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A review by taliejane
They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
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