If You Hate Me
by Helena Hunting
Released – 7 March 2024
Available Now!
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Blurb
My new roommates are two pro hockey players.
First, my f-boy of an older brother, and second, his seriously hot best friend (who I seriously hate).
This was a last resort.
No one should be sleeping on a futon that smells like Cheetos and hot sweat.
But here I am, trying to get my life together.
Tristan Stiles is the bane of my existence.
He never wears a shirt.
We can’t seem to stop fighting.
He’s an arrogant playboy with a filthy reputation.
Sure, I had a crush on him when I was fourteen but that was a long time ago.
I know better than to trust him.
I just need to survive long enough to find a new job and get a new place.
And not accidentally let Tristan show me exactly how well deserved his reputation is.
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Review
4 stars!
If You Hate Me, the first book in the Toronto Terror series, has some of my favorite tropes, including brother’s best friend, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, and sports romance. It gives us all the humor, heart, and heat we expect from this author and it did not disappoint.
When Beatrix quits her job and leaves a horrible roommate situation, she ends up on her brother’s couch. He lives with his best friend, Tristan, which means she is now in his space, too, and he is not happy.
Their families have known each other for ages, and though they haven’t really seen each other the past several years, like when they were younger Rix and Tristan still fight nonstop. Their constant bickering is entertaining and I loved that they get on each other’s last nerves whenever they are in the same room. It’s so funny to see them interact not only when they are alone but also while her brother is around.
From the moment she moved in, there was palpable sexual tension and I couldn’t wait for these two to cave. And when they do, once is not enough. They can’t get enough of each other and they really bring on the sexy times, maybe even a little too many times. However, they understand what the other enjoys and really explore their desires in the bedroom and complement each other.
The forbidden aspect is so well done. The sneaking around made every moment that much more intense and I was waiting until someone caught them. I knew it was coming and I knew it would be bad. And because feelings where involved whether or not they wanted to admit it, it made my heart hurt when everything blows up. I will say that the scene leading up to the reveal and how it goes down is hilarious. I was cracking up at the awkwardness and the terrible timing.
It’s so much more than just steamy moments. There’s growth for both and I especially loved Tristan figuring out what he wants and what his feelings really mean. He has a skewed idea of love and had trouble opening up so when he does it was wonderful. I loved his vulnerability and even though hurting her was the last thing he wanted to do, when he does it hurts both of them. When they finally face each other again Rix definitely doesn’t let him off the hook easily and I loved that she made him face what was going on in his head and heart. She is just what he needed and I loved how much they cared for each other once they accepted how they felt.
Toronto Terror is definitely a new series not to be missed and I am hooked.
*ARC generously provided by the author*
Toronto Terror
If You Hate Me (#1) – (Tristan & Beatrix)
Review
Buy: Amazon
If You Want Me (#2) – (Hollis & Hammer)
TBR – 11 July 2024
Pre-order: Amazon
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