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A review by bondracstudios
Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other by Bethany Turner
5.0
Summary
When a hot-mic snafu slams the brakes on Brynn Cornell’s morning show co-host career, she begrudgingly embarks on an apology tour with only one stop-- the small Colorado town she grew up in. The same one she unknowingly lambasted on air, causing her hometown acquaintances and small towns everywhere to take offense and turn a cold shoulder on Brynn’s apology attempts.
Sebastian Sudworth is an ex-journalist with big time reporting credits attached to his name. A name he’d like to keep quiet since he left the fast-paced life of international journalism. He’s found a home in Adelaide Springs, Colorado and he’ll do anything to protect it and the people he’s come to love.
Brynn & Seb's opposing personalities collide when he’s tasked with guiding her and her camera operator around town. They both have to confront their pasts, their futures, and what it means to live authentically.
Sebastian Sudworth is an ex-journalist with big time reporting credits attached to his name. A name he’d like to keep quiet since he left the fast-paced life of international journalism. He’s found a home in Adelaide Springs, Colorado and he’ll do anything to protect it and the people he’s come to love.
Brynn & Seb's opposing personalities collide when he’s tasked with guiding her and her camera operator around town. They both have to confront their pasts, their futures, and what it means to live authentically.
What We Like
• The FMC - Brynn Cornell - Brynn is a wonderful representation of what it’s like to work in the corporate world as a femme-presenting person. The expectations of sunny personalities and unassuming ambitions juxtaposed with the grit of dogged determination and hard work required to propel a career in a competitive industry are highlighted in Brynn’s experiences with the production studio and her male co-host. She’s relatable, funny, and dynamic. It’s refreshing to see the underbelly of what could be considered a two-faced personality explored through Brynn & Seb’s conversations (and arguments!).
• The MMC - Sebastion (Seb) Sudworth - Seb’s character follows the classic grumpy/secretive past trope, but it’s a classic for a reason! It’s done well, and his empathy and compassion for those around him makes him all the more endearing as those layers get pulled back. It’s easy to root for him and hope they can bring out the best in each other!
• The Banter - The ping ponging of quips, sarcasm, and flirting between Seb & Brynn is goofy-grin-while-you-read good. The writing is smart and there aren’t any moments of frustration where the reader has to question why the characters are so oblivious understanding each others’ communication. You get why they are guarded and why they second guess themselves, so when they finally start opening up it feels like a well-deserved win!
• The Side Characters - They are quirky and fun, you believe the history they have with Brynn, and they have satisfying B character story arcs.
• The Ending - Turner’s ending to the story was a thoughtful wrap-up that was satisfying in that she allowed both characters to grow and retain their identities. It deviates from the typical picket-fence direction so common to the genre. And we love to see it!
• The MMC - Sebastion (Seb) Sudworth - Seb’s character follows the classic grumpy/secretive past trope, but it’s a classic for a reason! It’s done well, and his empathy and compassion for those around him makes him all the more endearing as those layers get pulled back. It’s easy to root for him and hope they can bring out the best in each other!
• The Banter - The ping ponging of quips, sarcasm, and flirting between Seb & Brynn is goofy-grin-while-you-read good. The writing is smart and there aren’t any moments of frustration where the reader has to question why the characters are so oblivious understanding each others’ communication. You get why they are guarded and why they second guess themselves, so when they finally start opening up it feels like a well-deserved win!
• The Side Characters - They are quirky and fun, you believe the history they have with Brynn, and they have satisfying B character story arcs.
• The Ending - Turner’s ending to the story was a thoughtful wrap-up that was satisfying in that she allowed both characters to grow and retain their identities. It deviates from the typical picket-fence direction so common to the genre. And we love to see it!
Real Talk
- Romance Tropes Included -
• Enemies to lovers
• Lovers in denial
• Emotional scars
• Parental rejection
• Sunny/grumpy
• Want different things (career)
• Different worlds (big city/small town)
• Fish out of water
- The Spice - This is a great slow burn story with a sweet, happy ending, but the spice is paprika-low. There’s kissing and that’s it. We still think it’s worth the read and a really well-done romance, but if you’re looking for the bow-chicka-wow-wow, we’ve got other recs for you because you won’t find it here.
• Enemies to lovers
• Lovers in denial
• Emotional scars
• Parental rejection
• Sunny/grumpy
• Want different things (career)
• Different worlds (big city/small town)
• Fish out of water
- The Spice - This is a great slow burn story with a sweet, happy ending, but the spice is paprika-low. There’s kissing and that’s it. We still think it’s worth the read and a really well-done romance, but if you’re looking for the bow-chicka-wow-wow, we’ve got other recs for you because you won’t find it here.
Book Dragon Rating
Turner gives a sweet and compelling story that is easy to get lost in. The spice is low at 1/5, but the enjoyment is high so it rates a 5/5 on the Book Dragon Scale.
Find Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other Here
Find Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other Here