's [b:Hadley Beckett's Next Dish|52536733|Hadley Beckett's Next Dish|Bethany Turner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573694306l/52536733._SY75_.jpg|73663743] than [b:The Do-Over|58429276|The Do-Over|Bethany Turner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1644335975l/58429276._SY75_.jpg|91688188]; I prefer _The Do-Over_, myself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other dives into the depths of forgiveness, self-awareness, and what it truly means to grow. At first, Brynn was hard for me to like—she seemed focused on damage control, more concerned with salvaging her image than sincerely mending relationships with those she’d hurt. Instead of asking for genuine forgiveness, she struggled to truly accept the love others offered her.
On the other hand, Sebastian has his own journey, as he struggles with his conclusions about Brynn while gradually learning to see her as she is, not just as he assumes her to be.
On the other hand, Sebastian has his own journey, as he struggles with his conclusions about Brynn while gradually learning to see her as she is, not just as he assumes her to be.
Both characters experience significant growth, transforming in ways that feel real and heartfelt. This is a story of finding redemption and discovering what it means to love, and be loved, unconditionally.
The audiobook narrated by Talon David is outstanding; her narration brings the characters vividly to life, adding depth and emotion to the story.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3 Stars ⭐️
This one was just ok for me. The premise seemed really cute and fun, the cover is gorgeous. Unfortunately the story for me fell a bit flat. It was slow moving and I found it really hard to like Brynn. I'd find myself skimming thru alot of it and having a hard time to get engaged.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this advanced reader copy, My review is voluntarily my own,
This one was just ok for me. The premise seemed really cute and fun, the cover is gorgeous. Unfortunately the story for me fell a bit flat. It was slow moving and I found it really hard to like Brynn. I'd find myself skimming thru alot of it and having a hard time to get engaged.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this advanced reader copy, My review is voluntarily my own,
I have to give this book 5 stars. It’s about a Colorado girl who has built a life on the East Coast, but you can’t really take the girl out of Colorado. I loved reading about all the things I ❤️ about Colorado….the sunshine and blue skies paired with snow and mountain air, the way you eat green chile on everything, the way the Aspens turn golden in early fall, and how we all know how to drive a stick shift! Thanks for the trip back home, Bethany!