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A review by readfrenzy
On the Corner of Love and Hate by Nina Bocci
3.0
As far as enemies to lovers stories go, my favorite ones are romantic comedies where the animosity between characters generates witty banter and an overall lightheartedness. On the Corner of Love and Hate is more of a contemporary romance, which is fine, but I did miss that humorous factor.
Emma and Cooper are former best friends whose relationship is now strained.
I understand Emma’s frustrations with Cooper, particularly in the beginning of the book, but ultimately she comes across as self-righteous and unnecessarily mean. Her pointed digs about Cooper’s manwhore past last well into the second half of the book. It lacks a sense of teasing or flirtatiousness.
Between Emma’s obvious disdain and my ambivalence towards Cooper’s character, I wasn’t invested enough in their relationship. As much as I enjoy a good slow burn romance, the lack of spark just makes the story feel slowly paced. There are several interesting conflicts established, including press leaks, scandals and backstabbing rivals, but the resolutions are too abrupt.
The brightest aspect of the book is its setting. The picture perfect small town inhabited by eccentric residents is exceptionally well developed. I loved Cooper and Emma’s caring friends, the artisanal creamery, the gossipy senior citizens, and the tree-lined streets. I would book a vacation to Hope Lake in a heartbeat.
Recommended for fans of:
Contemporary romance
Electoral races
Bicycles
Small towns
Emma and Cooper are former best friends whose relationship is now strained.
I understand Emma’s frustrations with Cooper, particularly in the beginning of the book, but ultimately she comes across as self-righteous and unnecessarily mean. Her pointed digs about Cooper’s manwhore past last well into the second half of the book. It lacks a sense of teasing or flirtatiousness.
Between Emma’s obvious disdain and my ambivalence towards Cooper’s character, I wasn’t invested enough in their relationship. As much as I enjoy a good slow burn romance, the lack of spark just makes the story feel slowly paced. There are several interesting conflicts established, including press leaks, scandals and backstabbing rivals, but the resolutions are too abrupt.
The brightest aspect of the book is its setting. The picture perfect small town inhabited by eccentric residents is exceptionally well developed. I loved Cooper and Emma’s caring friends, the artisanal creamery, the gossipy senior citizens, and the tree-lined streets. I would book a vacation to Hope Lake in a heartbeat.
Recommended for fans of:
Contemporary romance
Electoral races
Bicycles
Small towns
*I received an early copy of this book to voluntarily read.*