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Hurtful Love #2
Bitter Enemies
Three weeks ago, Carter and I had managed to find each other again. We’d managed to conquer hate and give in to the all-consuming feelings that had always existed between us. Life was perfect at last.
Until the next day, when everything came crashing down.
Separated by tragedy and the terrible truth surrounding the death of Carter’s mom, Carter and I couldn’t feel further apart, fighting every step of the way and prolonging the cycle of hatred between us.
But that’s the thing about hate built on the back of love. The more you try to hate, the more love wants to persist, and with every encounter, my heart bleeds ever more for him, refusing to consider him my enemy.
Soon enough, the lines between us blur.
But he’s already broken my heart twice. Getting close to him yet again would be a mistake.
Unless we can learn how to conquer our demons, despite it all, and finally let our love prevail.
Warning: This book contains sexual content and sensitive themes such as pregnancy loss, grief, and mentions of suicide. It includes situations that may be triggering for some readers, so caution is advised. Please note that Bitter Enemies is part two of a duet within the Hurtful Love series. It can’t be read as a standalone, so it’s necessary to read Shattered Memories (Hurtful Love #1) before reading this book.
Until the next day, when everything came crashing down.
Separated by tragedy and the terrible truth surrounding the death of Carter’s mom, Carter and I couldn’t feel further apart, fighting every step of the way and prolonging the cycle of hatred between us.
But that’s the thing about hate built on the back of love. The more you try to hate, the more love wants to persist, and with every encounter, my heart bleeds ever more for him, refusing to consider him my enemy.
Soon enough, the lines between us blur.
But he’s already broken my heart twice. Getting close to him yet again would be a mistake.
Unless we can learn how to conquer our demons, despite it all, and finally let our love prevail.
Warning: This book contains sexual content and sensitive themes such as pregnancy loss, grief, and mentions of suicide. It includes situations that may be triggering for some readers, so caution is advised. Please note that Bitter Enemies is part two of a duet within the Hurtful Love series. It can’t be read as a standalone, so it’s necessary to read Shattered Memories (Hurtful Love #1) before reading this book.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2023
98 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Vera Hollins
9 books405 followersVera Hollins writes emotional, dark, and angsty love stories that deal with heartbreak, mental and social issues, and finding light in darkness.
She’s been writing since she was nine, and before she knew it, it became her passion and life. She particularly likes coffee, bunnies, angsty romance, and anti-heroes. When she’s not writing you can find her reading, plotting her next book with as many twists as possible, and watching YouTube.
Keep up with Vera:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verahollins/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorveraho...
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Website: https://www.verahollins.com/
Newsletter: https://www.verahollins.com/newsletter/
Join her FB group to get the latest updates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VeraH...
She’s been writing since she was nine, and before she knew it, it became her passion and life. She particularly likes coffee, bunnies, angsty romance, and anti-heroes. When she’s not writing you can find her reading, plotting her next book with as many twists as possible, and watching YouTube.
Keep up with Vera:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verahollins/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorveraho...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorverahol...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VeraHollins
Website: https://www.verahollins.com/
Newsletter: https://www.verahollins.com/newsletter/
Join her FB group to get the latest updates: https://www.facebook.com/groups/VeraH...
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August 11, 2023
Bitter Enemies is available now and also FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
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September 4, 2023
***4 "Poisonous!!!" stars***
"I'm yours. Always have been..."
The conclusion of Zoe and Carter's duet was brutal!!!
After everything that they went through in the first part, they are broken for once again, but this time might be forever...
In here, both of them are hurting each other brutally and they don't stand a chance for recovery...
Their once loveful eyes have filled with hatred and bitterness and even though there are glimpses of love from time to time, their lives have changed irreparably and destruction has floaded their hearts...
Is there a third chance at love???
"Little did I know we were doomed from the start."
Carter was missing two years of his life and it was very difficult to accept the reality that everyone around him was presenting him with... He was feeling something for Zoe, but it was impossible to let it bloom into something that goes against everything he believes...
And even though his reservations, he really tried, but then reality hit him hard for once again and the girl he thought that meant something was actually his demise...
"She'd always been poison."
Zoe was struggling with her new reality where she and Carter weren't existing together...
She got hurt and when she managed to penetrate his heart for once again, reality created a chaos to both of their lives...
It was impossible to not resent him when tragedy striked... But still, her heart was beating for him, even when she wanted to really hate him...
"How could I ever let myself trust him again?" ,/i>
These two were so wrong together from many aspects... They were toxic and they were hurting each other purposefully...
Their love was toxic as hell, but so addictive!!!
My heart was breaking for them, and yes, I lost my faith to them once or twince in here, but my heart was still rooting for their happily ever after, even though it was a very hard thing to be achieved with everything that was standing between them...
"We belong to each other, and that will never change..."
This duet was very intense and it had me on edge, and I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series...
I am already very intrigued by the secondary characters that were surrounding Zoe and Carter and I am very curious of what will happen into their lives....
"Go to hell."
"I'm already there."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"I'm yours. Always have been..."
The conclusion of Zoe and Carter's duet was brutal!!!
After everything that they went through in the first part, they are broken for once again, but this time might be forever...
In here, both of them are hurting each other brutally and they don't stand a chance for recovery...
Their once loveful eyes have filled with hatred and bitterness and even though there are glimpses of love from time to time, their lives have changed irreparably and destruction has floaded their hearts...
Is there a third chance at love???
"Little did I know we were doomed from the start."
Carter was missing two years of his life and it was very difficult to accept the reality that everyone around him was presenting him with... He was feeling something for Zoe, but it was impossible to let it bloom into something that goes against everything he believes...
And even though his reservations, he really tried, but then reality hit him hard for once again and the girl he thought that meant something was actually his demise...
"She'd always been poison."
Zoe was struggling with her new reality where she and Carter weren't existing together...
She got hurt and when she managed to penetrate his heart for once again, reality created a chaos to both of their lives...
It was impossible to not resent him when tragedy striked... But still, her heart was beating for him, even when she wanted to really hate him...
"How could I ever let myself trust him again?" ,/i>
These two were so wrong together from many aspects... They were toxic and they were hurting each other purposefully...
Their love was toxic as hell, but so addictive!!!
My heart was breaking for them, and yes, I lost my faith to them once or twince in here, but my heart was still rooting for their happily ever after, even though it was a very hard thing to be achieved with everything that was standing between them...
"We belong to each other, and that will never change..."
This duet was very intense and it had me on edge, and I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series...
I am already very intrigued by the secondary characters that were surrounding Zoe and Carter and I am very curious of what will happen into their lives....
"Go to hell."
"I'm already there."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
August 18, 2023
Hurtful Love duet. Carter and Zoe. Spoiler alert
It is such a challenge to review these books. It is my first read from this author. For me, it is a three-star book. The reading was acceptable; the storyline overall was good but tedious at times. However, the author is a good writer. The book's title, “hurtful love,” does justice to the entire storyline duet series. It is genuinely hurtful love. I think that the author dragged the plot creating a script that was, at times, dull to read. In those paragraphs, I skimmed; honestly, they were not necessary. Some of the sections are descriptive in a bland manner that does nothing to the storyline. The plot was acceptable, as well as the storyline; it was somehow unique, meaning the build-up of a relationship based on lies, the constant challenges the main characters were subjected to, and the hateful relationship was relentlessly described. Both main characters are helpless and conflicted regarding their feeling, especially Carter. Both parents lied to their children regarding their affair. Also, I felt it was so wrong for Dominic to bring the mistress and daughter into their home right after the death of the wife. Of course, Carter would resent them. I also did not appreciate that it took two years and a half years for Erika to feel guilty and re-evaluate their living situation. All the drama initiated by the death of Carter’s mother and Erika's involvement with Dominic and Carter's life was for nothing. Erika ended the relationship within hours after the wedding. It was slightly exaggerated; Erika suddenly had a conscience right after the marriage vows. Zoe and Carter are cruel to each other and verbally brutal. The main characters were ok; they did not grow until Carter's memory returned, and the storyline slowed down. The author penned Carter’s difficulties and challenges during the time of amnesia. Carter, after the accident, lost two years of his past. He does not know who he is and does not recall many situations in his everyday life as a student, as a basketball player, and as a boyfriend. Trust is a massive challenge for Carter, not only from his friends but also from himself; he becomes his worst enemy because he does not recognize himself as the person being described by friends, Zoe, and family members. I liked the secondary characters, Zoe’s friends, and Carter’s friends. In particular, I liked Jackson and Jacob. Jackson's book, I hope, will be a better plot. Jackson, from the little reading, is an interesting character. I recommend reading the books if the reader can overcome the dull sections.
It is such a challenge to review these books. It is my first read from this author. For me, it is a three-star book. The reading was acceptable; the storyline overall was good but tedious at times. However, the author is a good writer. The book's title, “hurtful love,” does justice to the entire storyline duet series. It is genuinely hurtful love. I think that the author dragged the plot creating a script that was, at times, dull to read. In those paragraphs, I skimmed; honestly, they were not necessary. Some of the sections are descriptive in a bland manner that does nothing to the storyline. The plot was acceptable, as well as the storyline; it was somehow unique, meaning the build-up of a relationship based on lies, the constant challenges the main characters were subjected to, and the hateful relationship was relentlessly described. Both main characters are helpless and conflicted regarding their feeling, especially Carter. Both parents lied to their children regarding their affair. Also, I felt it was so wrong for Dominic to bring the mistress and daughter into their home right after the death of the wife. Of course, Carter would resent them. I also did not appreciate that it took two years and a half years for Erika to feel guilty and re-evaluate their living situation. All the drama initiated by the death of Carter’s mother and Erika's involvement with Dominic and Carter's life was for nothing. Erika ended the relationship within hours after the wedding. It was slightly exaggerated; Erika suddenly had a conscience right after the marriage vows. Zoe and Carter are cruel to each other and verbally brutal. The main characters were ok; they did not grow until Carter's memory returned, and the storyline slowed down. The author penned Carter’s difficulties and challenges during the time of amnesia. Carter, after the accident, lost two years of his past. He does not know who he is and does not recall many situations in his everyday life as a student, as a basketball player, and as a boyfriend. Trust is a massive challenge for Carter, not only from his friends but also from himself; he becomes his worst enemy because he does not recognize himself as the person being described by friends, Zoe, and family members. I liked the secondary characters, Zoe’s friends, and Carter’s friends. In particular, I liked Jackson and Jacob. Jackson's book, I hope, will be a better plot. Jackson, from the little reading, is an interesting character. I recommend reading the books if the reader can overcome the dull sections.
October 27, 2023
I dont get the rating. It was so flawed storyline with so much back and fro that it was annoying.
The heroine was the most unlikable character I have read. She was selfish. Among all her selfish thoughts, the one that bothered me most was that she being an eighteen year old should know that her mom's having an affair with a married man (hero's dad) and how that led to the hero's mom committing suicide is wrong but she only found it wrong when that remained a constant source of resentment between her and the hero. She was a chaser in this story which I dont mind but it started to look pathetic after a while. The hero was unlikable also.
The villain of the story, I didnt get what was wrong with him. Why was he after Carter in the first place? The story didnt have a good flow. Too much time was wasted in H and h pull and push.
I am really interested in the story between summer and Jackson.
The heroine was the most unlikable character I have read. She was selfish. Among all her selfish thoughts, the one that bothered me most was that she being an eighteen year old should know that her mom's having an affair with a married man (hero's dad) and how that led to the hero's mom committing suicide is wrong but she only found it wrong when that remained a constant source of resentment between her and the hero. She was a chaser in this story which I dont mind but it started to look pathetic after a while. The hero was unlikable also.
The villain of the story, I didnt get what was wrong with him. Why was he after Carter in the first place? The story didnt have a good flow. Too much time was wasted in H and h pull and push.
I am really interested in the story between summer and Jackson.
August 6, 2023
“Bitter Enemies” is the second book in the “hurtful love” series.
I have been waiting on tender hooks to continue Carter and Zoe’s story since I finished “shattered memories”. As soon as this book landed on my kindle I couldn’t contain my excitement. I am loving this series so far. Vera Hollins always gives me what I crave in a story high angst and extremely emotional romances.
“Bitter Enemies” picks up where “shattered memories” left off. After finding their way back to each other Carter and Zoe are yet again torn apart by an unexpected revelation.
Carter has not had it easy he has suffered a great loss when he was only a teen. Carter has to adapt to life with amnesia due to his accident. He wants to hate Zoe for everything he’s endured but he can’t deny the pull he feels towards her. His desire for Zoe is unlike anything he’s ever felt before, but there is a very fine line between love and hate.
Zoe is still completely head over heels in love with Carter. Carter is her soul mate but they have been torn apart catastrophic events.
Zoe and Carter’s story was absolutely incredible. Their story gave me goosebumps the entire journey, I couldn’t help but root for these two. Carter and Zoe were everything. Their love oozed off the pages. Carter and Zoe’s romance is a MUST READ and I can’t recommend it enough.
“Bitter Enemies” cannot be read as a stand-alone “shattered memories” must be read first.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been waiting on tender hooks to continue Carter and Zoe’s story since I finished “shattered memories”. As soon as this book landed on my kindle I couldn’t contain my excitement. I am loving this series so far. Vera Hollins always gives me what I crave in a story high angst and extremely emotional romances.
“Bitter Enemies” picks up where “shattered memories” left off. After finding their way back to each other Carter and Zoe are yet again torn apart by an unexpected revelation.
Carter has not had it easy he has suffered a great loss when he was only a teen. Carter has to adapt to life with amnesia due to his accident. He wants to hate Zoe for everything he’s endured but he can’t deny the pull he feels towards her. His desire for Zoe is unlike anything he’s ever felt before, but there is a very fine line between love and hate.
Zoe is still completely head over heels in love with Carter. Carter is her soul mate but they have been torn apart catastrophic events.
Zoe and Carter’s story was absolutely incredible. Their story gave me goosebumps the entire journey, I couldn’t help but root for these two. Carter and Zoe were everything. Their love oozed off the pages. Carter and Zoe’s romance is a MUST READ and I can’t recommend it enough.
“Bitter Enemies” cannot be read as a stand-alone “shattered memories” must be read first.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
FIVE STARS ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 8, 2023
They were so good together until tragedy struck.
Carter lost his memory of the last two years of his life and now his father married the woman who caused everything to fall apart. Zoe thought her relationship with Carter could happen again and he would get his memory back. Now he was back to hating her and her mother for what they did to his family even more than before. How could he when he lost everything?
As their problems pile up and many lives crumble, things need to be sorted out before they stand a chance at love again. With so much hurt between them, it might be too late for reconciliation. Zoe and Carter have to decide if they can forgive each other and start over, or if it’s time to move on and accept that their relationship is over.
This book is part two of a duet in the Hurtful Love series. It continues Carter and Zoe’s story after the cliffhanger in book one. With enemies to lovers, step-siblings and amnesia, this book might not be for everyone. It deals with many triggering subjects, such as grief, and pregnancy loss. It follows the couple as they struggle to overcome the traumatic events of the past and build a future together. The book explores love, loss, and healing. It is both heartbreaking and hopeful and will leave readers invested in the characters and their story until the end. It's also written from a dual POV so you get to see both sides of the story.
The story continues after the cliffhanger in the first book left readers on. With everything in chaos and more lives ruined. Zoe and Carter said many hurtful things to each other. They were hurt and didn’t know how to deal with it. As a result, they turned each other into villains. Both had their flaws and mistakes and made things worse.
To be honest, I didn’t think Zoe and Carter were right for each other. As I read this book, I kept wishing for many things to happen so that this would keep them apart from each other. I never wished for the main couple to never get a second chance as much as I did with them. Everything about them felt wrong. But then everyone who did wrong got what was coming for them and to me, that was a well-deserved punishment. It’s cruel, but that was the only thing that made their relationship stand a chance.
The side characters in this book are interesting. It seems that Jacob and Tara belong together by the way they both behaved when they felt threatened and were about to lose the person they were interested in. Then there’s Jackson and Summer. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these two.
August 7, 2023
The conclusion to Carter and Zoe’s story was amazing. The tension in this story was through the roof, I had goosebumps reading some of the scenes. Carter and Zoe definitely had the whole love-hate relationship and it continues for a long time. I also enjoyed the fact that it was a great enemies to lovers and that it didn’t just jump into them being together after a couple chapters, the author did such a fantastic job with the trope as the progress of the book was not rushed and it was so well thought of.
I liked that it wasn’t cliche at all. It’s got a good development to the story and it definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. You should definitely check it out if you love the enemies to lovers trope that has character development and the story progression has angst. This is book two in the Hurtful Love series so be sure to read Shattered Memories before you read this one. I’m looking forward to reading Summer and Jackson’s book as they intrigued me as well.
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
I liked that it wasn’t cliche at all. It’s got a good development to the story and it definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat. You should definitely check it out if you love the enemies to lovers trope that has character development and the story progression has angst. This is book two in the Hurtful Love series so be sure to read Shattered Memories before you read this one. I’m looking forward to reading Summer and Jackson’s book as they intrigued me as well.
𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀
August 23, 2025
0.5 stars. I kid you not, it’s indeed the exact same repetitive back-and-forth bullshit recycled from book one. Not sure why I expected even the slightest improvement in the writing this time, but clearly, that was wishful thinking. Once again, Vera Hollins, put the pen down.
August 28, 2023
BBS at its finest😞
I thought both Carter & Zoe deserved each other. And I don’t mean that in a complimentary way.
I thought both Carter & Zoe deserved each other. And I don’t mean that in a complimentary way.
August 10, 2023
First of all, I have to thank the author, Vera Hollins, for sending me an advance reading copy of her second book in the Hurtful Love series and for her constant friendliness and availability whenever I emailed her. Thank you :-)
"Bitter Enemies" is the second volume in the Hurtful Love series and I couldn't be more excited to read it. I'm glad I was one of the lucky ones to receive the ARC and could read it even before it was published.
This second book brings us the outcome of the story between Zoe and Carter. In the first book, we learn that when Carter's mother dies, the father doesn't wait long to take Erika, Zoe's mother, to live with him and their son. By this time, Carter is less than pleased and sees both Erika and Zoe as his, and his dead mother's enemies. Only Carter can't resist Zoe for long and assumes he loves her and needs her by his side. However, a serious accident causes Carter to lose all memories of the last two years, that is, he has no memory of having stopped seeing Zoe as an enemy and that he loves her deeply. Fortunately, he manages to turn around the anguish he felt and decides, even without his memories, to give one more chance to what he felt whenever he was with Zoe. But at the end, on Erika's wedding day to his father, Carter discovers the whole truth about her stepmother's relationship with her father and how it affected his mother and led to her death.
This second book begins exactly three weeks after that fateful day that not only ruined Erika and Dominic's marriage, but was also the day that the baby Erika was expecting also died, in a miscarriage caused by a fall. It was already known, as the first book ended, that Carter had returned to his state of hatred for Zoe and Erika who, in his mind, were just two opportunists who only wanted his father's money.
Although he wants at all costs to hate Zoe, whenever he sees her, despite treating her badly, he always feels something inside that doesn't fit and, finally, throughout the book we will see Carter recover, slowly, all his lost memories of the two years of his life when he had finally started to fall into place after his mother's death.
Zoe is still in love with him and, with all her patience, love and understanding, she will try to make him put all that hate behind him again and see her as the person who loves him most in life and who just wants him to be happy. .
I really enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, because we had first-hand the way they had been before they fell in love. That hate/love that simultaneously pushes and pulls against each other. I loved following the evolution of that so visceral hatred to a love without size. Second, While I didn't agree with how Erika proceeded with Carter's mother and her relationship with Dominic, I am able, in this book, to feel much more empathy for her. Maybe because I was more or less in the same age group as her, but I really felt the pain of that mother who lost an unborn baby and for that woman who knows she made a mistake from the beginning and who is certain that she deserves any and all punishment for this, without complaining and without imposing on anyone.
I hope that over the course of the series, she manages to find her way back to happiness and love.
Third, because I loved the way the author added personalities to the most important secondary characters in Zoe and Carter's lives. I really liked her best friend Summer, who looks like is going to have a kick-ass story. Yey!
A book full of emotions, full of revolt and strong feelings.
A book that will not leave anyone indifferent and promises to make hearts beat faster.
"Bitter Enemies" is the second volume in the Hurtful Love series and I couldn't be more excited to read it. I'm glad I was one of the lucky ones to receive the ARC and could read it even before it was published.
This second book brings us the outcome of the story between Zoe and Carter. In the first book, we learn that when Carter's mother dies, the father doesn't wait long to take Erika, Zoe's mother, to live with him and their son. By this time, Carter is less than pleased and sees both Erika and Zoe as his, and his dead mother's enemies. Only Carter can't resist Zoe for long and assumes he loves her and needs her by his side. However, a serious accident causes Carter to lose all memories of the last two years, that is, he has no memory of having stopped seeing Zoe as an enemy and that he loves her deeply. Fortunately, he manages to turn around the anguish he felt and decides, even without his memories, to give one more chance to what he felt whenever he was with Zoe. But at the end, on Erika's wedding day to his father, Carter discovers the whole truth about her stepmother's relationship with her father and how it affected his mother and led to her death.
This second book begins exactly three weeks after that fateful day that not only ruined Erika and Dominic's marriage, but was also the day that the baby Erika was expecting also died, in a miscarriage caused by a fall. It was already known, as the first book ended, that Carter had returned to his state of hatred for Zoe and Erika who, in his mind, were just two opportunists who only wanted his father's money.
Although he wants at all costs to hate Zoe, whenever he sees her, despite treating her badly, he always feels something inside that doesn't fit and, finally, throughout the book we will see Carter recover, slowly, all his lost memories of the two years of his life when he had finally started to fall into place after his mother's death.
Zoe is still in love with him and, with all her patience, love and understanding, she will try to make him put all that hate behind him again and see her as the person who loves him most in life and who just wants him to be happy. .
I really enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, because we had first-hand the way they had been before they fell in love. That hate/love that simultaneously pushes and pulls against each other. I loved following the evolution of that so visceral hatred to a love without size. Second, While I didn't agree with how Erika proceeded with Carter's mother and her relationship with Dominic, I am able, in this book, to feel much more empathy for her. Maybe because I was more or less in the same age group as her, but I really felt the pain of that mother who lost an unborn baby and for that woman who knows she made a mistake from the beginning and who is certain that she deserves any and all punishment for this, without complaining and without imposing on anyone.
I hope that over the course of the series, she manages to find her way back to happiness and love.
Third, because I loved the way the author added personalities to the most important secondary characters in Zoe and Carter's lives. I really liked her best friend Summer, who looks like is going to have a kick-ass story. Yey!
A book full of emotions, full of revolt and strong feelings.
A book that will not leave anyone indifferent and promises to make hearts beat faster.
August 6, 2023
Bitter Enemies
Hurtful Love #2
Vera Hollins
Releases 11th Aug
#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #hurtfullove #emotional #heartache #heartbreak #HurtfulLoveSeries #duetcomplete #lovehate #highschool #highschoolromance #verahollins #verahollinsauthor #verahollinsbooks #drama #suspence #angst #sensitivecontent #triggers #loss #grief #mentalhealthissues #stepsiblings #allthefeels #emotionalandgripping
The road to healing
POV: Dual
Zoe & Carter
This is the concluding part to Carter & Zoe's duet. Not a standalone, must read Shattered Memories first.
WELL.....
OMG!! I absolutely loved this duet!
After everything, Carter and Zoe are heading in the right direction, then the truth comes out about the events behind Carter's Mum's death, and Dominic and Erika's part in it. Making Carter spiral again, back to hating his Dad, Erika & Zoe. It's an unforgivable action. Turning his back on them, he does feel some remorse for what happened to Erika, he was part to blame for that. He's still coping with his amnesia, missing two years, he doesn't know how to act around his team mates, his peers, even his best friend's changed.
There's just so much chaos going on in his head. He's doing all he can to dull and numb it. Finding a place of his own and trying to make sense of this version of himself. Hanging around Nora is a distraction from Zoe, the girl he hated, not believing he fell for the girl who's mother wrecked his mother.
Still hurting from that terrible night, when they lost something so wanted and precious, Zoe's love for Carter took a swift turn into hatred. Thinking that she's over him, not until they come face to face, he's been m.i.a, she obviously still has feelings for him, but seeing Nora all over him hurts. But she's got more pressing matters to deal with, like getting her once, vibrant mother back to health. Erika's fallen into depression, so Zoe's got to be there for her, but who's there for her? The house is hauntingly quiet since Carter left, the strain on Dominic and Erika's marriage is showing, will they salvage their marriage?
She wishes that their parents dealt with their relationship differently where Carter's mother was concerned. Zoe can't believe that her mother could have been so selfish.
It's looking like Zoe and Carter were never meant to be. She's now lost him twice, her heart can't take much more.
Carter's starting to regain his memories. How will he cope?
Has the threat of Brandon disappeared?
Jackson is still hating on Summer. (Sooo can't wait for their story, 😉)
Stir in the b!tch squad, aka Kim, Nora & Jenna.
Trisha, Amalie are hilarious, together with Denise and Summer they're a great support group.
This is another raw, full of anger, angsty, suspense, drama, heartwrenching, emotional rollercoaster from Ms Vera. A must read!
Looking forward to see what you've got coming our way next 😍
*Arc provided for an honest review
Hurtful Love #2
Vera Hollins
Releases 11th Aug
#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #hurtfullove #emotional #heartache #heartbreak #HurtfulLoveSeries #duetcomplete #lovehate #highschool #highschoolromance #verahollins #verahollinsauthor #verahollinsbooks #drama #suspence #angst #sensitivecontent #triggers #loss #grief #mentalhealthissues #stepsiblings #allthefeels #emotionalandgripping
The road to healing
POV: Dual
Zoe & Carter
This is the concluding part to Carter & Zoe's duet. Not a standalone, must read Shattered Memories first.
WELL.....
OMG!! I absolutely loved this duet!
After everything, Carter and Zoe are heading in the right direction, then the truth comes out about the events behind Carter's Mum's death, and Dominic and Erika's part in it. Making Carter spiral again, back to hating his Dad, Erika & Zoe. It's an unforgivable action. Turning his back on them, he does feel some remorse for what happened to Erika, he was part to blame for that. He's still coping with his amnesia, missing two years, he doesn't know how to act around his team mates, his peers, even his best friend's changed.
There's just so much chaos going on in his head. He's doing all he can to dull and numb it. Finding a place of his own and trying to make sense of this version of himself. Hanging around Nora is a distraction from Zoe, the girl he hated, not believing he fell for the girl who's mother wrecked his mother.
Still hurting from that terrible night, when they lost something so wanted and precious, Zoe's love for Carter took a swift turn into hatred. Thinking that she's over him, not until they come face to face, he's been m.i.a, she obviously still has feelings for him, but seeing Nora all over him hurts. But she's got more pressing matters to deal with, like getting her once, vibrant mother back to health. Erika's fallen into depression, so Zoe's got to be there for her, but who's there for her? The house is hauntingly quiet since Carter left, the strain on Dominic and Erika's marriage is showing, will they salvage their marriage?
She wishes that their parents dealt with their relationship differently where Carter's mother was concerned. Zoe can't believe that her mother could have been so selfish.
It's looking like Zoe and Carter were never meant to be. She's now lost him twice, her heart can't take much more.
Carter's starting to regain his memories. How will he cope?
Has the threat of Brandon disappeared?
Jackson is still hating on Summer. (Sooo can't wait for their story, 😉)
Stir in the b!tch squad, aka Kim, Nora & Jenna.
Trisha, Amalie are hilarious, together with Denise and Summer they're a great support group.
This is another raw, full of anger, angsty, suspense, drama, heartwrenching, emotional rollercoaster from Ms Vera. A must read!
Looking forward to see what you've got coming our way next 😍
*Arc provided for an honest review
December 22, 2024
Bitter Enemies
Hurtful Love #2
Vera Hollins
POV: Dual
Zoe & Carter
This is the concluding part to Carter & Zoe's duet. Not a standalone, must read Shattered Memories first.
After everything, Carter and Zoe are heading in the right direction, then the truth comes out about the events behind Carter's Mum's death, and Dominic and Erika's part in it. Making Carter spiral again, back to hating his Dad, Erika & Zoe.
Turning his back on them, he does feel some remorse for what happened to Erika, he was part to blame for that. He's still coping with his amnesia, missing two years, he doesn't know how to act around his team mates, his peers, even his best friend's changed.
There's just so much chaos going on in his head. He's doing all he can to dull and numb it. Finding a place of his own and trying to make sense of this version of himself. Hanging around Nora is a distraction from Zoe, not believing he fell for the girl who's mother wrecked his mother.
Still hurting from that terrible night, when they lost something so wanted and precious, Zoe's love for Carter took a swift turn into hatred. Thinking that she's over him, until they come face to face, he's been m.i.a, she obviously still has feelings for him, but seeing Nora all over him hurts. But she's got more pressing matters to deal with, like getting her once, vibrant mother back to health. Erika's fallen into depression, so Zoe's got to be there for her, but who's there for her? The house is hauntingly quiet since Carter left, the strain on Dominic and Erika's marriage is showing, will they salvage their marriage?
She wishes that their parents dealt with their relationship differently where Carter's mother was concerned. Zoe can't believe that her mother could have been so selfish.
It's looking like Zoe and Carter were never meant to be. She's now lost him twice, her heart can't take much more.
Carter's starting to regain his memories. How will he cope?
Has the threat of Brandon disappeared?
Jackson is still hating on Summer.
Stir in the catty squad, aka Kim, Nora & Jenna.
Trisha, Amalie are hilarious, together with Denise and Summer they're all a great support group.
This is raw, full of anger, angsty, suspense, emotional rollercoaster of a read. So be prepared for all the feels.
Hurtful Love #2
Vera Hollins
POV: Dual
Zoe & Carter
This is the concluding part to Carter & Zoe's duet. Not a standalone, must read Shattered Memories first.
After everything, Carter and Zoe are heading in the right direction, then the truth comes out about the events behind Carter's Mum's death, and Dominic and Erika's part in it. Making Carter spiral again, back to hating his Dad, Erika & Zoe.
Turning his back on them, he does feel some remorse for what happened to Erika, he was part to blame for that. He's still coping with his amnesia, missing two years, he doesn't know how to act around his team mates, his peers, even his best friend's changed.
There's just so much chaos going on in his head. He's doing all he can to dull and numb it. Finding a place of his own and trying to make sense of this version of himself. Hanging around Nora is a distraction from Zoe, not believing he fell for the girl who's mother wrecked his mother.
Still hurting from that terrible night, when they lost something so wanted and precious, Zoe's love for Carter took a swift turn into hatred. Thinking that she's over him, until they come face to face, he's been m.i.a, she obviously still has feelings for him, but seeing Nora all over him hurts. But she's got more pressing matters to deal with, like getting her once, vibrant mother back to health. Erika's fallen into depression, so Zoe's got to be there for her, but who's there for her? The house is hauntingly quiet since Carter left, the strain on Dominic and Erika's marriage is showing, will they salvage their marriage?
She wishes that their parents dealt with their relationship differently where Carter's mother was concerned. Zoe can't believe that her mother could have been so selfish.
It's looking like Zoe and Carter were never meant to be. She's now lost him twice, her heart can't take much more.
Carter's starting to regain his memories. How will he cope?
Has the threat of Brandon disappeared?
Jackson is still hating on Summer.
Stir in the catty squad, aka Kim, Nora & Jenna.
Trisha, Amalie are hilarious, together with Denise and Summer they're all a great support group.
This is raw, full of anger, angsty, suspense, emotional rollercoaster of a read. So be prepared for all the feels.
August 11, 2023
And just like that Zoe and Carter's whirlwind of a love story has come to an end. To say I was highly anticipating this book would be an understatement. We were left with so many questions and too much heartbreak at the end of book 1, it was positively torture waiting to see what Zoe and Carter would do next.
This book kept breaking my heart all while simultaneously mending it back together. There were times I really thought that was the end for our two stubborn characters, I really didn't think it was possible to come back from all the pain that horrible confession at the end of book 1 brought them. But I guess fate has other ideas. Drawn together time and time again Zoe and Carter are trapped in each others orbit and it's futile to ignore that kind of pull.
Carter fights to control his emotions, still dealing with the repercussions of losing the memory of 2 years of his life. When things were finally starting to make sense to him again.. when Zoe was finally starting to make sense.. everything fell apart, leaving him torn between a hatred that's stronger than ever and a love so consuming he cant possibly escape it.
Carters character just keeps getting better and better, he's as swoon worthy as ever and I was absolutely gushing over all the tension between him and Zoe. I love how protective he is over her even when he hates her. But he also isn't afraid to call Zoe out on her unfair behavior.
Zoe is by no means as perfect or as innocent as I had initially thought. She has her own demons and doesn't always handle them in the best of ways. she lashes out and hurts Carter just as much as he hurts her. The two of them spinning totally out of control with their hate had me disheartened that amends and forgiveness would ever be possible, but if that isn't what makes an epic enemies to lovers story then I don't know what does.
To top it all off, as if them being at each others throats wasn't enough drama, the ominous return of a dangerous rival had me squeezing the life out of my kindle, and this time... a lighter isn't the only thing he has up his sleeve...
*Arc review*
This book kept breaking my heart all while simultaneously mending it back together. There were times I really thought that was the end for our two stubborn characters, I really didn't think it was possible to come back from all the pain that horrible confession at the end of book 1 brought them. But I guess fate has other ideas. Drawn together time and time again Zoe and Carter are trapped in each others orbit and it's futile to ignore that kind of pull.
Carter fights to control his emotions, still dealing with the repercussions of losing the memory of 2 years of his life. When things were finally starting to make sense to him again.. when Zoe was finally starting to make sense.. everything fell apart, leaving him torn between a hatred that's stronger than ever and a love so consuming he cant possibly escape it.
Carters character just keeps getting better and better, he's as swoon worthy as ever and I was absolutely gushing over all the tension between him and Zoe. I love how protective he is over her even when he hates her. But he also isn't afraid to call Zoe out on her unfair behavior.
Zoe is by no means as perfect or as innocent as I had initially thought. She has her own demons and doesn't always handle them in the best of ways. she lashes out and hurts Carter just as much as he hurts her. The two of them spinning totally out of control with their hate had me disheartened that amends and forgiveness would ever be possible, but if that isn't what makes an epic enemies to lovers story then I don't know what does.
To top it all off, as if them being at each others throats wasn't enough drama, the ominous return of a dangerous rival had me squeezing the life out of my kindle, and this time... a lighter isn't the only thing he has up his sleeve...
*Arc review*
August 9, 2023
𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
💚Bitter Enemies💚
Hurtful Love Book 2
By Vera Hollins
⭐ 5/5 ❤️ 5/5 🌶️ 4/5
💚 Enemies to Lovers
💚 Stepsiblings
💚 Second Chance Romance
💚 Suspense
💚 High School Romance
Carter and Zoe’s story is laced with tension, hurt, confusion and love. Zoe’s point of view made me hurt for and with her. What this poor girl had to endure, go through and witness was sometimes agony to read. The way she was treated. And all she wanted was “her” Carter back. The one she had fallen in love with years ago, and who loved her back. And now not only couldn’t remember about, but hated her.
And things Carter accused her of, all the opposite of what she really wanted for him and in general.
You wanted to despise Carter for his actions and words, but deep inside he is a lonely, angry and mostly hurt boy. one who lashes out at someone who he thinks wronged him or his life. Deep down he knows that Zoe isn’t responsible for what happened, and way back he knew it too, but that part he can’t remember anymore. And sometimes you think that he doesn’t even want to.
But the more we go into the story the more we learn about him, and how he slowly realizes how wrong he was about Zoe. And how piece by piece his memory comes back. And how he doesn't want them to be true, but sees and later feels their truths.
Slowly Carter untangles his thoughts and the events of the past. He comes to terms with his feelings and accepts them for what they are. Simply reality.
Every character here has to make amends with all that happened and find a way to move on. And however painful it may be, in the end it was the right thing to do. If you look at the big picture, that is.
A few characters have their stories to tell and from what we have seen in glimpses, there is a lot to tell.
I loved how Carter’s and Zoe’s story ended. It fitted them and their history together. And it made up for all the tears I had in my eyes while reading.
💚Bitter Enemies💚
Hurtful Love Book 2
By Vera Hollins
⭐ 5/5 ❤️ 5/5 🌶️ 4/5
💚 Enemies to Lovers
💚 Stepsiblings
💚 Second Chance Romance
💚 Suspense
💚 High School Romance
Carter and Zoe’s story is laced with tension, hurt, confusion and love. Zoe’s point of view made me hurt for and with her. What this poor girl had to endure, go through and witness was sometimes agony to read. The way she was treated. And all she wanted was “her” Carter back. The one she had fallen in love with years ago, and who loved her back. And now not only couldn’t remember about, but hated her.
And things Carter accused her of, all the opposite of what she really wanted for him and in general.
You wanted to despise Carter for his actions and words, but deep inside he is a lonely, angry and mostly hurt boy. one who lashes out at someone who he thinks wronged him or his life. Deep down he knows that Zoe isn’t responsible for what happened, and way back he knew it too, but that part he can’t remember anymore. And sometimes you think that he doesn’t even want to.
But the more we go into the story the more we learn about him, and how he slowly realizes how wrong he was about Zoe. And how piece by piece his memory comes back. And how he doesn't want them to be true, but sees and later feels their truths.
Slowly Carter untangles his thoughts and the events of the past. He comes to terms with his feelings and accepts them for what they are. Simply reality.
Every character here has to make amends with all that happened and find a way to move on. And however painful it may be, in the end it was the right thing to do. If you look at the big picture, that is.
A few characters have their stories to tell and from what we have seen in glimpses, there is a lot to tell.
I loved how Carter’s and Zoe’s story ended. It fitted them and their history together. And it made up for all the tears I had in my eyes while reading.
August 10, 2023
ARC Review of Bitter Enemies by Vera Hollins
* * * * *
The second half of this wild, energetic and toxic romance between step-siblings, lost in memory and now tainted with blood and pain and exposed lies. If you thought that was only the secrets and bitter hatred keeping them apart...someone else lurks in the shadows threatening to end it once and for all.
Zoe and Carter nearly had each other once again, until the secret their parents had been keeping was overheard, this leading to a devastating event.
The family has now suffered more loss than anyone could imagine, and it is a wonder how anyone was still trying to keep it together.
Carter is not only back to hating Zoe, but it is now worse than ever.
Zoe herself is starting to grow bitter and strives to fight her burning feelings for Carter while fight back. The life she had imagined for herself and everyone else was gone.
Even so, fate has a funny way of twisting things.
Teen drama, nasty pasts coming back to hurt our lovers and their friends, depression rocking the couple that was supposed to be happy and in a glow of love.
This romance just got crazy.
Vera Hollins did not go soft in the second half of this duet.
It was still hot and heavy, intense and dark. Danger, blood, pain and words that cut like a knife. The hate is laced with so much more than bitterness now, and they are even more than enemies than before.
Carter is still battling his feelings, and now faces even more challenges as the past is starting to slip through. Zoe is starting to break away at the same time, even when both are conflicted. Their poor parents too, even with their lies and selfishness, neigther of them deserved such pain.
This author really knows how to had out those young, dark and poisonous enemies-to-lovers romances. Never disappointed.
* * * * *
The second half of this wild, energetic and toxic romance between step-siblings, lost in memory and now tainted with blood and pain and exposed lies. If you thought that was only the secrets and bitter hatred keeping them apart...someone else lurks in the shadows threatening to end it once and for all.
Zoe and Carter nearly had each other once again, until the secret their parents had been keeping was overheard, this leading to a devastating event.
The family has now suffered more loss than anyone could imagine, and it is a wonder how anyone was still trying to keep it together.
Carter is not only back to hating Zoe, but it is now worse than ever.
Zoe herself is starting to grow bitter and strives to fight her burning feelings for Carter while fight back. The life she had imagined for herself and everyone else was gone.
Even so, fate has a funny way of twisting things.
Teen drama, nasty pasts coming back to hurt our lovers and their friends, depression rocking the couple that was supposed to be happy and in a glow of love.
This romance just got crazy.
Vera Hollins did not go soft in the second half of this duet.
It was still hot and heavy, intense and dark. Danger, blood, pain and words that cut like a knife. The hate is laced with so much more than bitterness now, and they are even more than enemies than before.
Carter is still battling his feelings, and now faces even more challenges as the past is starting to slip through. Zoe is starting to break away at the same time, even when both are conflicted. Their poor parents too, even with their lies and selfishness, neigther of them deserved such pain.
This author really knows how to had out those young, dark and poisonous enemies-to-lovers romances. Never disappointed.
August 10, 2023
After tragedy tore them apart Carter and Zoe started to find a new path, one that had them closer than they had been in recent weeks, and it was starting to feel like they had found their way back to one another... but life decided to wreak havoc on them once again. Now they are back to being mortal enemies. But for all the hate that is swirling around them there is still plenty of love too, these two are destined for one another, it just seems to be taking some time to get their lives aligned once again.
Bitter Enemies is the conclusion to Carter and Zoe's love story and as we crack the cover we are quick to find that they are once again at odds. So much tragedy has struck their young lives and they are struggling to find their way again and deal with all the pain it's caused. Will their lingering feelings of love be enough to hold what's left of them together or will outside forces win again?
I have to say that these two really did a number on my heart, with so many ups and downs I had my doubts that a happily ever after was in the cards for them. But I still had my little glimmer of hope and I held onto it tightly... and it definitely worked out in my favor. I found that happily ever I was chasing and so much more, these two brought it all to the pages and left me with one heck of a book hangover. It was such a tragically beautiful love story, it tore at my heartstrings, made me feel all the feelings, and left me with a smile... and it doesn't get much better in my book! Highly recommend this one, it's characters have a story to tell that is destined to wreck you in all the best of ways!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Bitter Enemies is the conclusion to Carter and Zoe's love story and as we crack the cover we are quick to find that they are once again at odds. So much tragedy has struck their young lives and they are struggling to find their way again and deal with all the pain it's caused. Will their lingering feelings of love be enough to hold what's left of them together or will outside forces win again?
I have to say that these two really did a number on my heart, with so many ups and downs I had my doubts that a happily ever after was in the cards for them. But I still had my little glimmer of hope and I held onto it tightly... and it definitely worked out in my favor. I found that happily ever I was chasing and so much more, these two brought it all to the pages and left me with one heck of a book hangover. It was such a tragically beautiful love story, it tore at my heartstrings, made me feel all the feelings, and left me with a smile... and it doesn't get much better in my book! Highly recommend this one, it's characters have a story to tell that is destined to wreck you in all the best of ways!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 9, 2024
The memory of it is already fading. lol! It was another of those stepsibling, love hate, stupid heroine who’s in love with her bully, kind of thing. Teenagers with PMS, everyone both girls and boys. And so much drama. No I didn’t read the first one and I don’t intend to. Basically the hero is a teenager who has PTSD because his mother committed suicide because his father cheated with the heroines mother. Nice sh*t. They even get married and she loses her child because of a nasty argument she has with the hero.
The boy has also amnesia from an accident. He and the heroine were a thing but he can’t remember and so he hates her because her mother knew that his mother was suicidal and didn’t stop having an affair with his father. Nice people, all of them.
So the heroine is bullied by the hero and instead of telling him to F off since she’s still a minor and can’t be responsible for her mother’s actions, no, she pines and is hurt because they so love each other.
A lot of mean girls stuff, petty jealousy, stupid teenage drama and adult drama, because her mother who basically pushed his mother to commit suicide, now is depressed and remorseful and leaves her husband. So what’s the use of cheating with years with him while he was married. Because she loved him. But he was married! Aren’t there any unmarried guys with whom she could fall in love? Did it have to be a married man whose wife was also depressed and with mental issues? I think I never felt any empathy with this book. Oh, and the teenage psycho who wants to kill both the hero, the heroine and some other girl. Really. You know what they say that less is more? This was just the case. Some of the things happening in this book could have been spared and it would have been better.
The boy has also amnesia from an accident. He and the heroine were a thing but he can’t remember and so he hates her because her mother knew that his mother was suicidal and didn’t stop having an affair with his father. Nice people, all of them.
So the heroine is bullied by the hero and instead of telling him to F off since she’s still a minor and can’t be responsible for her mother’s actions, no, she pines and is hurt because they so love each other.
A lot of mean girls stuff, petty jealousy, stupid teenage drama and adult drama, because her mother who basically pushed his mother to commit suicide, now is depressed and remorseful and leaves her husband. So what’s the use of cheating with years with him while he was married. Because she loved him. But he was married! Aren’t there any unmarried guys with whom she could fall in love? Did it have to be a married man whose wife was also depressed and with mental issues? I think I never felt any empathy with this book. Oh, and the teenage psycho who wants to kill both the hero, the heroine and some other girl. Really. You know what they say that less is more? This was just the case. Some of the things happening in this book could have been spared and it would have been better.
August 6, 2023
Bitter Enemies By Vera Hollins is the second Book In The Hurtful Love Duet as well as the Conclusion to Carter and Zoe’s epic love story . I’m honestly not even sure I can find the right words to express how much I genuinely loved this Duet except to simply say it’s one of the most beautifully written and emotional love stories I’ve read this year . It truly touched my heart in ways I cannot even describe. There were moments while reading I found myself utterly speechless, moments I wanted to throw my iPad right across the room outta sheer frustration, moments I felt like my heart was being crushed. I smiled , I cried like a baby and I rooted so freaking hard for Zoe and Carter to get their happy ending . Carter and Zoe were soulmates destined to be together even when tragedy tore them apart . Can they overcome all the obstacles in their way and find their way back to each other? . Well your just going to to pick up this unforgettable and unputdownable story and find out for yourself . Prepare yourself for all the feels and a journey unlike you’ve ever experienced before , because once you start I can 100% guarantee you will fall in love with Zoe and Carter just the way I did . Bitter Enemies is a masterpiece, a must read a 10/10 💜💜💜💜
August 11, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the second book in the Hurtful Love Series. You need to read the first book Shattered Memories as this one picks up right where it left off. Carter and Zoe have just found their way back to each other and things were going so amazingly until something unexpected shattered their happiness. These two have the love/hate thing going on big time. The push and pull is in this book for sure. Carter has lost his memories of them together for the last two years and he was angry and now his dad has married the woman that caused the entire mess in the first place. He hates Zoe and her mom and blames them even more than he ever has before for what they have done to his family. He has lost absolutely everything Lives are crumbling and their problems are just getting bigger and bigger. They certainly have to sort things out before they ruin their chance at love again. But can they? Will they want to? You have to read to find that out. I can't of course tell you. I loved this book and it really was something amazing to read.
This is the second book in the Hurtful Love Series. You need to read the first book Shattered Memories as this one picks up right where it left off. Carter and Zoe have just found their way back to each other and things were going so amazingly until something unexpected shattered their happiness. These two have the love/hate thing going on big time. The push and pull is in this book for sure. Carter has lost his memories of them together for the last two years and he was angry and now his dad has married the woman that caused the entire mess in the first place. He hates Zoe and her mom and blames them even more than he ever has before for what they have done to his family. He has lost absolutely everything Lives are crumbling and their problems are just getting bigger and bigger. They certainly have to sort things out before they ruin their chance at love again. But can they? Will they want to? You have to read to find that out. I can't of course tell you. I loved this book and it really was something amazing to read.
September 25, 2023
Two books was one book too long
I enjoyed the story overall through both books. I had high hopes after reading blurb of first book. I found it odd after a bit that we were only going to get small flashbacks of the previous two years from this couple. We were dropped into the middle of burning hatred from Carter and desperate loss from Zoe. Both books dragged on and on with the same push and pull. The parents were very hard to envision as a part of a loving family unit outside of the missing two years. Carter’s dad was all over the place in how he treated his son. The way the book ended was the only way Carter would ever forgive Erika. My main issue is two books was entirely too long and I started to feel like they both should just move on. There were a lot of scenes where Carter mood turned on a dime and Zoe started to get just a spiteful. I really wasn’t seeing a way back for these two. When Carter’s memory came back the reveal was too lackluster. Considering this book duo has a lot of OTT moments, that was a let down. A condensed version of these two books would have been a phenomenal angst filled emotional roller coaster to enjoy.
I enjoyed the story overall through both books. I had high hopes after reading blurb of first book. I found it odd after a bit that we were only going to get small flashbacks of the previous two years from this couple. We were dropped into the middle of burning hatred from Carter and desperate loss from Zoe. Both books dragged on and on with the same push and pull. The parents were very hard to envision as a part of a loving family unit outside of the missing two years. Carter’s dad was all over the place in how he treated his son. The way the book ended was the only way Carter would ever forgive Erika. My main issue is two books was entirely too long and I started to feel like they both should just move on. There were a lot of scenes where Carter mood turned on a dime and Zoe started to get just a spiteful. I really wasn’t seeing a way back for these two. When Carter’s memory came back the reveal was too lackluster. Considering this book duo has a lot of OTT moments, that was a let down. A condensed version of these two books would have been a phenomenal angst filled emotional roller coaster to enjoy.
February 25, 2024
I imagine this duet could spark quite a myriad of opinions. It is most certainly an emotional read, it is not however, a happy one. The portrayal of their relationship in the prologue of the first book is so beautiful, you read the next 10+ hours waiting for their relationship to get back to this point, however, it never really does. Carter is so cruel time and time again throughout this duet, his emotional whiplash is repetitive and unattractive. I was waiting for the day when Carter regained his memories and groveled for forgiveness for all his cruel words and deeds, only when he did get his memories back, he wasn't even sure that he wanted to harbor a Love for Zoe anymore. Most annoying, there was never any real apology for anything he'd done. The taunting words, fooling around with someone else, the bullying she received, or the target placed on her back. Or the burden she'd carried the whole time dealing with the parents and that fact she still held all their good memories while he tore her down. Instead she brushed it all aside only grateful that he still wanted her.
December 13, 2025
I don't understand how people are rating this book a 4-star or even a 5-star. Because the first one was good, the second one is a complete disaster. The first part of the book was a repetition of the first book. The FMC turned completely pathetic in this book. The MMC took absolutely no accountability over his actions and choices. He treated the FMC like shit. He started a relationship with his friend Nora and the FMC never even mentioned that to him. The author started at least 2 story lines out of two books that lead absolutely nowhere. No conclusion, no book dedicated to those stories. Those stories are Jackson and Summer. And Jacob and Tara. You have no idea what happened to them. You have no idea what happened between Summer and Jackson for their relationship to be the way that they are. I'm sorry if people don't agree with me, but this author completely screwed up the second book. And I cannot rate this more than 1-star. If I could rate it even lower than that, I would. And I'm very surprised by the reviews that I'm reading here. It is just that bad.
August 10, 2023
I was drawn back into Zoe and Carter's rollercoaster romance from the Hurtful Love series. After finding solace, their world shatters anew due to heartrending revelations. The interplay of love and hate is masterfully explored as they battle their emotions. Carter's amnesia adds complexity, torn between his feelings for Zoe and a history of enmity. The story intricately weaves past wounds, forgiveness, and the persistent push-pull of affection. Handling delicate themes like loss and grief, the enemies-to-lovers narrative is refreshingly unique, avoiding clichés. The characters, even secondary ones, are richly portrayed, hinting at future engaging plots. This story is an emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact.
August 9, 2023
Another Vera Hollins Masterpiece!
I had goosebumps all the time I was reading. Ever since I finished reading "Shattered Memories", I found myself impatient to get my hands on 'Bitter Enemies, to continue Zoe and Carter's journey.
Zoe and Carter made my heart melt.
Both of them opened my eyes that imperfect love does exist but that doesn't mean it won't be filled with heart-warming and explosive feelings. They also taught me that no matter where life takes you, you should never give up on a love that is meant to be no matter how much deep into their pain they considered it. It was never easy for them yet in the end they found each other all over again.
Highly recommended read ❤️
I had goosebumps all the time I was reading. Ever since I finished reading "Shattered Memories", I found myself impatient to get my hands on 'Bitter Enemies, to continue Zoe and Carter's journey.
Zoe and Carter made my heart melt.
Both of them opened my eyes that imperfect love does exist but that doesn't mean it won't be filled with heart-warming and explosive feelings. They also taught me that no matter where life takes you, you should never give up on a love that is meant to be no matter how much deep into their pain they considered it. It was never easy for them yet in the end they found each other all over again.
Highly recommended read ❤️
August 11, 2023
This is the second book in this duet, and Carter and Zoe’s journey continues. Carter has adapted his life due to his amnesia, and he and Zoe have found their way back to each other, but they are once again torn apart by tragedy.
This is a well written conclusion, which has an enemies / lovers, love / hate relationship, with loss, family, friendships, truths, angst, drama, turmoil, twists, revelations, heartbreak, and love, which leads to an entertaining and unpredictable, page turner, which tugs at the heartstrings throughout.
Be aware of the trigger warning due to the sensitive content!
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written conclusion, which has an enemies / lovers, love / hate relationship, with loss, family, friendships, truths, angst, drama, turmoil, twists, revelations, heartbreak, and love, which leads to an entertaining and unpredictable, page turner, which tugs at the heartstrings throughout.
Be aware of the trigger warning due to the sensitive content!
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
August 16, 2023
*ARC Review*
I have been reading Vera Hollins’ work since she started writing. Her books always feel real and they are always an emotional roller coaster.
The conclusion to Zoe and Carter’s was just that. It was emotional, not too fast paced (they didn’t go from hating each other in one chapter to loving each other in the next), and overall a great story.
The situation the characters are going through (Carter recovering from amnesia that caused him to forget his feelings for Zoe) is a tough one. There are a lot of ups and downs in the book as the characters grow as their new selves.
I enjoyed it! Will definitely need to read again.
I have been reading Vera Hollins’ work since she started writing. Her books always feel real and they are always an emotional roller coaster.
The conclusion to Zoe and Carter’s was just that. It was emotional, not too fast paced (they didn’t go from hating each other in one chapter to loving each other in the next), and overall a great story.
The situation the characters are going through (Carter recovering from amnesia that caused him to forget his feelings for Zoe) is a tough one. There are a lot of ups and downs in the book as the characters grow as their new selves.
I enjoyed it! Will definitely need to read again.
September 1, 2023
This second book that Vera Hollins has written in the hurtful love stories is more profound than the first part. You feel the hatred between Carter and Zoe. They don't understand the reason, the sorrow and the pain they are experiencing from each other. It was intense, because somehow they care about each other. The exchanged emotions also happen to Zoe's mother and Carter's father. It's a really sad situation in this family.
I quietly enjoyed it, mainly because of Hollins' writingstyle. I wanted to give five stars, but I have to be fair. It was too many times hot and cold between the main characters, so a big four and half stars for this intense story.
I quietly enjoyed it, mainly because of Hollins' writingstyle. I wanted to give five stars, but I have to be fair. It was too many times hot and cold between the main characters, so a big four and half stars for this intense story.
August 13, 2023
rushed
While I loved parts of this story and all the emotions, to just forgive and trust again so easily after all the hateful things he said, seemed just be too rushed. Having so much detail of certain scenes and then just barely brush over the part of Brandon and Nora at the end…just felt wrong. I feel so conflicted about Dominic and Erika and don’t like the way that played out.
While I loved parts of this story and all the emotions, to just forgive and trust again so easily after all the hateful things he said, seemed just be too rushed. Having so much detail of certain scenes and then just barely brush over the part of Brandon and Nora at the end…just felt wrong. I feel so conflicted about Dominic and Erika and don’t like the way that played out.
August 14, 2023
Brilliant 5 Stars
This book had so many highs and lows. The twists and turns of the story, never knowing where it’s going. The narrative was heartbreaking and heart mending. Some so sad as the burden of guilt drags people down was described in a heartfelt way and you could feel exactly what they were experiencing. My only sadness was the parents. Great ending to the series.
1 click now you will not be disappointed
This book had so many highs and lows. The twists and turns of the story, never knowing where it’s going. The narrative was heartbreaking and heart mending. Some so sad as the burden of guilt drags people down was described in a heartfelt way and you could feel exactly what they were experiencing. My only sadness was the parents. Great ending to the series.
1 click now you will not be disappointed
August 19, 2023
A heartbreaking but beautiful story and it tells that true love can conquer all. I absolutely loved Carter and Zoe's story (even though I did want to bash there heads together at some parts) If I learnt anything from this series is that you fight for you what you truly love. Highly recommend this series and also all of Vera Hollins books if you haven't already read them. All of her books are amazing about talking about the hardships and struggles that most people refused to talk about.
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