Hate to Love You by Tijan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book blindsided me. Completely. Tijan’s, Hate to Love You lured me in with its preppy, tongue in cheek blurb and then boom. I was hit with reality. I’m not complaining, quite the opposite. In fact, I applaud authors who have the bravery to comment on confrontational issues in today’s society. And boy, does this novel do that.

Assault, rape, drugs, eating disorders, mental illness, family breakdowns. It’s all there, woven through the pages like fraying threads in a tapestry. I am glad for it. I am glad a strong, feisty, intelligent heroine is faced with these issues. And it’s not easy on Kennedy Clarke. Lord no. She is confronted, terrified and broken, time and time again. Yet, Kennedy refuses to be a victim. She refuses to sit by and watch those she cares about suffer alone. She refuses to be a scapegoat for society’s injustices.

Kennedy is one of the strongest heroines I have ever read.

Does this mean I like her? No. Not particularly. I understand her prickly exterior and I empathise with her coping mechanisms. Truly, I do. However, I found it difficult to grow close to someone who is so defensive. Thus, the four stars.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. Hell yes. The world needs more heroines like Kennedy. It needs more heroes like Shay, men who support their love interest rather than break them apart. It needs more authors like Tijan who have the balls to raise these issues through what is clandestinely labelled a contemporary romance.

Layered, confrontational, intense. Hate To Love You is a surprisingly powerful read.

Lee Piper is an Evernight Publishing bestselling author. Rock My World, Book #1 in the Mondez series and Rock My Body, Book #2 are available now. You can find all of this information and more on her website: www.leepiperauthor.com





View all my reviews