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Hate Dating
Is fake dating ever really fake?
Although they’d known each other for years, Becky did all she could to avoid Ben after what she thought was a failed teenage prank left her sour. Ben didn’t understand her feelings but steered clear of Becky as much as possible. Unfortunately, they shared the same friend group. When three paired-up friends are slated to be married in the spring, Ben proposes a plan to go as each other’s dates to keep their friends from nagging. When the fake arrangement lines get blurred, they both start to question the plan. But when the truth about why Becky shunned him all those years ago comes to light, can they work past it, or will the animosity destroy their budding relationship?
Although they’d known each other for years, Becky did all she could to avoid Ben after what she thought was a failed teenage prank left her sour. Ben didn’t understand her feelings but steered clear of Becky as much as possible. Unfortunately, they shared the same friend group. When three paired-up friends are slated to be married in the spring, Ben proposes a plan to go as each other’s dates to keep their friends from nagging. When the fake arrangement lines get blurred, they both start to question the plan. But when the truth about why Becky shunned him all those years ago comes to light, can they work past it, or will the animosity destroy their budding relationship?
249 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2023
22 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 28, 2023
Such a cute read!
So it is a quick read, (read in less than a day) but so cute! I also love the last line. "The f***ING end baby cheezitz" lol. I've loved all of April's books that I've read, and though I fell behind for a while (she was just dropping books left and right for a while) I'm finally almost caught back up!
So it is a quick read, (read in less than a day) but so cute! I also love the last line. "The f***ING end baby cheezitz" lol. I've loved all of April's books that I've read, and though I fell behind for a while (she was just dropping books left and right for a while) I'm finally almost caught back up!
May 10, 2023
This is such a cute love story!
It’s sort of an enemies to lovers but not. Lol Becky has always been insecure and when Ben, one of the hottest guys in school and her circle of friends, asks her to prom she’s positive he’s only asking so he can pull a prank on her so she refuses.
Fast forward years later and all their friends are either married or getting married. In fact there are three weddings back to back.
Ben, getting tired of being harassed about finding a girlfriend, asks Becky, who is equally tired of being harassed about finding a boyfriend, to fake date him for the weddings. And things move on from there.
It’s sort of an enemies to lovers but not. Lol Becky has always been insecure and when Ben, one of the hottest guys in school and her circle of friends, asks her to prom she’s positive he’s only asking so he can pull a prank on her so she refuses.
Fast forward years later and all their friends are either married or getting married. In fact there are three weddings back to back.
Ben, getting tired of being harassed about finding a girlfriend, asks Becky, who is equally tired of being harassed about finding a boyfriend, to fake date him for the weddings. And things move on from there.
May 12, 2023
Hate Dating anyone?? Becky has always been a little insecure. As the last single of her friends, she agrees to an arrangement of Fake Dates with the guy she has hated since high school. Fresh, fun, sexy and full of well written and planned “dates”, Becky slowly develops a more confident attitude. She eventually figures out that maybe Ben isn’t the arrogant prankster she has held a grudge against for all these years. Hate Dating certainly takes a turn that neither party ever expected.
May 11, 2023
This is such a sweet story! I love how her books can be so sweet and heartfelt but also cover so many topics that affect people in relationship situations. This is kind of an enemies to love……but not really. Super good contemporary romance.
May 8, 2023
Are you looking for something sweet? Something to pull on your heart strings? Then you will love this enemies to lovers book! The writing is fantastic. The characters are adorable and relatable. April has quickly become my go for something heart warming with a side of humor.
May 20, 2023
SPED through this because I fell ALL THE WAY in love with Ben. He's my new book bf! I call dibs! He's a Master Plumber (i.e. He's a MASTER at using his tools!!!) and he's the absolute sweetest guy you could ever meet. I had my snippy moments with the FMC because she couldn't see him for the pure perfection that he was, but I mean... I might be biased.
Overall, this is a sweet read with only a couple tears and such an AMAZING HEA! I'll 10000/10 recommend!
Overall, this is a sweet read with only a couple tears and such an AMAZING HEA! I'll 10000/10 recommend!
October 20, 2025
2.5 stars
- FMC: Becky
- MMC: Ben
- POVs Included: Dual POVs (Becky, Ben)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
All of Becky's friends are either married or getting married -- with several weddings happening all in a row. Now she feels the pressure to have a date setup for all the upcoming weddings and rehearsals and other get-togethers surrounding the weddings.
So when her long-time-rival, Ben (who is also in her same friend group) offers to make an arrangement where they can be each other's dates to get their friends off their backs, she reluctantly agrees. But things between them start to get too real too soon.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
This one sounded really cute. I love the kind-of-enemies-who-are-also-in-the-same-friend-group vibe. It's a fun setup to the story.
Unfortunately that's about all I liked.
The REASON for her hatred towards Ben is absolutely absurd. Their senior year of high school, he asked her to prom and she ASSUMED it was a prank. So she turned him down and has been a bitch to him for years because she thought he was pulling a prank on her when he asked her to go. Seriously? How fucking stupid. Even her friends all tell her that that was all in her head and she STILL refuses to believe anything different. Such a dumb reason to hold a grudge.
Look, I get that she's insecure. But this goes too far and I hate reading FMC's who are so insecure they can barely function like a normal human being. Hate it. It's not cute or endearing, it's annoying.
But as dumb as her assumptions were, his reaction when he found out was somehow worse. It was YEARS ago that this happened and he basically breaks up with her over it? How stupid. They're both so stupid.
The dialog during sex was also very repetitive and boring. The steam just fell flat because of that. There was a surprising amount of sex, but none of it was particularly good.
Then there's the fact that there's no plot or conflict at all. It's such a boring book because there is literally nothing to the story.
Now, other than the setup I did like the cutesy and very laid back vibe of the book. I also loved how everyone in the friend group is paired off with each other. That would never happen so neatly in real life, but it's a sweet idea. All of the girls' husbands/fiances are best friends and all the girls are best friends too. How perfect and cute. Not realistic, but cute still.
Overall I just wasn't a fan of this one. I didn't like Becky (Ben was okay). I also didn't like the major miscommunication trope. Had they talked a long time ago, none of their issues would've even been issues. But I liked their friend group and the cozy vibe of the book.
- FMC: Becky
- MMC: Ben
- POVs Included: Dual POVs (Becky, Ben)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
All of Becky's friends are either married or getting married -- with several weddings happening all in a row. Now she feels the pressure to have a date setup for all the upcoming weddings and rehearsals and other get-togethers surrounding the weddings.
So when her long-time-rival, Ben (who is also in her same friend group) offers to make an arrangement where they can be each other's dates to get their friends off their backs, she reluctantly agrees. But things between them start to get too real too soon.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
This one sounded really cute. I love the kind-of-enemies-who-are-also-in-the-same-friend-group vibe. It's a fun setup to the story.
Unfortunately that's about all I liked.
The REASON for her hatred towards Ben is absolutely absurd. Their senior year of high school, he asked her to prom and she ASSUMED it was a prank. So she turned him down and has been a bitch to him for years because she thought he was pulling a prank on her when he asked her to go. Seriously? How fucking stupid. Even her friends all tell her that that was all in her head and she STILL refuses to believe anything different. Such a dumb reason to hold a grudge.
Look, I get that she's insecure. But this goes too far and I hate reading FMC's who are so insecure they can barely function like a normal human being. Hate it. It's not cute or endearing, it's annoying.
But as dumb as her assumptions were, his reaction when he found out was somehow worse. It was YEARS ago that this happened and he basically breaks up with her over it? How stupid. They're both so stupid.
The dialog during sex was also very repetitive and boring. The steam just fell flat because of that. There was a surprising amount of sex, but none of it was particularly good.
Then there's the fact that there's no plot or conflict at all. It's such a boring book because there is literally nothing to the story.
Now, other than the setup I did like the cutesy and very laid back vibe of the book. I also loved how everyone in the friend group is paired off with each other. That would never happen so neatly in real life, but it's a sweet idea. All of the girls' husbands/fiances are best friends and all the girls are best friends too. How perfect and cute. Not realistic, but cute still.
Overall I just wasn't a fan of this one. I didn't like Becky (Ben was okay). I also didn't like the major miscommunication trope. Had they talked a long time ago, none of their issues would've even been issues. But I liked their friend group and the cozy vibe of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
Hate Dating is an enemies to Lovers Romance,just like the title to the book suggests.
Becky and Ben have known one another since High School,they moved in different circles but had some mutal friends.
Ben had a reputation and Becky was so not his type so when he asked her to the prom she said no,thinking it was a cruel prank.
Little did she know Ben had a crush on her back then and still does.
Now both adults their mutaul friends are getting married,so they will have to be in eachothers orbit for a few months.They are both being pressured into taking dates to the Weddings.
So to solve the problem they make a deal to go together to the Weddings as one anothers dates and pretend to be dating too.
Surprisingly they get along well and their is alot of chemistry and attraction between them,and one night they cross the line.
The intimacy between them is explosive and so they keep doing it,they are insatiable,until eventually their lust turns into love and they become a real thing.
Ben proves to Becky that he is not the person she thought he was,he is actually perfect for her and everything is so good between them.
Becky is everything Ben thought she would be and he can't believe he has finally got his dream girl.
But Beckys insecurities as a teen keep rearing their ugly heads and doubts creep in,But Ben chases all her fears away and she becomes a much more self assured confident woman.
But the past comes back to haunt them and threatens to destroy the beautiful relationship they now share.
This story is narrated by Eliza Summers and she does a wonderful performance as both male and female characters...Her voice was smooth and pleasant and I enjoyed listening to her tell this story.
Hate Dating by April Berry is a steamy and adorable romance,and it was a delight to listen to I enjoyed it very much,along with Aprils writing.
great story.
5 Stars.
Becky and Ben have known one another since High School,they moved in different circles but had some mutal friends.
Ben had a reputation and Becky was so not his type so when he asked her to the prom she said no,thinking it was a cruel prank.
Little did she know Ben had a crush on her back then and still does.
Now both adults their mutaul friends are getting married,so they will have to be in eachothers orbit for a few months.They are both being pressured into taking dates to the Weddings.
So to solve the problem they make a deal to go together to the Weddings as one anothers dates and pretend to be dating too.
Surprisingly they get along well and their is alot of chemistry and attraction between them,and one night they cross the line.
The intimacy between them is explosive and so they keep doing it,they are insatiable,until eventually their lust turns into love and they become a real thing.
Ben proves to Becky that he is not the person she thought he was,he is actually perfect for her and everything is so good between them.
Becky is everything Ben thought she would be and he can't believe he has finally got his dream girl.
But Beckys insecurities as a teen keep rearing their ugly heads and doubts creep in,But Ben chases all her fears away and she becomes a much more self assured confident woman.
But the past comes back to haunt them and threatens to destroy the beautiful relationship they now share.
This story is narrated by Eliza Summers and she does a wonderful performance as both male and female characters...Her voice was smooth and pleasant and I enjoyed listening to her tell this story.
Hate Dating by April Berry is a steamy and adorable romance,and it was a delight to listen to I enjoyed it very much,along with Aprils writing.
great story.
5 Stars.
May 15, 2023
Hate Dating is enemies to lovers, with a second chance type vibe. It’s funny and quirky skirting the line between contemporary and rom com territory. This story is incredibly cute just look at the names Becky and Ben. Becky is a teacher getting her masters and I believe it mentioned Ben being a plumber. The two have been in the same friend group since high school and decided to fake date for the upcoming weddings of the rest of the group.
The overall tone of the book is light and fluffy. I found it to be a great fast read with very little conflict. It’s perfect for a bit of a pick me up, especially following a darker read. I felt the conflict was very easily resolved. Hate Dating, was exactly what I needed from a rom com.
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving this review of my volition.
The overall tone of the book is light and fluffy. I found it to be a great fast read with very little conflict. It’s perfect for a bit of a pick me up, especially following a darker read. I felt the conflict was very easily resolved. Hate Dating, was exactly what I needed from a rom com.
I received an advance reader copy and am leaving this review of my volition.
January 12, 2025
Cute, Fun, Vulnerable and Spicy
This book has all the emotions. Happy times, sad times, emotional times and adult fun times lol
I really enjoyed this book! The author really gave the female character major personal growth under the radiant glow of the male character’s attentions. She was able to step back and see her self for who she has been, who she has become and who she is becoming.
I loved the ending also! The main characters had a small misunderstanding that took some time for him to fully understand from the female character’s POV and once he does they move forward beautifully!
The epilogue takes place one year after one of the three weddings of their closest friends and it’s so sweet and just makes you smile big! 🥰🥰🥰
(this whole book made me smile big TBH lol)
This book has all the emotions. Happy times, sad times, emotional times and adult fun times lol
I really enjoyed this book! The author really gave the female character major personal growth under the radiant glow of the male character’s attentions. She was able to step back and see her self for who she has been, who she has become and who she is becoming.
I loved the ending also! The main characters had a small misunderstanding that took some time for him to fully understand from the female character’s POV and once he does they move forward beautifully!
The epilogue takes place one year after one of the three weddings of their closest friends and it’s so sweet and just makes you smile big! 🥰🥰🥰
(this whole book made me smile big TBH lol)
May 19, 2023
So Swoony
I loved Becky and Ben so so much. They both have been in the same friend group since school. Ben had a secret crush on Becky and even asked her to prom. She refused to go with him and he never knew why. She's always been insecure about her looks and body. Ben was the popular Jock & Gorgeous so when he asked her to prom she thought he was trying to prank her. Many
years later and they're the only single
couple in the friend group. Their friends have paired up and are all getting married and constantly trying to find them dates for all the events. So they make a pact to fake date till all the wedding events are over. Easy Peasy they say! But when Real feelings get involved, secrets come to light, and feelings get hurt. Can they work through the misunderstandings? Don't miss out on this super cute and sweet Love Story.. Definitely Your Next
5⭐ Read..
I loved Becky and Ben so so much. They both have been in the same friend group since school. Ben had a secret crush on Becky and even asked her to prom. She refused to go with him and he never knew why. She's always been insecure about her looks and body. Ben was the popular Jock & Gorgeous so when he asked her to prom she thought he was trying to prank her. Many
years later and they're the only single
couple in the friend group. Their friends have paired up and are all getting married and constantly trying to find them dates for all the events. So they make a pact to fake date till all the wedding events are over. Easy Peasy they say! But when Real feelings get involved, secrets come to light, and feelings get hurt. Can they work through the misunderstandings? Don't miss out on this super cute and sweet Love Story.. Definitely Your Next
5⭐ Read..
August 28, 2025
I devoured this in one night! I think I resonated a lot with Becky’s insecurities and how she almost missed out on a great guy—how many of us have done that before?
It’s labeled as “enemies to lovers,” but I don’t know if that really fits—Ben didn’t even realize he was the “enemy.” 😅 What stood out most to me was the friend group dynamic. I loved that they all knew each other from childhood, which made the connections and banter feel so natural.
And Ben… what a sweetheart. His patience and kindness really carried the story and made the romance feel genuine.
A fun, quick read with heart and humor—I really enjoyed it!
It’s labeled as “enemies to lovers,” but I don’t know if that really fits—Ben didn’t even realize he was the “enemy.” 😅 What stood out most to me was the friend group dynamic. I loved that they all knew each other from childhood, which made the connections and banter feel so natural.
And Ben… what a sweetheart. His patience and kindness really carried the story and made the romance feel genuine.
A fun, quick read with heart and humor—I really enjoyed it!
June 1, 2023
Not me screaming “BREAK THE RULES, BEN!” during dinner…so glad he listened! I’ve never been disappointed by April’s books and this is no exception! Hate Dating was my first fake dating read and I’m glad it was. Becky is so relatable and precious—easily one of my favorite FMCs! Now Ben… can we just acknowledge how perfect he is? Second chance? Yes please! The connection between these two is wonderful! And the story/relationship itself has everything! 10/10 recommend for a light hearted cute romance!
August 17, 2024
I read this book once before. I loved it the first time and after the second time, I loved it even more. This is a must-read if you are looking for a rom-com. The spice level has a good level of heat about a 3 to a 4 but it is a cute read and by the end, like me, you may be rooting for Becky and Ben. I know I did. I will add the chaos of friend's weddings kept you interested as Ben and Beck tested how far they could go when a fake arrangement turned into something more. Want to find out what it is? Read the book!
May 28, 2024
LOVE this author, April D Berry has a way with words, this is the 4th book I've devoured by her. Her female characters are so strong, funny, quirky, and easy to relate to. The male characters are so funny and they actually are self reflective unlike other books I've read. It's a great combo. It didn't get 5 stars because the backstories make me sob like an inconsolable child sometimes but it was worth the tears.
March 14, 2025
Ben and Becky 😍😍 I loved them so much!! Her having so many insecurities is so relatable to so many people and I loved watching Ben help her really come into herself over time. Her best friends are hilarious I loved their interactions with her!! Ben our sweet golden retriever was amazing and knew exactly what he wanted. I loved how long he had had a thing for Becky!
Super cute read. April never disappoints writing a cute fun love story! Definitely recommend to my romance lovers!
Super cute read. April never disappoints writing a cute fun love story! Definitely recommend to my romance lovers!
July 4, 2025
I love an enemies to lovers trope. I love that Becky and Ben were on the outskirts within a friend group being the only two remaining single. Their path of finding a way to get along and more was a fun journey. There is more than just sparks flying from the feud for sure.
Eliza Summers did a wonderful job bringing these two characters to life for me ears to enjoy. She does a wonderful job a differentiating the characters.
Eliza Summers did a wonderful job bringing these two characters to life for me ears to enjoy. She does a wonderful job a differentiating the characters.
May 25, 2023
This was such a great palate cleanser between the paranormal romances I've been reading lately. This is a super low-angst fake relationship story--and I'm a sucker for those! Ben and Becky are such great characters and you really root for them from the beginning. The chemistry is scorching and the romance draws you in. If you're looking for a fun, steamy beach read, this is it! Enjoy!
May 26, 2023
This was a cute, quick read. April always gives us great, down to earth and relatable characters to fall in love with. Fake dating and misunderstandings (sorta, kinda enemies-to-lovers) lead to some awkward moments but it all works out in the end. Low angst and a definite HEA. Love reading April's books!!
September 24, 2023
Yall!! This is the frigging cutest!!!!!!!!
April u did such a great job on this story. I seriously ate it up!!
I knew just knew the other show was going to drop there was just to much to the book left!! Man that was a lil sad for me lol. But I am so happy it all worked out in the end!!
Ben is just the frigfin sweetest. I want to eat him up!!! He is just so perfect.
April u did such a great job on this story. I seriously ate it up!!
I knew just knew the other show was going to drop there was just to much to the book left!! Man that was a lil sad for me lol. But I am so happy it all worked out in the end!!
Ben is just the frigfin sweetest. I want to eat him up!!! He is just so perfect.
January 19, 2024
I'm quickly becoming obsessed with all the things April D. Berry writes. Her books are funny, sweet, low-angst, and super spicy. She writes the perfect romcoms.
Hate Dating has your classic fake dating trope, but with a miscommunication-in-the-past worked in there to exacerbate the "hate" part of this couple. They both think the other can't stand them, but don't ever really know the truth until it smacks them in the faces. And then April makes me all happy again with the HEA the couple deserves.
I just loved it!
Hate Dating has your classic fake dating trope, but with a miscommunication-in-the-past worked in there to exacerbate the "hate" part of this couple. They both think the other can't stand them, but don't ever really know the truth until it smacks them in the faces. And then April makes me all happy again with the HEA the couple deserves.
I just loved it!
March 24, 2024
I love love love love fake dating and this having the added bit of enemies to lovers and secret pining and he falls first?? Gimme gimme gimme.
A sexy and low angst romcom from the wonderful April Berry.
Don't let the low angst fool you, though. There is still plenty of emotions in this book and I have a feeling you'll fall in love with Ben and Becky!
A sexy and low angst romcom from the wonderful April Berry.
Don't let the low angst fool you, though. There is still plenty of emotions in this book and I have a feeling you'll fall in love with Ben and Becky!
July 10, 2025
short, easy read. the end made me tear up (because of my own life goals). The narrator (audio book) threw me off because it sometimes sounded like a southern accent and other times not. but all in all, an easy day read. and cute. to make it a 5 star personally. I would want more banter. There is close to like none. Thank you for the chance to listen, April!
July 17, 2023
This was such a fun quick read!! I loved the spice, Becky’s love of some of my favorite 80s movies and the fact that there was a little angst but not a long drawn out “will they, won’t they” situation. April you are fantastic!
July 1, 2025
Sweet and Spicy
Another spectacular read from April D. Berry! I loved Becky and Ben together. Enemies to lovers, fake dating, and undeniable attraction! This was a sweet and spicy read!
Another spectacular read from April D. Berry! I loved Becky and Ben together. Enemies to lovers, fake dating, and undeniable attraction! This was a sweet and spicy read!
July 8, 2025
I love how they both didn’t like each other in the beginning. Ben & Becky had no choice, but to be around each other, and their friends were lecturing them on finding someone. So they decided to go together to each wedding. What started out fake became real.
Such a quick cute read!
Such a quick cute read!
May 19, 2023
I'm not one to read a lot of romance, but I will always pick up an April D. Berry book! Loved the low angst and the sweetness of this story! The ending was just the best!
June 9, 2023
This book is just what I was looking for!!! Watching him fall first was perfection! And the spicy scenes were very well done!!
Read
July 14, 2023[dnf @ 38%] not my cup of tea...
August 17, 2023
This was a super cute book. I could totally relate to Becky and I hope to still find my Ben some day.
I read this in 2 days. I couldn’t put it down. The ending did not disappoint!
I read this in 2 days. I couldn’t put it down. The ending did not disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews