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BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon a Legend by Mary Ting

March 20, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Once Upon a Legend by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A story of love and a power that echoes through time.

A prophecy foretold by the Council.
A sword forged by the Ladies of the Lake.
A child born from love and the hope of thousands.

Seventeen-year-old Idrisa is a student from Dumont Orphan School. When the Emperor of Dumonia invites all citizens to a birthday gala for Prince Merrick, she attends and becomes entangled in a world beyond belief. At the party, Idrisa begins to hear strange voices that urge her to go to the lake. A student from school follows and tries to kill her, but in the fight for her survival, Idrisa gains possession of an eternal sword—gifted by the Ladies of the Lake.

The Emperor demands it, but only Idrisa can wield the sword, so he imprisons her. Her only hope is Prince Merrick, but he is grieving the death of his mother and doesn’t care about anything happening around him. While held captive, Idrisa uncovers secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about Dumonia. Enemies and allies emerge when they hear news of the sword, and she must unlock the mystery of the weapon before darkness descends on the empire forever.

Review:

Retribution was a powerful weapon.

Once Upon a Legend was an enchanting tale that was woven together beautifully. It was impossible not to be fascinated with this magical world. With a retelling involving the Ladies of the Lake, it made me feel like I was watching a movie play out in my head. One that at first glance may seem like a Disney tale, YET as this story unfolds you see just how much darker, grittier and so much deeper this story goes. There was murder and so much unknown laced in the pages, it felt as though plans were in place for something bigger than them. So if you adore young adult stories that feature lore, magic, sword fighting, traitors, friendship, and the sparks of something more, then this is definitely the book for you!

I shivered, an icy blast of wind sprayed over my face. The white light from the blade, like a thousand diamonds blessed with inner fire, beckoned me to reach out for it.

Idrisa was fierce, determined and brave. She was raised in the Dumont Orphan School and the friendships she created meant the world to her. They had been with her since the beginning. So as we watched her train and go through the motions of being at school, I loved that she learned from her mistakes and pushed herself to be better. Idrisa was someone we could definitely look up to. When her school was invited to a birthday gala for Prince Merrick, Idrisa’s whole world was going to change forever. At the gala, the goddesses of the lake gave Idrisa the sword. The one the King desperately wanted. And with that fear in my bones, I had no clue where this story would go.

“Do not fear when the time comes. If you risk everything, you will gain what you seek.”

Prince Merrick seemed to radiate pain and sorrow. He missed his mother with his whole heart and soul. Yet life continued and surrounding him were his brothers, father and the expectations for all of them. As we watched Prince Merrick, the tests he was put through seemed unfathomable. He showed us he was honorable, true and someone we could trust….or so I hoped. Especially when his father, the King, imprisoned Idrisa after she obtained the sword. I hoped those chain of events would be the fire that would light him to live again. Because he had so much potential, and I loved the spark between him and Idrisa!

“Family is not only created by blood, but within the heart. Forever may our bond be strong. And like the stars, may our light never die.”

The side characters in this book filled the pages with their passion. Rocco was one I was unsure of. He was so protective of Idrisa and I was beyond grateful for that. But his words weren’t for me. That’s because I had already fallen for the prince so easily. Yet I have a lot of guesses for his future! And Knox, who helped the prince, was someone I adored. But on the other side, I hated the evil characters! They felt like sociopaths who had no moral ground to stand on. What they would do in the name of what they thought was right or what they wanted *shudders*, there was no line for them that they wouldn’t cross. So hold on, because not everyone we care for will end up safe.

One of us had to die, and it wasn’t going to be me.

Magic, sword fighting, darkness, betrayal, truths, and a slow burn romance filled Once Upon a Legend. The twists in this book were fabulously done! The why and also who someone was, my mind was blown. I didn’t see those coming. And I loved that alliances were made with those that were unlikely, it left me so excited to see how that will pan out! This story was skillfully crafted and I loved that we even got a chapter or two from characters I didn’t even think we would. The way it added to the depths of this story were magical! This story closed with leaving us at a good stopping point, but I’m excited to see what happens next. And I just have to say that even though this story is young adult, I think it would be a great read for middle graders to pick up too!

I am worthy. I am deserving. You can’t take away who I am.
Out of anger, and to prove to myself that I could, I nocked an arrow and released, straight to the target dead on.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: My Song’s Gift (Duet of the Gods #2) by Poppy Minnix

March 19, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

My Song's Gift (Duet of the Gods #2)
by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
There’s no backing away from the rebellion Alex started in Olympus. He cannot give in and let Olympians, otherworldlings, and humans suffer any longer, and now the siren he loves, Lula is at his side.

The problem is, Zeus is after her and wants Alex’s pledge of loyalty. But Alex won’t bend.

When Alex does the right thing, confessing he knew Lula long before meeting her, she runs… straight into the enemy, Moros', arms. The enemy who has a secret of his own.

He’s been creating chaos on Earth to draw out Lula. He wants her to rule Olympus.

He demands she become as dangerous as he is.

What does a siren with a broken heart do?

She becomes apocalyptic.

Review:

My Song’s Gift was a fabulous ending to Duet of the Gods! If you love Greek mythology, adult romance and political intrigue then make for sure you have this duology on your tbr! With secrets brewing just below the surface and nervous energy sizzling in the air, this book was easy to devour. It was filled with all the angst and was sexy, entertaining and so much fun!

The cliff I stand on gets higher and sharper each day, neither direction a path I want to travel. A thousand times I’ve opened my mouth to tell her and failed to speak the words.

Alex had kept Lula in the dark for how they met and why. It made sense, he never meant to fall in love with her. But after Lula had secrets kept from her, from one of her sisters, he knew that she would struggle forgiving him. Or even not love him anymore. So when Zeus put things into play that forced Alex’s hand, Lula shattered. Her friendships, love and life were seen in a different light. Was any of it even real? So she ran. And landed right in Moros’ crosshairs, who was Alex’s enemy. With sirens missing, death, unrest, a rebellion that was in the works and those we love in perilous situations, this book was impossible to put down!

If he thinks violence will make me give Lula up, he’s wrong. I’ll die to keep her out of his hands.

Alex continued to be the ultimate book boyfriend! Yes guilt was eating him alive for keeping secrets from Lula. She was to help his rebellion and falling in love with her was never part of the plan. So when he decided to tell her the truth, for why they met and how long he had been watching her, I was terrified. Of course Lula was gutted. Hurt and betrayal was all she could feel and breathe. Her faith and trust were gone. And from that moment, they both went in different paths. I couldn’t believe what happened with Alex *cries*. I kept hoping that fairness would prevail, although that didn’t seem to exist in Olympus. But Alex showed us time and again that he was determined and focused. He knew what he wanted…to change Olympus and for Lula to be his forever. So with each action he did, each word he spoke and each breathtaking moment, he cemented himself as someone that was worthy of respect and love.

My rationality left with Comus, when they dragged him from me and closed him out, leaving me with a pile of splintered plans. But I’ve made a new one. Burn everything to the ground and maybe… maybe we’ll find something worthwhile in the ashes.

With Lula leaving and ending up with Moros, oh my heart. Everything went sideways. Her whole world shattered and gone was the girl who had fire in her. I loathed Lula’s time with Moros. It hurt watching her not fight right from wrong. It broke me that she wasn’t running away from unforgivable acts that were done. Lula was a shell of the girl we loved. Yes she had been deceived and now doubted her past and those around her, but anything was better than the sadistic Moros. Although….he was honest with her for who he was. I got that she could trust that much from him. But still, I was begging for her to put together the clues that she was surrounded by monsters. And I kept hoping that something would snap her out of it. Lula definitely had a lot of growing that she needed to accomplish in this story.

The second the door closes and the click of the lock sounds, I drop to my knees and cover my mouth to keep the sobs silent. Nothing will be right again.

Powerless and desperation was laced with hope and allies that left us cheering. I loved watching those step up and have one another’s back. That there was solidarity and so much healing too. Siblings, friendship and love found their way into the pages and that had my heart cheering for joy. Plus, the side characters were everything! I adored Hades! I don’t care if he had a bad rap and was a total wildcard, he cracked me up and I loved his t-shirts! Plus Comos and Rath awww, they were my ultimate two favorite side characters! Oh and Thor. He came out of nowhere and wiggled into my heart so easily. And as the story progressed, there were two twists that I didn’t even see coming. So hold on, because this story was a wild ride!

We have eternity to explore the Earth and realms, but there’s no doubt that I’m his world and he’s mine.

My Song’s Gift was a forbidden love story filled with betrayal, secrets, love, hope and so much charm. The steamy moments between Alex and Lula were everything! And those that are fans of happily ever afters will absolutely love the epilogue that ends this story. It was beautiful and will make readers so happy! Plus it leaves the door open for other characters to have spin-off series, and I for one can’t wait for that to happen. And while usually I talk more about the plot of a story, for this book it’s definitely best left with the reader to discover. There would be too many spoilers, but I will say that the last 30% was my ultimate favorite! If you love adult romantasy, definitely make for sure this one is on your tbr!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Every Bit a Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #5) by Jennie Marts

March 11, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

Every Bit a Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #5)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
There's nothing quite like a cowboy.

No matter how swoony the cute cowboy is, romance is the last thing on Carley Chapman's mind. But it's hard to ignore Knox Garrison and the spark of attraction she feels every time he's near. When a water line break floods her building, she's forced to move her salon out to the Horse Rescue ranch, and Knox shows up to help. But things get even more complicated when Carley's no-good ex comes sniffing around and Knox "fixes" the problem by telling him they're engaged…

Review:

Every Bit a Cowboy was a heartwarming, small town romance. With fake dating, adorably cute farm animals and characters that leapt from the pages, this book was such a huge win!

“Lunch isn’t exactly what I’m hungry for…”
He left the statement open-ended, as if passing the flirty ball back to her side of the court. But as much as her body was responding to his words with surges of heat and crazy stomach flutters, this was one game she wasn’t prepared to play.

Carley Chapman was a hairdresser in town, and we got to meet her in Never Enough Cowboy. When she got her moving weekends mixed up, and her sister and friends weren’t available, she turned to Knox. Knox Garrison was a deputy in their town, who worked with her sister’s husband. They got along so easily and there was a definite spark between them! So when Carley’s horrific ex came back to town, who definitely had some creepy stalker vibes, Knox stood up for her and ended up stating they were engaged. Living in a small town had word spreading fast. And they both decided it was best to continue the farce, until her ex left town. What unfolded was so much fun!

“Oh, and Knox,” she said softly. “Thanks for checking in with me. It helped.”
“That’s what friends are for,” he said. “See you tonight.”
That’s what friends are for? He gave himself a mental head slap. Why had he said that? He didn’t want to be her friend.

Carley was definitely jaded from her past, since her ex was a complete douchebag. Because of him, she didn’t want to go on a date let alone have a relationship with a man. When she found out that Knox had said they were engaged, I was so nervous. When she agreed to go along with his plan, butterflies erupted. I had so much hope Carley. She never felt like she had a home anywhere. She moved around a lot as a kid and her ex-husband didn’t make things stable for them. So it was easy to understand why she internally struggled about Knox. She liked him and even though he kept helping her out, she was still terrified that he would hurt her. Or leave her, like everyone else did. I patiently waited for Carley to catch up with what her heart already knew, that Knox was one of the good ones.

She closed her fingers around his hand. “You’re a good man, Knox Garrison. Better than I deserve.”
“You deserve everything,” he whispered, the emotion stealing his voice.

Knox was so easy to love! He showed us time and again that he was kind, thoughtful and caring. He was so good to his townspeople and I loved how they thanked him with Twinkies lol. And I loved how he put his feelings out there. He was forward with Carley and let her know that he was interested. Even in front of others. So watching him care and protect Carley shined beautifully from the pages. When they started to pretend that they were engaged, it was impossible not to be giddy with the little touches here and there. Along with the moments they wanted to be seen together. But most of all I loved how hot their first kiss was! The passion and chemistry between them was electrifying! And together they made such a good team. They had similar pasts, similar friends and their friendship seemed seamless. I kept hoping they would switch from faking to real. They both deserved their HEAs!

A grin tugged at his lips. “You think I’m hot?”
She pressed her lips together as if trying not to smile, but in the end she failed. “Yes, of course I do. Remember our moment on the dryer?”
“Darlin’, to my dyin’ day, I will forever remember our moment on the dryer.”

Rounding out this story were side characters that were so easy to like….or dislike. I was so over the moon happy to see characters from It Started With a Cowboy, that’s one of my favorites in the Cowboys of Creedence Series! We saw soooo many of those we loved from that series and this one too. Plus we got to attend a wedding for a couple we love! While yes, you can easily read this as a standalone, I can’t recommend the other books in Cowboys of Creedence Series and Creedence Horse Rescue Series enough! There were also animals we adored from previous books and the introduction of new ones too. Otis and Tiny and their antics had me cracking up again! I wish they were real, I’d love to meet them! And the newest additions, awww sooo cute, and I loved the nod to Friends. Now for the dislike side, ohhh how I hated Paul and kept wishing for something bad karma to happen!

For just that moment in time, she let herself trust Knox, with her body and her heart, and surrendered herself to him.

Every Bit a Cowboy was a romantic fake dating romance that brimmed with tons of heart! With characters that were so easy to connect with, a town that felt like home, and friendships and love that filled the pages with so emotion, it was impossible not to love this book. I always pick up Jennie Marts books knowing that I’ll smile, laugh and fall in love, so I can’t wait to read her next release!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

GIVEAWAY: Every Bit a Cowboy (Creedence Horse Rescue #5) by Jennie Marts

March 11, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

My review for this book will be posted shortly, but I absolutely loved this story! Definitely check out what this one is about and enter the fabulous giveaway below. Enjoy ♥.

Every Bit a Cowboy
Jennie Marts
(Creedence Horse Rescue, #5)
Publication date: March 7th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

“Filled with humor, heart and real love.” —Michelle Major, USA Today bestselling author

USA Today bestselling author Jennie Marts proves there’s nothing quite like a cowboy.

No matter how swoony the cute cowboy is, romance is the last thing on Carley Chapman’s mind. But it’s hard to ignore Knox Garrison and the spark of attraction she feels every time he’s near. When a water line break floods her building, she’s forced to move her salon out to the Heaven Can Wait Horse Rescue ranch, and Knox shows up to help. But things get even more complicated when Carley’s no-good ex comes sniffing around and Knox “fixes” the problem by telling him they’re engaged…

Praise for Jennie Marts’s cowboy romances:

“Funny, complicated, and irresistible. Sometimes a cowboy isn’t perfect but you got to love him anyway.”—JODI THOMAS, New York Times bestselling author, for Caught Up in a Cowboy

“Full of hope, humor, and undeniable swoon.”—A.J. PINE, USA Today bestselling author, for How to Cowboy

“Deliciously steamy but still sweet, with a secret at its heart.”—JOANNE KENNEDY, award-winning author, for Wish Upon a Cowboy

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Excerpt:

Carley gestured to the kitchen island where she’d set out mini quiches, fruit, yogurt, and a mimosa bar. “Before we get started, you all make yourselves some plates. And I’ve orange juice and champagne if you all want mimosas.”

“I’m down for that,” the third bridesmaid, who Carley didn’t recognize, said, as she strode into the kitchen and grabbed the bottle of alcohol. Already gorgeous, with her long blond hair pulled up in a ponytail, she wore a bright teal Western-cut shirt, jeans tucked into tall, embroidered cowboy boots, and a rhinestone-studded belt held together by a large, shiny rodeo championship buckle. “I may not be able to make fancy invitations or frost a million cupcakes, but I make a mean mimosa that will either land you on your butt or in the lap of a hot cowboy, and I’m making one for all of you.”

Chloe nudged Carley. “That’s Stacey, Colt’s cousin. She’s a barrel racer, and the rumors you’ve heard about them are true.”

“But you love me anyway,” Stacey said then let out a whoop as she popped the champagne cork.

“Yes, we do,” Chloe agreed, laughing with her. “But I’ve already got my cowboy, and the last thing I need is to land on my tush at the wedding tonight, so make mine light on the champagne.”

Carley laughed, even as she couldn’t help thinking about how she wished all it would take was a mean mimosa to land her in a certain hot cowboy’s lap. “I want you all to have a good time this morning. I’ll do Quinn’s and Tessa’s hair first, then work on the bride’s, and then finish with Stacey’s.”

“Perfect,” Chloe said, accepting one of the mimosas Stacey was handing around.

“Here’s to the bride,” Stacey called out, holding up the last glass. “Now, let’s get this party started.”

An hour later, Carley was just starting on Chloe’s hair when the front door opened, and Knox walked in. He held up two boxes of Twinkies. “Who needs a little sugar?”

“Oh my word,” Stacey squealed as she bolted off the sofa and charged towards him. “Chloe, you little devil. You got us a stripper.” She circled around Knox looking him up and down as she went. “And da-amn, is he ever a good-looking one.” She gestured to his service weapon. “Hey handsome, are you going to show us your big gun? Is it already cocked?”

“What? No…I mean…this is a real gun,” Knox sputtered, putting his hand protectively over his holster.

“I’m sure it is, baby,” Stacey crooned, leaning forward and giving him a little shimmy. “How much extra for a lap dance? Because I’ve got an hour still to get my hair real mussed up, and I’ve got money to burn.”

“Stacey. Stop it,” Chloe said. “He’s not a stripper.”

“Good try,” Stacey said. “Look at those muscles. I know a stripper when I see one.” She gave Knox the “Matrix come forward” gesture with her fingers. “Come on, baby, show us what you got.”

Knox looked at Carley, as if hoping she’d save him. She’d never seen the deputy so tongue-tied, but he seemed completely flummoxed as he held up the cardboard boxes. “I just brought some Twinkies.”

“We know. And we want to see ’em.” Stacey hooted then let out a long wolf-whistle.

“Listen now,” Knox tried again. “I’m a deputy sheriff, and this is my official uniform.”

“Great,” Stacey said. “Now take it off. Then can I touch your gun?”

“What did I tell you?” Chloe said, shaking her head. “Barrel racers. You can’t take ‘em anywhere.”

“Sorry ladies,” Carley heard herself say as she stepped around Chloe and in front of Knox. “This one’s mine.”

Mine? Since when did she consider this man hers? Apparently as soon as some hot barrel-racer started flirting with him.

Knox stepped forward and wrapped his arm around her waist. Either her declaration or the steadiness of his hand holding her hip must have given him some of his composure back because his voice changed back to his normal charming tone. “Yep, that’s right. I belong to this one. Sorry ladies. Carley’s the only one I’m stripping for.” He grinned down at her. “Too much?” he asked quietly, before turning back to Stacey. “And she’s the only one who gets to touch my gun.”

Carley barked out a laugh then covered her mouth. “I knew I shouldn’t have had a mimosa.”

“I haven’t had nearly enough,” Stacey said, heading toward the kitchen. “I’m making another round. You in for one, Mr. Official Deputy Sheriff?”

Knox shook his head. “No thanks. I just stopped by to bring you all some snacks and to offer to help.”

Carley’s heart melted a little. “Aww. That’s so nice of you.”

“I was worried you would be having a rough time being out of your normal element and thought maybe I could do something. You already know my skills at washing hair. Do you need me to shampoo anyone?”

“No thanks,” Carley said. “I appreciate the offer, but updos work best when you start with dirty hair.”

“I’ve got dirty hair,” Stacey piped up. “In fact, I’m real dirty. So, you can shampoo all of me.”

“Stacey, seriously dude, you have to stop,” Chloe scolded. “Knox is Carley’s fiancé. He is not a stripper.”

“What?” Aunt Sassy asked from behind them as she pushed through the door of the bunkhouse. “You all got a stripper? I didn’t know you were getting a stripper. I would’ve skipped my dentist appointment entirely and come straight here if I’d known. Did he start yet?” She snapped open her handbag. “I know I have some cash in here. Do I need one-dollar bills, or do you think he can make change?”

Chloe raised an eyebrow at Stacey. “See what you started?” Then she called out to the other woman. “Sorry, Aunt Sassy, there is no stripper.”

“Dang,” she said, snapping closed her purse. “Is it too late to get one?”

About Jennie Marts:

Jennie Marts is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was “the most fun I’ve had reading in years.”

She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies. She’s addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes, or friends.

Her books include the contemporary western romance Hearts of Montana series, the romantic comedy/ cozy mysteries of The Page Turners series, the hunky hockey-playing men in the Bannister family in the Bannister Brothers Books, and the small-town romantic comedies in the Lovestruck series of Cotton Creek Romances.

Jennie loves to hear from readers. Follow her on Facebook at Jennie Marts Books, or Twitter at @JennieMarts. Visit her at www.jenniemarts.com and sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest news and releases.

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Giveaway:

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BOOK REVIEW: Dating You/Hating You by Christina Lauren

March 6, 2023 / Jen / 6 Comments

Dating You/Hating You by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Everyone knows that all’s fair in love and war. But these two will learn that sabotage is a dish best served naked.

A sexy, compulsively readable romantic comedy that dives headlong into the thrill and doubt of modern love, Dating You/Hating You by New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren is the story of what two high-powered agents will—and won’t—do to get everything they ever wanted.

Despite the odds against them from an embarrassing meet-awkward at a mutual friend’s Halloween party, Carter and Evie immediately hit it off. Even the realization that they’re both high-powered agents at competing firms in Hollywood isn’t enough to squash the fire.

But when their two agencies merge—causing the pair to vie for the same position—all bets are off. What could have been a beautiful, blossoming romance turns into an all-out war of sabotage. Carter and Evie are both thirtysomething professionals—so why can’t they act like it?

Can Carter stop trying to please everyone and see how their mutual boss is really playing the game? Can Evie put aside her competitive nature long enough to figure out what she really wants in life? Can their actor clients just be something close to human? Whether these two Hollywood love/hatebirds get the storybook Hollywood ending, or just a dramedy of epic proportions, you get to enjoy Christina Lauren’s heartfelt, hilarious story of romance in the modern world.

Review:

Dating You / Hating You was a hilarious adult, enemies to lovers romance. Evie and Carter had the most adorable meet cute at a Halloween Party. It seemed like they were destined to be together, even if their friends may have had a hand in setting them up. And while they had similar jobs, at competing companies, they hit it off so easily. It was as if they could be friends or more without even trying. They were both quirky and complimented each other so well. So while they started the beginning of something, everything changed the moment their companies merged together. Evie and Carted were now competing for the same job, and only one of them could keep it.

I hate how funny he is, and I hate how much I want him to keep touching me. I hate this entire situation.

Evie cracked me up time and again with her honest thoughts. She worked in such a cut throat field, and I hated so many around her. Yet she loved her job and thrived at what she was doing. Carter was the first thing she seemed nervous about. She was finally going on a date, and with someone she liked. So when she learned she’d be competing for her job, against Carter, she tried to be nice. And helpful. But after a few mistakes by Carter, all bets were off. And Evie had NO problems playing dirty!

It feels like we’re standing on the deck of the Titanic as it goes down, saying, It’s gonna bob back up any second now.

Carter was adorkably cute and so kind. I loved his compliments. I loved how he paid attention. I loved how honest he was. And that he even called Evie, Evil! But his family life was something else. His brother was a famous photographer who was a jerk. And his parents, wow, I don’t even have words. But Carter loved his job and LA. This was his home and he wanted to keep his job. So while he had good intentions, sometimes things came off as sooooo wrong. While I was on Evie’s side a few times, it felt like the line was drawn deep in the sand between them. But through it all, he always seemed to be thinking of Evie.

This whole situation would be about a million times easier if I didn’t want to kiss him as much as I want to shove him.

When Carter and Evie worked together, it was so effortless. They truly made a formable team. Yet Evie and now Carter’s boss, Brad, seemed to remind them time and again that they were competing for the same job. So it was impossible for there not to be at war. They didn’t play nice and the games they played on each other were HILARIOUS! I was laughing so hard quite a few times that I had tears falling down my face. Yet I kept hoping that they would fall in love and get a happily ever after!

“I liked you,” he whispers.
An ache worms itself between my ribs when he says this, and my response comes out more raw than I’d planned: “I liked you, too.”
He stares at me, unblinking. “Evie—”
“I’m just glad I figured out who you really are before we got in too deep.”

Dating You / Hating You could easily be made into a romantic comedy movie! Between their texts, practical pranks and games they played against each other, this book was so funny! And the friendships they had with Daryl, Amelia, Carter and Stephanie rounded out this story so well! This story was such a fun enemies to lovers romance and another book I enjoyed by Christina Lauren!