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Love or Hate
In a world full of divisiveness, what would it be like to walk in someone else’s shoes?
Two worlds collide when Rain Hargrove, a progressive lesbian, and Ivy Nash, a conservative Christian, clash at a political rally. Normally, that would be the end of the story, but it’s just the beginning when they’re approached by an old woman. Her bizarre chanting about love and hate disrupts their argument, and the two go their separate ways, pushing the incident from their minds.
That is, until, without warning, they find themselves in each other’s bodies. Then they’re suddenly switched back. This can’t be real…can it? Did the old woman have something to do with this? The unpredictable body swaps continue, sometimes with hilarious consequences.
While Rain and Ivy search for a way to stop these unsettling events, they’re forced to see the world through each other’s eyes. As the unlikely friendship develops, they must face some of their deeply held beliefs and prejudices.
Is it possible to not only accept their differences, but also embrace them? If so, could the bond they’ve developed lead to something deeper?
Two worlds collide when Rain Hargrove, a progressive lesbian, and Ivy Nash, a conservative Christian, clash at a political rally. Normally, that would be the end of the story, but it’s just the beginning when they’re approached by an old woman. Her bizarre chanting about love and hate disrupts their argument, and the two go their separate ways, pushing the incident from their minds.
That is, until, without warning, they find themselves in each other’s bodies. Then they’re suddenly switched back. This can’t be real…can it? Did the old woman have something to do with this? The unpredictable body swaps continue, sometimes with hilarious consequences.
While Rain and Ivy search for a way to stop these unsettling events, they’re forced to see the world through each other’s eyes. As the unlikely friendship develops, they must face some of their deeply held beliefs and prejudices.
Is it possible to not only accept their differences, but also embrace them? If so, could the bond they’ve developed lead to something deeper?
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2023
14 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Rita Potter
18 books135 followersRita Potter has spent most of her life trying to figure out what makes people tick. To that end, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and an MA in Sociology. Her favorite pastime is crawling around inside peoples’ brains. Her loved ones are grateful that she now has characters whose minds she can explore, so maybe she’ll stay out of theirs.
Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.
She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.
Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.
Rita’s writing reflects her belief that in some way we are all damaged and must conquer our demons in order to create a fulfilling life. Being an eternal optimist, she maintains that the human spirit is remarkably resilient and can overcome even the most challenging obstacles. That optimism is the wellspring of her life goal- to provide encouragement and support to help people thrive.
In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors. She is especially drawn to the water, which is ironic since she lives in the middle of a corn field. Her first love has always been reading, which has spurred her writing. She rides a Harley Davidson and has an unnatural obsession with fantasy football. More than anything she detests small talk, but can ramble on for hours given a topic that interests her.
She lives in a small town in Illinois with her wife, Terra, and their cat, Chumley, who actually runs the household.
Rita is a member of American Mensa and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She is currently a student of the GCLS Writing Academy 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 18, 2023
This book is all about choices. Love or hate, friend or opponent. To play nice or to play dirty.
Rain and Ivy are from two totally opposite worlds. Rain is city born and an activist who spreads herself thin fighting on the frontline for battles near and dear to her. Ivy lives on her family farm in a Christian household and makes the best of each day. Meeting at a rally in the city, on opposite sides of an issue, Rain and Ivy are propelled into an alternate reality of body switching. They walk in the shoes of each other and truly see through each other’s eyes.
I really-really-really loved the plot concept. In Potter’s capable hands, the idea of fully experiencing your opponent’s life and the ideals formed from it. The story then becomes an open discourse on divisiveness. The arguments are thoughtful and compelling giving this reader new insights.
Unfortunately there are a few bumps which stand out in the storytelling. Continuity issues are scattered throughout the story in regard to when they switch bodies. Rain acts and reacts much younger than her age and there is also the overuse of miscommunication to build angst much too often in the novel.
Putting these issues aside you will fall in love with Ivy, her grandmother, father and mother and most importantly, the story.
Rain and Ivy are from two totally opposite worlds. Rain is city born and an activist who spreads herself thin fighting on the frontline for battles near and dear to her. Ivy lives on her family farm in a Christian household and makes the best of each day. Meeting at a rally in the city, on opposite sides of an issue, Rain and Ivy are propelled into an alternate reality of body switching. They walk in the shoes of each other and truly see through each other’s eyes.
I really-really-really loved the plot concept. In Potter’s capable hands, the idea of fully experiencing your opponent’s life and the ideals formed from it. The story then becomes an open discourse on divisiveness. The arguments are thoughtful and compelling giving this reader new insights.
Unfortunately there are a few bumps which stand out in the storytelling. Continuity issues are scattered throughout the story in regard to when they switch bodies. Rain acts and reacts much younger than her age and there is also the overuse of miscommunication to build angst much too often in the novel.
Putting these issues aside you will fall in love with Ivy, her grandmother, father and mother and most importantly, the story.
July 15, 2023
First of all I don’t think this book could have come out at a better time. At a time where things seem to get worse and communication often lacks. So often it’s about only one opinion that counts and we often forget to listen. All of this is packed in this book. It’s another Rita Potter book that made me think so much. Rita never stops to amazes me because she puts out one different story after the other. The way she challenges me leaves back very grateful.
I feel that the idea of adding a body switch or body/mind switch was perfect to deliver this story. I don’t think there could have been a better way to show us how stuck we are in some of our opinions. It’s like someone put a mirror in front of our face and by that we finally see things from another perspective.
This book is about Rain and Ivy. Two people who couldn’t have a more different background. It’s possible that many reader will side with Rain at first because she is the one who fights for the lgbtq+ rights and Ivy is the one with the conservative & religious background. But often not everything that is visible to our eyes is all right and what we assume about other people doesn’t always have to be true. This is how I felt with Ivy. Her kindness and open-mindedness astonished me more than once. On the other hand Rain came across as very stuck up in her own world. Being open minded goes into several directions. It’s not just a one way street.
All of these things were delivered perfectly by Rita. She totally had my attention and seeing these characters trying to understand each other, getting closer to each other just made me happy.
Another thing Rita did in an incredible way was the body switching of the two characters. I’m in awe and can’t even imagine how much concentration and focus this needed.
So if you’re looking for something different between all the books on your TBR list, this is the book for you. I also hope for the author that this book helps opening a dialogue. A dialogue in our own community and that we start to see again that we actually fight for the same thing.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
I feel that the idea of adding a body switch or body/mind switch was perfect to deliver this story. I don’t think there could have been a better way to show us how stuck we are in some of our opinions. It’s like someone put a mirror in front of our face and by that we finally see things from another perspective.
This book is about Rain and Ivy. Two people who couldn’t have a more different background. It’s possible that many reader will side with Rain at first because she is the one who fights for the lgbtq+ rights and Ivy is the one with the conservative & religious background. But often not everything that is visible to our eyes is all right and what we assume about other people doesn’t always have to be true. This is how I felt with Ivy. Her kindness and open-mindedness astonished me more than once. On the other hand Rain came across as very stuck up in her own world. Being open minded goes into several directions. It’s not just a one way street.
All of these things were delivered perfectly by Rita. She totally had my attention and seeing these characters trying to understand each other, getting closer to each other just made me happy.
Another thing Rita did in an incredible way was the body switching of the two characters. I’m in awe and can’t even imagine how much concentration and focus this needed.
So if you’re looking for something different between all the books on your TBR list, this is the book for you. I also hope for the author that this book helps opening a dialogue. A dialogue in our own community and that we start to see again that we actually fight for the same thing.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2023
I think that the author makes a great point in this book. Perhaps one that is hard to read and accept, but she, like her character, has shown great courage.
A brave start from the writer. I enjoyed the beginning before the odd happenings. I also enjoyed it after the switches started. Potter does a good job of establishing each life and the differences. 25% in and I'm ready for the mains to have a conversation.
A really interesting premise. It is obviously deliberate on the part of the author that the switchings come just as you are getting in to a scene. I think the points are being made really well. I will confess to getting a bit impatient that the mains aren’t interacting.
The scenes at the fire were so well written. Both of them. I am loving this book, even tho the two mains have still to have a conversation, they are certain getting to know each other.
When the switch happened when they were together the first time was actually quite confusing to read, but again I think that was a deliberate choice by the writer as it mirrors the confusion the characters suffered.
This is a romance that held my attention throughout, humour and serious points the whole way through.
I read a lot and some books stay with me, most don’t. I sincerely hope the lesson of this one stays with me because I believe, for us all to prosper, it must.
A brave start from the writer. I enjoyed the beginning before the odd happenings. I also enjoyed it after the switches started. Potter does a good job of establishing each life and the differences. 25% in and I'm ready for the mains to have a conversation.
A really interesting premise. It is obviously deliberate on the part of the author that the switchings come just as you are getting in to a scene. I think the points are being made really well. I will confess to getting a bit impatient that the mains aren’t interacting.
The scenes at the fire were so well written. Both of them. I am loving this book, even tho the two mains have still to have a conversation, they are certain getting to know each other.
When the switch happened when they were together the first time was actually quite confusing to read, but again I think that was a deliberate choice by the writer as it mirrors the confusion the characters suffered.
This is a romance that held my attention throughout, humour and serious points the whole way through.
I read a lot and some books stay with me, most don’t. I sincerely hope the lesson of this one stays with me because I believe, for us all to prosper, it must.
June 17, 2023
A Must Read Book.
I was SO lucky to be given an ARC of this book.
The love story is a funny and enjoyable one BUT it is the underlying messages that hit home for me.
Rita Potter has ‘hit the nail on the head’ in relation to the divisions within society today and how this divisiveness is being perpetuated by the lack of healthy debate and good communication. She also point out the ‘third path’ that could be taken to bring people together.
On a lighter note she also inserts nuggets relating to another favourite author of mine.
This is a MUST read book that is entertaining, thought provoking and insightful.
I was SO lucky to be given an ARC of this book.
The love story is a funny and enjoyable one BUT it is the underlying messages that hit home for me.
Rita Potter has ‘hit the nail on the head’ in relation to the divisions within society today and how this divisiveness is being perpetuated by the lack of healthy debate and good communication. She also point out the ‘third path’ that could be taken to bring people together.
On a lighter note she also inserts nuggets relating to another favourite author of mine.
This is a MUST read book that is entertaining, thought provoking and insightful.
January 17, 2025
Marvellous book, loved it. I found it a little difficult to get into at first but after that slow beginning I enjoyed it very much. I particularly enjoyed the way the main characters learned to respect each others views and way of life. I hope that like people can be like that and will really listen to others with an open mind instead of reacting with hate. This book was a little different from most romances but it was definitely romantic with lovely main characters. Recommend.
April 20, 2025
While this is truly terrible on its literary merits, I don't know that I've encountered a book as wholly offensive on purely narrative terms as Love or Hate by Rita Potter. It's a centrist polemic in defense of civility politics and tone policing masquerading itself as a lesbian romance novel. At first blush it appears to be a Freaky Friday situation with two women learning to understand one another and the life circumstances that led one to be an activist and the other a self-loathing closet case, but when you actually read it you instead get: "Some Republicans are good people and their views deserve your consideration and respect." I truly cannot respect a work that states explicitly (literally in the text) that the time for queer militancy has passed, and even less one that condescends to and shows so little solidarity towards the struggles of other marginalized peoples.
July 23, 2023
What an extraordinary book!
Rain is a progressive lesbian, Ivy is a conservative Christian. They meet and argue at a rally, they also meet an old woman who changes their lives after uttering Love Or Hate, Hate Or Love.
The journey they take is amazingly surreal. But!! It makes you think! I highly recommend this book!! Should be more than 5 stars!!
Rain is a progressive lesbian, Ivy is a conservative Christian. They meet and argue at a rally, they also meet an old woman who changes their lives after uttering Love Or Hate, Hate Or Love.
The journey they take is amazingly surreal. But!! It makes you think! I highly recommend this book!! Should be more than 5 stars!!
June 29, 2023
A uniquely refreshing read. Love or Hate by Rita Potter centres around the lives of Rain and Ivy.
Rain is from Illinois and has a passion, with a relentless drive, for social activism. This is the focus of her life, as are her firm beliefs. All is black or white with no grey.
Ivy Nash is a conservative Christian and teacher’s assistant from small-town Mullins Creek. Her life is pretty good, with her relatives around her and living on the home farm.
Signed up for a political rally by her church, Ivy finds herself in a chaotic environment of people, noise and pushing. A series of events finds Ivy face to face with Rain. To say their initial meeting is frosty is an understatement. Neither takes much notice of the rantings of an old woman as sparks fly!
I fell in love and became invested in the futures of both Ivy and Rain as their backstories unfolded and their lives became intertwined. There were also some characters I totally hated! Kudos for bringing out such powerful emotions.
The author has written the descriptions of topics covered and the debate behind them well, making for an addictive and thought provoking read. The interlaced humour literally brought tears to my eyes!
The twists and turns keep you wanting to read more. I would highly recommend this book.
An ARC was received for my honest review.
Rain is from Illinois and has a passion, with a relentless drive, for social activism. This is the focus of her life, as are her firm beliefs. All is black or white with no grey.
Ivy Nash is a conservative Christian and teacher’s assistant from small-town Mullins Creek. Her life is pretty good, with her relatives around her and living on the home farm.
Signed up for a political rally by her church, Ivy finds herself in a chaotic environment of people, noise and pushing. A series of events finds Ivy face to face with Rain. To say their initial meeting is frosty is an understatement. Neither takes much notice of the rantings of an old woman as sparks fly!
I fell in love and became invested in the futures of both Ivy and Rain as their backstories unfolded and their lives became intertwined. There were also some characters I totally hated! Kudos for bringing out such powerful emotions.
The author has written the descriptions of topics covered and the debate behind them well, making for an addictive and thought provoking read. The interlaced humour literally brought tears to my eyes!
The twists and turns keep you wanting to read more. I would highly recommend this book.
An ARC was received for my honest review.
June 27, 2023
A romance that begins with the exchanging of bodies. The story explores the love and hate exposed in religion, politics, and within the LGBTQ+ community. Suggesting if we all took two steps in the opposite direction to our current thoughts, we may be able to resolve our divisive issues.
February 5, 2025
A Really Great Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters Rain and Ivy were both well drawn. I know when I read a book by Rita Potter that I am going to get a great, well-written story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters Rain and Ivy were both well drawn. I know when I read a book by Rita Potter that I am going to get a great, well-written story.
November 1, 2023
Love or Hate by Rita Potter is an opposites-attract romance that has a unique take on forced proximity.
This book is so worth a read.
Rain and Ivy are from very different backgrounds. But what would happen if they had to walk in the other's shoes?
After an encounter with a strange woman at a rally where Rain and Ivy are on opposing sides, they are about to find out that opinions and beliefs that differ from their own can be understood if they can focus on love and set aside hate.
The characters in this book are amazing. I loved getting to know them not only from their point of view but from each other’s.
This is a really unique story, and the author does a fabulous job at helping the reader understand how and why the characters think the way they do. The dialogue is relatable and brilliantly written. I found myself stopping to think about what the characters were saying and why they were saying it before I moved on. It’s a very thought-provoking story and shows different perspectives from a lot of people. I didn’t always agree with opinions or beliefs, however, the author helped me understand why the characters have them.
The author tackles a lot of difficult subjects throughout the story and in my opinion, she does it with respect. There are things in life that we believe to be set in stone, yet after this book I found myself reevaluating how quick I am to dismiss another's opinion as being wrong, without fully understanding how they came to have them in the first place.
The romance in this book is beautiful and I couldn’t get enough of watching these two fall in love. It's sweet, complex, and delightful.
I highly recommend this book; it will captivate you and make you think. Superb read and brilliant writing.
This book is so worth a read.
Rain and Ivy are from very different backgrounds. But what would happen if they had to walk in the other's shoes?
After an encounter with a strange woman at a rally where Rain and Ivy are on opposing sides, they are about to find out that opinions and beliefs that differ from their own can be understood if they can focus on love and set aside hate.
The characters in this book are amazing. I loved getting to know them not only from their point of view but from each other’s.
This is a really unique story, and the author does a fabulous job at helping the reader understand how and why the characters think the way they do. The dialogue is relatable and brilliantly written. I found myself stopping to think about what the characters were saying and why they were saying it before I moved on. It’s a very thought-provoking story and shows different perspectives from a lot of people. I didn’t always agree with opinions or beliefs, however, the author helped me understand why the characters have them.
The author tackles a lot of difficult subjects throughout the story and in my opinion, she does it with respect. There are things in life that we believe to be set in stone, yet after this book I found myself reevaluating how quick I am to dismiss another's opinion as being wrong, without fully understanding how they came to have them in the first place.
The romance in this book is beautiful and I couldn’t get enough of watching these two fall in love. It's sweet, complex, and delightful.
I highly recommend this book; it will captivate you and make you think. Superb read and brilliant writing.
August 6, 2023
Love or Hate
A great must-read!! I always look forward to a new release by Rita Potter and this book most definitely did not disappoint! I think this book, with the way it approaches "left vs right" should be made a school mandatory reading! I love how Rita tackles tough, uncomfortable issues yet always uses enough humor to keep the right balance of levity and seriousness all while providing a great story. And of course, ultimately a happy ending! thank you, Rita, for showing us that yes - we can and must choose love!
A great must-read!! I always look forward to a new release by Rita Potter and this book most definitely did not disappoint! I think this book, with the way it approaches "left vs right" should be made a school mandatory reading! I love how Rita tackles tough, uncomfortable issues yet always uses enough humor to keep the right balance of levity and seriousness all while providing a great story. And of course, ultimately a happy ending! thank you, Rita, for showing us that yes - we can and must choose love!
July 16, 2023
More than just a good story
This book needs to be read and talked about and included in fearless civil debate. It also needs to be read by those of us who enjoy a lighthearted love story with a little supernatural element that tackles some of the most difficult issues of our time. Ivy and Rain are wonderful examples of flawed humans with big hearts who stumble as they try to do what they believe is right in this world. They are at their best when they are together and when they choose love.
This book needs to be read and talked about and included in fearless civil debate. It also needs to be read by those of us who enjoy a lighthearted love story with a little supernatural element that tackles some of the most difficult issues of our time. Ivy and Rain are wonderful examples of flawed humans with big hearts who stumble as they try to do what they believe is right in this world. They are at their best when they are together and when they choose love.
July 23, 2023
If I were you and you were me, would you understand me a bit better? Would you listen to me, and would you give me the opportunity to listen to you? Would you really be open to listen?
I just finished Love or Hate by Rita Potter and it felt like reading a romanced version of what is happening nowadays in the society, and when I mean the society, I mean not only what we see on the television, but also what we read in the smaller community of Twitter, Facebook, and the likes of them. Needless to say, I hope this book is a start for having the so longed conversation the characters in it are wishing for.
I found refreshing how such different worlds were depicted and how they collided and crashed into each other. The forced proximity of Rain and Ivy gave them one only way out: communicate, learn to know each other better and either choose a path of hate or open their heart to something different.
I don’t think I need to summarize the plot. There’s a reason why there’s a blurb, right? Although I never read them. Shame on me.
I just, truly love reading. Learning new things. Be curious about what’s out there and be open to it.
Of course, not many people are like me. Personal agendas, political views, religious views, who your friends are and who your enemies are dictates how you read, what you read.
I haven’t been part of this community for long, and still, in my simple role as a reader, I’m no one, someone of no importance of interest to anyone, unless you stop and talk to me and share a bit of yourself and be open for me to share a part of me with you. What have I learnt since 2020, the year I started reading WLW books?
I learnt that in a family that call itself family, there is always something going on, someone ready to make their voices be heard more than the other. I learnt that you have to pick sides, because if you don’t do it, you won’t belong. And what does a human more than anything that belonging to a certain group? A group that should be inclusive of everybody, because that very group has always been considered a minority and always endured suffering and scorn.
I learnt that there’s deception even in a family that should be that inclusive. I learnt that some people fake to be someone else to be part of that family. I learnt that people are afraid of expressing themselves because they are scared of others knowing their opinions.
I learnt that there are so many letters in the community LGBTQIA+ and all those letters are sometimes fighting against each other, and that we forget that behind those letters there are first and foremost people. People who come in every shape. People who have been raised by other people, who taught them what they know. People who never had a chance to see the rest of the world, people who simply don’t know other people. People who you will never truly know online, because social media doesn’t allow for true communication to happen. Because it’s too easy to erase someone with a click. Because sometimes, a word said online has a much more weight than when said in real life, and the person writing those words will never truly understand that impact that it has on the other. If you truly knew me, would you have said what you said? Would you?
I learnt that labelling and shaming on social media, instead of trying to solve things privately, has become “the new way to go”.
I learnt that everything becomes political, everything becomes religion, everything becomes you against me, me against you. You against my friends. My friends against your friends.
I learnt that when someone calls you friend, that word has a different meaning to them that it does to me.
I learnt to listen to what other people had to say and wait for the others to say their part.
I learnt that there is so much hurt from all sides, and that although everybody screams at “communication”, every time something happens, the new “witch hunt” starts.
So yes, Love or Hate by Rita Potter makes you think a lot, and that’s good.
Religion, politics, ideology, use of language, inclusiveness.
I’m not religious, although I was raised as a Catholic as almost everybody in Italy. I always believe that if there’s something, someone, it could be anyone, from Jesus, to Buddha to Allah, to anyone. As long as you hope for something good to come after death. Have I ever hated someone for their beliefs? No. If you believe in something, and it does good to you, and you do good with it. I’m only happy for you. When religion becomes a tool for political agendas, that’s when the problem starts. When those who profess love and are the first to judge the others for their choices; then I have a problem. When your rights suddenly step on mine and cancel them; then I have a problem.
But not everybody is like that. Sometimes, we want others to stop putting a stereotype on us, and we are the first to do the same.
Love of Hate is an interesting take on what is happening now in our community.
As the book says, nothing is black of white, there are so many shades of grey in it.
I loved what Rain and Ivy learnt throughout the whole book, and what they accomplished in the end with their friends. Guess what? I married someone who is exactly doing the same project, and I could never be more proud of her. Because yes, in the end what truly counts is love. The love of the people that really count for you, and the people that inspire you to be a better version of yourself every day.
Stop fighting. Stop picking at each other. Stop calling each other bullies, transphobic etc.
Talk to each other.
I’m no one, but this no one sees all the hurt all the parties are doing.
Do better.
I just finished Love or Hate by Rita Potter and it felt like reading a romanced version of what is happening nowadays in the society, and when I mean the society, I mean not only what we see on the television, but also what we read in the smaller community of Twitter, Facebook, and the likes of them. Needless to say, I hope this book is a start for having the so longed conversation the characters in it are wishing for.
I found refreshing how such different worlds were depicted and how they collided and crashed into each other. The forced proximity of Rain and Ivy gave them one only way out: communicate, learn to know each other better and either choose a path of hate or open their heart to something different.
I don’t think I need to summarize the plot. There’s a reason why there’s a blurb, right? Although I never read them. Shame on me.
I just, truly love reading. Learning new things. Be curious about what’s out there and be open to it.
Of course, not many people are like me. Personal agendas, political views, religious views, who your friends are and who your enemies are dictates how you read, what you read.
I haven’t been part of this community for long, and still, in my simple role as a reader, I’m no one, someone of no importance of interest to anyone, unless you stop and talk to me and share a bit of yourself and be open for me to share a part of me with you. What have I learnt since 2020, the year I started reading WLW books?
I learnt that in a family that call itself family, there is always something going on, someone ready to make their voices be heard more than the other. I learnt that you have to pick sides, because if you don’t do it, you won’t belong. And what does a human more than anything that belonging to a certain group? A group that should be inclusive of everybody, because that very group has always been considered a minority and always endured suffering and scorn.
I learnt that there’s deception even in a family that should be that inclusive. I learnt that some people fake to be someone else to be part of that family. I learnt that people are afraid of expressing themselves because they are scared of others knowing their opinions.
I learnt that there are so many letters in the community LGBTQIA+ and all those letters are sometimes fighting against each other, and that we forget that behind those letters there are first and foremost people. People who come in every shape. People who have been raised by other people, who taught them what they know. People who never had a chance to see the rest of the world, people who simply don’t know other people. People who you will never truly know online, because social media doesn’t allow for true communication to happen. Because it’s too easy to erase someone with a click. Because sometimes, a word said online has a much more weight than when said in real life, and the person writing those words will never truly understand that impact that it has on the other. If you truly knew me, would you have said what you said? Would you?
I learnt that labelling and shaming on social media, instead of trying to solve things privately, has become “the new way to go”.
I learnt that everything becomes political, everything becomes religion, everything becomes you against me, me against you. You against my friends. My friends against your friends.
I learnt that when someone calls you friend, that word has a different meaning to them that it does to me.
I learnt to listen to what other people had to say and wait for the others to say their part.
I learnt that there is so much hurt from all sides, and that although everybody screams at “communication”, every time something happens, the new “witch hunt” starts.
So yes, Love or Hate by Rita Potter makes you think a lot, and that’s good.
Religion, politics, ideology, use of language, inclusiveness.
I’m not religious, although I was raised as a Catholic as almost everybody in Italy. I always believe that if there’s something, someone, it could be anyone, from Jesus, to Buddha to Allah, to anyone. As long as you hope for something good to come after death. Have I ever hated someone for their beliefs? No. If you believe in something, and it does good to you, and you do good with it. I’m only happy for you. When religion becomes a tool for political agendas, that’s when the problem starts. When those who profess love and are the first to judge the others for their choices; then I have a problem. When your rights suddenly step on mine and cancel them; then I have a problem.
But not everybody is like that. Sometimes, we want others to stop putting a stereotype on us, and we are the first to do the same.
Love of Hate is an interesting take on what is happening now in our community.
As the book says, nothing is black of white, there are so many shades of grey in it.
I loved what Rain and Ivy learnt throughout the whole book, and what they accomplished in the end with their friends. Guess what? I married someone who is exactly doing the same project, and I could never be more proud of her. Because yes, in the end what truly counts is love. The love of the people that really count for you, and the people that inspire you to be a better version of yourself every day.
Stop fighting. Stop picking at each other. Stop calling each other bullies, transphobic etc.
Talk to each other.
I’m no one, but this no one sees all the hurt all the parties are doing.
Do better.
January 26, 2025
one of the mc is annoying ngl about the whole my “ im the oppressed one so im always right bla bla bla” its cute at first then it starts getting boring so no
August 18, 2023
The author sent me an ARC of this book because the plot had been partially inspired by seeing how the "community" treated me when I waded into the J.K. Rowlings controversy. Potter is brave to take on this vexed subject and does it in an imaginative way. Her witty dialogue, humor, and use of magical realism reminded me of some of the later Rita Mae Brown books, particularly VENUS ENVY. Similarly, the humor and fantasy elements in LOVE AND HATE give the reader a non-threatening way to absorb a weighty message—that we should all be more tolerant of diverse opinions.
After an encounter with a mysterious old woman, two characters with very different lives switch bodies every time one of them says the words "love" or "hate," hence the title. On some level, this book is another enemies-to-lovers romance, but both Rain and Ivy have surprising complexities, making them multi-dimensional. One thing they share is a willingness to listen and revise their point of view, allowing them both to grow and eventually fall in love. They are reluctant bigots, following a party line because of their social environment and upbringing, not true believers. Otherwise, this couldn't work. Some of the best dialogue turns on the characters' mistaken assumptions about the other's beliefs and life choices.
My criticisms: this is a "talky" book, mostly dialogue, some of it peripheral to the story line or character development. The characters, while complex enough to avoid being stock, are true to butch femme types, sometimes distractingly so. I found the plot resolutions a little too facile, but it works and keeps the story light and enjoyable. Book endings are a challenge for any author, but I found this one, although it tied up loose ends, too quick.
In all, a good book—fun and certainly worth reading for its bravery and cleverness at tackling a tough subject. I'll be reading more of this author's work.
After an encounter with a mysterious old woman, two characters with very different lives switch bodies every time one of them says the words "love" or "hate," hence the title. On some level, this book is another enemies-to-lovers romance, but both Rain and Ivy have surprising complexities, making them multi-dimensional. One thing they share is a willingness to listen and revise their point of view, allowing them both to grow and eventually fall in love. They are reluctant bigots, following a party line because of their social environment and upbringing, not true believers. Otherwise, this couldn't work. Some of the best dialogue turns on the characters' mistaken assumptions about the other's beliefs and life choices.
My criticisms: this is a "talky" book, mostly dialogue, some of it peripheral to the story line or character development. The characters, while complex enough to avoid being stock, are true to butch femme types, sometimes distractingly so. I found the plot resolutions a little too facile, but it works and keeps the story light and enjoyable. Book endings are a challenge for any author, but I found this one, although it tied up loose ends, too quick.
In all, a good book—fun and certainly worth reading for its bravery and cleverness at tackling a tough subject. I'll be reading more of this author's work.
September 10, 2023
Rita Potter
Love or Hate
A review by Ka
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
This is the first book by this author that I have read, so I cannot compare it to her eight previously published books. What prompted me to pick up this one was the difficult topic she chose to handle here: the deepening divide between liberal viewpoints on the one hand and right-wing politics combined with religious zealotry on the other, a phenomenon rapidly spreading not just across the US, where this book is set, but the world over.
I was drawn right into the story of this well written book and enjoyed the creative manner in which the author brought this difficult topic across; a rather sweet enemies-to-lovers romance (generally not my preference any more) with a supernatural twist that brought about quite a few hilarious situations, many of which had me laughing out loud. Rita Potter managed to pick the funniest moments to have both protagonists switch bodies, and making it seem like something that might actually be happening in real life.
Juxtaposing the lighter elements of romance and humor to the underlying more serious topic that is being examined thoroughly, the author skillfully brings her message home: Only by learning to look at our differences from a new perspective of love and respect can we overcome hatred's destructive powers.
There were a few passages later in this book where the dialog was drawn out to the extent that it hindered the dynamic flow that is otherwise present throughout. This is where I see potential for improvement by more rigorous editing; hence the subtraction of half a star.
In all, though, this was a truly entertaining read, surpassing your generic lesfic romance by combining it with a statement of profound relevance on a much larger scale.
Love or Hate
A review by Ka
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
This is the first book by this author that I have read, so I cannot compare it to her eight previously published books. What prompted me to pick up this one was the difficult topic she chose to handle here: the deepening divide between liberal viewpoints on the one hand and right-wing politics combined with religious zealotry on the other, a phenomenon rapidly spreading not just across the US, where this book is set, but the world over.
I was drawn right into the story of this well written book and enjoyed the creative manner in which the author brought this difficult topic across; a rather sweet enemies-to-lovers romance (generally not my preference any more) with a supernatural twist that brought about quite a few hilarious situations, many of which had me laughing out loud. Rita Potter managed to pick the funniest moments to have both protagonists switch bodies, and making it seem like something that might actually be happening in real life.
Juxtaposing the lighter elements of romance and humor to the underlying more serious topic that is being examined thoroughly, the author skillfully brings her message home: Only by learning to look at our differences from a new perspective of love and respect can we overcome hatred's destructive powers.
There were a few passages later in this book where the dialog was drawn out to the extent that it hindered the dynamic flow that is otherwise present throughout. This is where I see potential for improvement by more rigorous editing; hence the subtraction of half a star.
In all, though, this was a truly entertaining read, surpassing your generic lesfic romance by combining it with a statement of profound relevance on a much larger scale.
July 25, 2023
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of Love Or Hate since the author first announced the concept for the novel. I knew the subject matter would be tricky as is often the case when dealing with politics, religion, and other sensitive topics, and the author handled it beautifully. While the story of Love or Hate is a sapphic romance, this book is really for everyone and anyone who dares to perhaps venture outside of their comfort zone to explore these topics and the division in our society within recent years. We've all felt the divisiveness and unrest within our country (and globally) that continues to grow, with both sides yelling to be heard - but are we truly listening to one another? Are we quick to jump to conclusions without knowing the full story?
The story of Rain and Ivy shows us the path we must take in order to come back together as a society. There are a lot of awkward and hilarious moments in the story, thanks to the Freaky Friday element, but ultimately, we get to grow along with the main characters in the book as they learn about one another and develop love and respect for one another. While I already held some similar sentiments as this book, it still made me stop and think periodically about my attitude/beliefs about "the other side".
During the latter part of the book, I kept hearing the lyrics from an Alan Jackson song in my head over and over that are taken from Corinthians. "Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us. And the greatest is love."
Indeed. The greatest truly is love.
The story of Rain and Ivy shows us the path we must take in order to come back together as a society. There are a lot of awkward and hilarious moments in the story, thanks to the Freaky Friday element, but ultimately, we get to grow along with the main characters in the book as they learn about one another and develop love and respect for one another. While I already held some similar sentiments as this book, it still made me stop and think periodically about my attitude/beliefs about "the other side".
During the latter part of the book, I kept hearing the lyrics from an Alan Jackson song in my head over and over that are taken from Corinthians. "Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us. And the greatest is love."
Indeed. The greatest truly is love.
November 11, 2023
Finally, a book that really get the divisions in our country and addresses them with kindness and understanding. I was very hesitant to purchase this book, because so many books that touch on politics in lesbian fiction bash anyone who is Republican or conservative leaning as automatically homophobic or racist as if it is a given fact. It is refreshing to find a book so balanced that is willing address that although there are radicals on the right, many republicans and conservatives consist of kind and caring people and families who are good and moral and they are not homophobic or racist. The media tends to ignore them and they do exist as I know many. I also appreciate that this book shows that there can be true intolerance exhibited by some radicals on the left as cancel culture, censorship of ideas, and stereotyping does exist on the democratic side as well. I think most Americans have lost the ability to have difficult conversations, and it has become dangerous to ever publicly disagree with the mob or even mention where they stand on ideas as everyone gets automatically labeled without any discourse and they could lose their job or worse. The stereotyping, canceling, and labeling are leading to hate on both sides and it is destroying our nation. This book has such a great message. Try to understand issues from different perspectives and don’t just ignore or shut someone down because at first you may not agree with their political party, religion, or region where they live. The characters of Ivy and Rain are a true testament to this message.
April 17, 2025
To quote a good friend of mine, "I didn't DNF it and that's on me." The characters were truly overexaggerated caricatures of what you think when you say a specific word or phrase. The old dyke mentor? She talked about the good old days, "the fight", and "those damn kids with their interwebs and tweet toks". The activist agnostic lesbian? She just blindly followed the cause of the day and called everyone on the right "the enemy". The conservative Christian? She spoke only of Jesus and was a model of virtue and chastity. At points, I wondered if the author was having a joke with the audience, but no, she was very serious.
The book oscillated between an over the top (less well written) version of Freaky Friday, and a sermon on how we all suck because we will defend our deeply held beliefs when people want to walk the centerline. And make no mistake, that's what the author wants to do, walk the centerline. She can walk the centerline as much as she wants, but if she does that she has to deal with the consequences, and this book was basically a long winded essay on her saying "you're a bully if you make me deal with the consequences of my words and actions."
I wish I could unread it, but I was warned prior to going into it, so that's my own fault.
The book oscillated between an over the top (less well written) version of Freaky Friday, and a sermon on how we all suck because we will defend our deeply held beliefs when people want to walk the centerline. And make no mistake, that's what the author wants to do, walk the centerline. She can walk the centerline as much as she wants, but if she does that she has to deal with the consequences, and this book was basically a long winded essay on her saying "you're a bully if you make me deal with the consequences of my words and actions."
I wish I could unread it, but I was warned prior to going into it, so that's my own fault.
October 7, 2023
Passionate story about ending today‘s political divisiveness
I applaud Rita Potter to publish a story which makes her a potential target of haters from both sides of the aisle. As a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+-side she shows in this story that it is worthwhile to look for a third path instead of having potential allies pigeonholed in a black/white approach: thought-provoking and passionately written.
There is sophisticated butch Rain who is an activist busy with causes and rallies for the right causes and a Lotharia at the side. Enter Ivy, the country bumpkin without college education and gasp: a conservative Christian! Add a pinch of magic where they have to experience the other side in each other‘s bodies. There are funny and thought-provoking moments. For me the best part was Tracie‘s story which really hits home why todays censoring and hate-mongering from the „good“ side needs to end.
A good story with the perfect mix of entertainment and thought-provoking moments.
I applaud Rita Potter to publish a story which makes her a potential target of haters from both sides of the aisle. As a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+-side she shows in this story that it is worthwhile to look for a third path instead of having potential allies pigeonholed in a black/white approach: thought-provoking and passionately written.
There is sophisticated butch Rain who is an activist busy with causes and rallies for the right causes and a Lotharia at the side. Enter Ivy, the country bumpkin without college education and gasp: a conservative Christian! Add a pinch of magic where they have to experience the other side in each other‘s bodies. There are funny and thought-provoking moments. For me the best part was Tracie‘s story which really hits home why todays censoring and hate-mongering from the „good“ side needs to end.
A good story with the perfect mix of entertainment and thought-provoking moments.
February 22, 2024
This could possibly be one of my new favorite books. A few months ago, I hadn't heard of Rita Potter yet, but then I read her book Whitewater Awakening and was immediately sold by the way she writes and bought this book. My bookbudget won't like me if I go splurging on the rest of her books, which I'm itching to do at the moment.
I loved how there was romance interspersed throughout the book, but that to my opinion, that wasn't the main focus of the book. We meet two characters that are massively different from the other, but who learn how to really listen before passing judgement, which is for me the most important thing this book is telling us.
I love this book and there really is nothing I hate about it...
I loved how there was romance interspersed throughout the book, but that to my opinion, that wasn't the main focus of the book. We meet two characters that are massively different from the other, but who learn how to really listen before passing judgement, which is for me the most important thing this book is telling us.
I love this book and there really is nothing I hate about it...
February 9, 2025
What an excellent book! I wish everyone would read it. This book has so many lessons for us all about tolerance and acceptance. Having read most of the author's other work I was already a fan, but for some reason hadn't felt particularly drawn to reading this one. What was I missing out on!
The characters are written with such insight that they feel like real people you'd have in your life. Seeing them working towards understanding and common ground on some of today's pertinent issues felt really natural and organic. There is no preaching, just an honest and well thought out approach to dealing with difference. Add a budding romance to the fold and you have what is almost the perfect book - well done and so highly recommended!
The characters are written with such insight that they feel like real people you'd have in your life. Seeing them working towards understanding and common ground on some of today's pertinent issues felt really natural and organic. There is no preaching, just an honest and well thought out approach to dealing with difference. Add a budding romance to the fold and you have what is almost the perfect book - well done and so highly recommended!
July 27, 2025
Although the title is Love or Hate, I don't think it is a typical romance, it is more about the author's hope of all of the people getting along and not divided into totally opposite camps. I totally agree about her point of view that the people are not simply good or bad, there are gray zone and there are decent people in both the conservative right and the progressive left, we need to be more tolerant and open minded, especially in today's America, where we are extra careful of discussing politics with people from different political side. I love the body switching magic and there are some funny scenes that made me smile. The very unlikely couple are so well written and endearing that I can't help but rooting for them without hesitation!
July 16, 2023
Good, solid read.
Ivy and Rain meet each other at a protest where they are on opposite sides. There they meet a strange woman, then... they suddenly start switching bodies!
Well written, interesting characters and the situation is both entertaining and thought provoking. Each character getting a glimpse into the other's life changes them, and both develop in realistic ways. The romance, as well, really worked.
Ivy and Rain meet each other at a protest where they are on opposite sides. There they meet a strange woman, then... they suddenly start switching bodies!
Well written, interesting characters and the situation is both entertaining and thought provoking. Each character getting a glimpse into the other's life changes them, and both develop in realistic ways. The romance, as well, really worked.
August 2, 2023
If there were ever 2 characters who were completely opposite, that would be Rain and Ivy!
When they clash at a rally, something happens to cause them to switch bodies. This results in some incredibly entertaining moments! But the book deals with embracing differences and learning to love people for who they are, not what they believe.
It was well-written and I really enjoyed the side characters as well. I'll definitely read it again
When they clash at a rally, something happens to cause them to switch bodies. This results in some incredibly entertaining moments! But the book deals with embracing differences and learning to love people for who they are, not what they believe.
It was well-written and I really enjoyed the side characters as well. I'll definitely read it again
January 17, 2025
This is a timely, well written book for our times. The author has a knack for story telling with a twist. This one expertly details the divisiveness of our times and, as so few seem to do, provides direction for how to meaningfully address the divisiveness. All of this while telling a story of finding love in opposites in a most entertaining way. It's fun to read and also provides a refreshing thoughtfulness about today's world.
October 14, 2024
Awesome!
This was a truly awesome book and one that I'll be thinking about for a long time. The concept and structure of the book made the lesson, choosing love or hate, come alive for me. You really don't know the whole story until you see life through the eyes of another. Many thanks to the author!
This was a truly awesome book and one that I'll be thinking about for a long time. The concept and structure of the book made the lesson, choosing love or hate, come alive for me. You really don't know the whole story until you see life through the eyes of another. Many thanks to the author!
September 4, 2023
What a fantastic book! It's the kind of story everyone should read. Very thought provoking and lots of humour and love. Ivy and Rain were wonderful characters and I loved the uniqueness of the story. Great job, Rita!!
December 30, 2023
This book lacks subtlety but I liked the overall message. While heavy handed at times, the relationship and the characters worked together. Also the body switching is an entertaining twist if cheesy.
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