Reviews

They Hate Each Other is the kind of rom-com that’s worth going into knowing it’s not all cosy banter and gooey romance. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely got that and it’s great but it’s also sobering and devastating at the same time.

It’s a story of two parts: a fun fake-dating romance between two sworn enemies and a story of two boys navigating the heavy weight of expectations, past traumas and painful family dynamics.

Dylan and Jonah are opposites in many ways and I loved watching the way their differences balance each other out and help one another grow. They’re messy, insecure, loving, sensitive, loyal, chaotic, vibrant characters and I loved watching their stories unfold.

There is so much to enjoy about this book. From the fantastic mental health representation to the discussions of race and socio-economics to the supportive friendships and adorable ‘I don’t want to fall for you but I think that’s what’s happening’ moment.

This book was heart wrenching and heart warming in equal measures and I, too, would like to adopt Jonah’s sisters, who were clearly the true stars of the book.

Content Warnings

jays_secret_garden's review against another edition

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3.0

3.75/5 ⭐️ so cute

readbylory's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective tense 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? It's complicated

4.5

this book was almost perfect but then I got a beef with the last 20 pages

winnie_reads's review against another edition

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emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

kysofly's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This book is maybe the best book I’ve ever read, and at the very least is one of my new favorites. Dylan and Jonah are such compelling characters and I truly could not put this book down. I can not sing the praises of Woody enough, I cried tears of joy twice reading this and I never cry at books. This book is so well written and a truly fresh story.

izudior's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny sad tense 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

4.75

FINALLYYYY A WELL WRITTEN ENEMIES TO LOVERS
This book really hooked me in with seeing the dynamic between Jonah and Dylan. They were actual enemies and not people who were pretending to hate each other or one sided. I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship develop as the story progressed. There was one thing that was making me itch though, and that was Jonah's stubbornness. I thought I was stubborn but I've never seen such a display of hard headedness in my life and it made me almost resent his character like Dylan did. I understand where Jonah was coming from but I couldn't understand why he was so adamant about not letting people help him when he really needed it. I guess you could say I was more on Dylan's side in all this but I do love both characters. This is definitely one of my favorite books this year and I look forward to reading Woody's new release soon!

blingping's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

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