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Sunshine Book Club #2
The Worst Guy Ever
Rob Morgan is cocky, arrogant, and deluded enough to think he stands a chance with me. So why can’t I get him out of my head?
Fiercely independent, Hattie doesn’t do relationships. If the need for ‘horizontal companionship’ arises, well, there are plenty of apps for that these days.
Rob’s not the relationship type either. When the pair are introduced by mutual friends, Hattie is determined to resist his charms, but Rob isn’t used to being turned down.
In a moment of desperation, he makes a bet that turns their harmless teasing into all out war. But when they discover a connection they never anticipated, how long will it take for the walls they’ve built to come crumbling down?
Hattie Buchanan has got me all wrong. I don't just want her in my bed, I want her in my life. And one night will never be enough.
Fiercely independent, Hattie doesn’t do relationships. If the need for ‘horizontal companionship’ arises, well, there are plenty of apps for that these days.
Rob’s not the relationship type either. When the pair are introduced by mutual friends, Hattie is determined to resist his charms, but Rob isn’t used to being turned down.
In a moment of desperation, he makes a bet that turns their harmless teasing into all out war. But when they discover a connection they never anticipated, how long will it take for the walls they’ve built to come crumbling down?
Hattie Buchanan has got me all wrong. I don't just want her in my bed, I want her in my life. And one night will never be enough.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2023
139 people are currently reading
1056 people want to read
About the author
Holly June Smith
9 books865 followersHolly June Smith is a writer and romance addict who is constantly falling in love with fictional heroes and dreaming up new ones.
Originally from the North East of Scotland, she now lives in Hertfordshire, England.
You can also find her on Insta and TikTok @hollyjunesmith
Originally from the North East of Scotland, she now lives in Hertfordshire, England.
You can also find her on Insta and TikTok @hollyjunesmith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
February 17, 2025
The Best Book Boyfriend was one of my 5-star reads of the year so far, so I knew I had to continue the Sunshine Book Club. This next installment missed the mark for me. It should have been called "The Worst Girl Ever." I loved Hattie in TBBB and was excited to see her story, but she is just plain mean and treats Rob like garbage. The first 40% of the book dragged on with their "banter" and mostly had Hattie pulling away and Rob acting like a doormat for no discernable reason. The chase? The bet? What were his motivations outside of Insta-lust? The physical altercations were too much. Instead of waiting for them to get together, I was waiting for Hattie to once again injure him. In the later half of the book, we learn more about their pasts but it isn't enough to justify the cruelty she extends to Rob. I am still interested in finishing out the series and I hope Megan's story brings back the beautiful characterization I fell in love with in the first book.
March 24, 2024
Rob Dickhead Morgan, I love you💙
———————————————————————————————
“You're not scared?" she asks, those beautiful wide eyes looking up at me filled with so much life.
"Of course I am, look, feel." I press her hand to my heart, which was already racing thinking I'd have to throw her over my shoulder to keep her from running away. "But being with you is the best scary thing I've ever done."
———————————————————————————————
“You're not scared?" she asks, those beautiful wide eyes looking up at me filled with so much life.
"Of course I am, look, feel." I press her hand to my heart, which was already racing thinking I'd have to throw her over my shoulder to keep her from running away. "But being with you is the best scary thing I've ever done."
August 12, 2023
Ohhh this book is wonderful. Holly just knows how to write a robust, fully considered and relatable character. She writes men so, so well. I’m already bursting for the next book, I need to know what happens for Megan! Highly, highly recommended read for anyone who enjoys romance novels.
August 6, 2025
This wasn't an easy book to read. Hattie's personality was heavily influenced by trauma and it made her mean. It didn't take much for her to be offended by a hint of criticism and she frequently misinterpreted situations and conversations, especially with Rob.
This book is sex heavy. Both Hattie and Rob enjoy casual encounters (no shame, get it) and have a weird competitive chemistry with regard to frequency and being the best at sex. They have numerous "almost" moments wherein they almost have sex with each other, but some argument occurs, and silly drama and then either Rob's balls are injured (is three times too much for one book?) or Hattie feels outrageously slighted. It was overwhelming. It made me feel like I was being pulled into this relationship and I didn't like it. It was traumatising. haha
I don't understand how Rob was so infatuated with Hattie, unless it was a degradation kink or masochism that isn't mentioned, because she's actually so cruel (bitter?). Not that he's that great either. Some of the shit he assumes about Hattie is wrong on a lot of levels. Some things he says to her, thinking they're a turn on are fucking gross and rude, like read the room, you know? And most of their relationship is just about sex. Hattie's vulnerability is always pushed aside through her own denial. How do you get to know someone when they always lie about their feelings and push everyone away? I was exhausted reading about it, so I can't imagine what it would be like in real life. No thanks.
Also, they're jealous of each other and over each other, and they play a lot of mind games. If they existed in the real world, they'd be a dumpster fire. I can't imagine they'd have a happily ever after.
God, this book pissed me off. 😂
This book is sex heavy. Both Hattie and Rob enjoy casual encounters (no shame, get it) and have a weird competitive chemistry with regard to frequency and being the best at sex. They have numerous "almost" moments wherein they almost have sex with each other, but some argument occurs, and silly drama and then either Rob's balls are injured (is three times too much for one book?) or Hattie feels outrageously slighted. It was overwhelming. It made me feel like I was being pulled into this relationship and I didn't like it. It was traumatising. haha
I don't understand how Rob was so infatuated with Hattie, unless it was a degradation kink or masochism that isn't mentioned, because she's actually so cruel (bitter?). Not that he's that great either. Some of the shit he assumes about Hattie is wrong on a lot of levels. Some things he says to her, thinking they're a turn on are fucking gross and rude, like read the room, you know? And most of their relationship is just about sex. Hattie's vulnerability is always pushed aside through her own denial. How do you get to know someone when they always lie about their feelings and push everyone away? I was exhausted reading about it, so I can't imagine what it would be like in real life. No thanks.
Also, they're jealous of each other and over each other, and they play a lot of mind games. If they existed in the real world, they'd be a dumpster fire. I can't imagine they'd have a happily ever after.
God, this book pissed me off. 😂
June 29, 2024
Definitely my fav Holly June Smith so far!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
There’s a fine line between love and hate - and Hattie & Rob are walking on it.
Hattie & Rob, Rob & Hattie - what’s the opposite of opposites attract? 😝 That’s what these two are.
"If opposites attract, our similarities explain why I find him so repulsive."
Neither Hattie nor Rob are looking for a serious relationship - they enjoy their fun, and their lives, without one. They’re brought together by mutual friends (Kara & Luke who we meet in book 1). Rob has his flirt on, and Hattie is determined to resist him.
After making a bet they’re both determined to win, their texting banter & teasing begins. Their chemistry is undeniable, so how long will they fight it?
While I couldn’t relate to them, I was super invested in these two characters. I was rooting for them to figure out their sh*t (for lack of a better expression). Both had absent dads and childhood trauma, leading to fears of abandonment or hurting the ones they love.
This book tackles some other tough issues, like gender double standards in dating, and in the workplace.
The Worst Guy Ever is book 2 in the Sunshine Book Club series, but can be read as a standalone.
What you’ll find in the Worst Guy Ever:
⭐️ “I don’t do relationships”
⭐️ Enemies with benefits to lovers
⭐️ Undeniable chemistry
⭐️ Banter
⭐️ Over 30 MCs
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Dual POV/first person
Thank you to author Holly June Smith for an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍 Email 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
There’s a fine line between love and hate - and Hattie & Rob are walking on it.
Hattie & Rob, Rob & Hattie - what’s the opposite of opposites attract? 😝 That’s what these two are.
"If opposites attract, our similarities explain why I find him so repulsive."
Neither Hattie nor Rob are looking for a serious relationship - they enjoy their fun, and their lives, without one. They’re brought together by mutual friends (Kara & Luke who we meet in book 1). Rob has his flirt on, and Hattie is determined to resist him.
After making a bet they’re both determined to win, their texting banter & teasing begins. Their chemistry is undeniable, so how long will they fight it?
While I couldn’t relate to them, I was super invested in these two characters. I was rooting for them to figure out their sh*t (for lack of a better expression). Both had absent dads and childhood trauma, leading to fears of abandonment or hurting the ones they love.
This book tackles some other tough issues, like gender double standards in dating, and in the workplace.
The Worst Guy Ever is book 2 in the Sunshine Book Club series, but can be read as a standalone.
What you’ll find in the Worst Guy Ever:
⭐️ “I don’t do relationships”
⭐️ Enemies with benefits to lovers
⭐️ Undeniable chemistry
⭐️ Banter
⭐️ Over 30 MCs
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Dual POV/first person
Thank you to author Holly June Smith for an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍 Email 🤍
September 1, 2025
Loved it - much Spicer but that makes sense with the characters - loved everything about it
July 18, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book, but I'd been raring at the bit to read it ever since finishing the first Sunshine Book Club story, The Best Book Boyfriend.
While #1 focuses on Kara and her spicy book-fuelled relationship with Luke, The Worst Guy Ever follows Hattie, Kara's best friend. Hattie is a spiky, independent, hilarious woman who categorically does not do relationships. Ever. When she meets the male version of herself, Luke's best friend Rob, the sparks of animosity fly thick and fast. Hattie's thrilled to get the chance to prove Rob wrong when he proposes a bet that he can get her into bed within one month. But many months down the line, will things remain the same?
Within just the first few pages of this book I was cackling with amused glee and was already firmly rooting for this pair. Holly is a master of snappy yet charming dialogue and funny but not cheesy lines. The plot strands are woven so well - you'll be sucked into this world and the characters' heads. It's always hugely important to me that books from multi-perspectives actually manage to capture the different voices, and that's done so, so well. Unwrapping Hattie and Rob layer by layer felt like such a gift.
All that, and I've not even mentioned the seriously spicy occurrences 🥵
I loved this book. You'll love this book. Can't wait for #3!
While #1 focuses on Kara and her spicy book-fuelled relationship with Luke, The Worst Guy Ever follows Hattie, Kara's best friend. Hattie is a spiky, independent, hilarious woman who categorically does not do relationships. Ever. When she meets the male version of herself, Luke's best friend Rob, the sparks of animosity fly thick and fast. Hattie's thrilled to get the chance to prove Rob wrong when he proposes a bet that he can get her into bed within one month. But many months down the line, will things remain the same?
Within just the first few pages of this book I was cackling with amused glee and was already firmly rooting for this pair. Holly is a master of snappy yet charming dialogue and funny but not cheesy lines. The plot strands are woven so well - you'll be sucked into this world and the characters' heads. It's always hugely important to me that books from multi-perspectives actually manage to capture the different voices, and that's done so, so well. Unwrapping Hattie and Rob layer by layer felt like such a gift.
All that, and I've not even mentioned the seriously spicy occurrences 🥵
I loved this book. You'll love this book. Can't wait for #3!
August 26, 2023
There’s going to be a third book! Megan’s story is coming.
This book started with a LONG first half for me. Rob and Hattie have this serious love/hate thing going on. Both are the self proclaimed bang ‘em and leave ‘em type. No overnights. No repeat hook ups. No relationships. They tease and flirt and angry taunt each other. Even making a bet that one can get the other to sleep with them in a month’s time.
There was a time I thought I may DNF, but I’m glad I didn’t as the second half was great. SPOILERS! We get to see a their back stories and hear about their trauma and find out more about why they are the way they are. Then we get to watch them fall in love while still keeping each other at an arms length. Eventually one is ready to dive in, while the other clings to denial and deprivation. And there’s healing! I love characters working on themselves before clinging to someone hoping to be healed!
I enjoyed The Worst Guy Ever and will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
This book started with a LONG first half for me. Rob and Hattie have this serious love/hate thing going on. Both are the self proclaimed bang ‘em and leave ‘em type. No overnights. No repeat hook ups. No relationships. They tease and flirt and angry taunt each other. Even making a bet that one can get the other to sleep with them in a month’s time.
There was a time I thought I may DNF, but I’m glad I didn’t as the second half was great. SPOILERS! We get to see a their back stories and hear about their trauma and find out more about why they are the way they are. Then we get to watch them fall in love while still keeping each other at an arms length. Eventually one is ready to dive in, while the other clings to denial and deprivation. And there’s healing! I love characters working on themselves before clinging to someone hoping to be healed!
I enjoyed The Worst Guy Ever and will definitely pick up the next book in the series.
August 8, 2025
4.5 Stars
Probably one of the best contemporary enemies to lovers books I have read. I absolutely adored the push and pull between Rob and Hattie for the first quarter through their bet.
It got to a point where Hattie’s issues started to get annoying though. Her jumping off the boat and running away, her assaulting Rob (several times) started to get a little much. That in mind though, I LOVED that both of them sought out therapy - separately and together. I absolutely love a healthy couple dynamic!
So this started off atomically hot, if a lot toxic, and evolved into something so romantic and heartfelt and healthy. Extra points for not ending in marriage and for Hattie who seems to be another childfree icon!
Probably one of the best contemporary enemies to lovers books I have read. I absolutely adored the push and pull between Rob and Hattie for the first quarter through their bet.
It got to a point where Hattie’s issues started to get annoying though. Her jumping off the boat and running away, her assaulting Rob (several times) started to get a little much. That in mind though, I LOVED that both of them sought out therapy - separately and together. I absolutely love a healthy couple dynamic!
So this started off atomically hot, if a lot toxic, and evolved into something so romantic and heartfelt and healthy. Extra points for not ending in marriage and for Hattie who seems to be another childfree icon!
August 11, 2023
I could not put this book down. No joke. Then I finished it and thought about it all night and the next morning. It was stunning. The heat between the two of them is insane, but the book wasn’t all about sexual tension. It was about deep trauma, and high walls, and the healing power of being brave enough to allow someone to really see you. Holly is such a beautiful writer and I highlighted so much. The banter is off the charts, but 24hrs later it’s the stunning way she wrote fragility and vulnerability that sticks with me.
July 15, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. I laughed, I cried, I did that thing where I was so excited to read the rest I skimmed over words. Hattie and Rob have issues a plenty but I love that it’s not your typical he saves her or she saves him there’s real character development throughout for them both.
Gutted I have to wait so long for book 3 in the sunshine series!
Gutted I have to wait so long for book 3 in the sunshine series!
August 12, 2023
Devoured this in a day, thought it was gorgeous, and so well written. Struggled a bit with Hattie, she triggered me, which is not a bad thing but caught me off guard. Looking forward to the next brill book by HJS
December 17, 2023
Absolutely stunning second novel in this series. Loved Rob and Hattie and all the ups and downs it took for them to admit their feelings. Very sad it is over and cannot wait for the next one!
December 1, 2024
3.5 ⭐️s
Holly knows how to write some fantastic men that’s for sure 🫡
Holly knows how to write some fantastic men that’s for sure 🫡
February 4, 2024
The way the main character is almost too unlikable made this book a delightfully fun read … the completely unaddressed abuse that rob has to go through at her hands is really off putting. Also I feel like so many parts of the story didn’t get wrapped up (we never got to see that dinner with her mum/step dad, never actually saw her meet his family, or the reactions of their friends) the ending felt almost empty. Yay for therapy tho ig
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
god I loved this, the slow burn, the enemies to lovers, it was a perfect second book to this series and I CANNOT WAAIITT for Megan's book
August 8, 2023
Another fantastic book from Holly June Smith.
If I’m honest enemies to lovers isn’t my favourite trope. The negative banter can get in the way of me connecting with the characters.
I loved Rob right away - by 3% I had already laughed and gasped out loud. Hattie took me a wee bit longer to warm to but loved the person she developed into by the end of the book.
I’m in awe of the detail Holly puts in to her books; building character with lives and history that make them feel like real people. I’m pretty sure I let out a wee scream when Hattie mention Rennie from ‘Just A Little Crush’ (Holly’s first book).
I laughed, I cried (I didn’t expect to with these character but some parts really got me), I was frequently hot and flustered 🔥 and I cannot wait to see where this fab group of friends are the next time Holly takes us back into their world.
Holly thank you for sending me an Advances Reader Copy (ARC) it was a pleasure to read.
If I’m honest enemies to lovers isn’t my favourite trope. The negative banter can get in the way of me connecting with the characters.
I loved Rob right away - by 3% I had already laughed and gasped out loud. Hattie took me a wee bit longer to warm to but loved the person she developed into by the end of the book.
I’m in awe of the detail Holly puts in to her books; building character with lives and history that make them feel like real people. I’m pretty sure I let out a wee scream when Hattie mention Rennie from ‘Just A Little Crush’ (Holly’s first book).
I laughed, I cried (I didn’t expect to with these character but some parts really got me), I was frequently hot and flustered 🔥 and I cannot wait to see where this fab group of friends are the next time Holly takes us back into their world.
Holly thank you for sending me an Advances Reader Copy (ARC) it was a pleasure to read.
June 5, 2024
This one really made me laugh, and wanted them to work out their issues from the get go because I could feel the chemistry oozing off the words. I loved that you got more information about Kara and Luke and continued on with that story too. I cannot wait for the next instalment, this series is one of my favourites.
February 3, 2025
There's a difference between unlikeable heroines and mean ones, and unfortunately Hattie falls in the second category. She runs hot and cold, and is borderline certified. I cannot understand her attitude at all. She shows no inclination towards Rob, and even when he manages to convince her to get it out of their systems, it's after she's yelling at him, and leaves him with a "you're pathetic", and!! and even then shows up for the shag after yelling at him that he's pathetic lol.
I thought that at least after they have smex, Hattie'd be more real with herself about her attitude towards him - it's not even about her feelings, bc at this point she acknowledges that she likes him - but no, she's still very much an asshole.
Worst Guy Ever? More like Worst Girl Ever.
I thought that at least after they have smex, Hattie'd be more real with herself about her attitude towards him - it's not even about her feelings, bc at this point she acknowledges that she likes him - but no, she's still very much an asshole.
Worst Guy Ever? More like Worst Girl Ever.
January 25, 2024
I went into this one with bigger expectations given how much I enjoyed her previous books; unfortunately this one missed the mark. The hate f*** trope is not for me, and it was the driving force of this novel. Hattie is vocally hateful towards men as a whole for nearly the whole book. The spice was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 but it wasn’t enough to redeem the rest of the story. Rob was a self described man whore but he fell hard for Hattie pretty quickly. I liked the references to Luke & Kara from the first book, and the book club made a couple appearances as well. I will probably still read Megan’s book when it comes out bc I’m curious to learn more of her story.
January 28, 2024
DNF'ed around 30%. I couldn't get past how the characters were talking to each other. They were in their 30s and still arguing like children. The storyline didn't feel real to me.
*Spoiler*
Also I can't get behind unsolicited dick pics. Might be petty of me.
*Spoiler*
Also I can't get behind unsolicited dick pics. Might be petty of me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
The author really needs to pop in some content warnings because the amount of borderline sexual assault shit in here is next level. Why is this normalised
December 7, 2025
May this type of love never find me 🙂↔️
February 3, 2025
I just had to read this second book in this interconnected standalone series after I read the first, went off my planned mini TBR 😂.
Rob and Hattie cracked me up with their mean/cocky banter right from the start. They’re so similar that they have an almost instant hatred. Ok, most of it is on Hattie and she’s a bit over the top with it, but it’s still pretty funny especially with how Rob just goes right up for the challenge. Their dynamic of pushing each other’s buttons is apparent immediately and it’s really enjoyable.
The. Pent. Up. Sexual. Tension. Holy sh!t. 🥵 and it’s basically that every time they are together sexually.
Hattie, though…she’s a mess. A real hot mess. She’s dramatic and the hateful reactions toward Rob do get to be a bit much at times, IMO. But the more it goes on, the more you get a sense that she’s got some deep insecurities or fears that drive her. You don’t get much of a glimpse into her thoughts around that but you just sense her anxiety and the internal chaos in her life. However, all the hang ups and ‘hate’ it made the tension so much *more*, it was delicious.
Rob is a great character, I like how he has his majorly cocky side but then is also actually really caring and has a bit of a sensitive soul.
I loved eventually seeing them soften and come to terms with things. I didn’t fully cry but I was misty-eyed at times.
So much great dialogue and storytelling in this one - I feel like I highlighted damn near the whole book! Just really fun to read and great writing overall.
Really entertaining book, enjoyed it a lot and would def recommend. I’m wanting to go read all her other books now! I’m going to pop over to other books/authors but I am most definitely putting her on my “read more of this author” rotation for this year.
5/5 ⭐️
Rob and Hattie cracked me up with their mean/cocky banter right from the start. They’re so similar that they have an almost instant hatred. Ok, most of it is on Hattie and she’s a bit over the top with it, but it’s still pretty funny especially with how Rob just goes right up for the challenge. Their dynamic of pushing each other’s buttons is apparent immediately and it’s really enjoyable.
The. Pent. Up. Sexual. Tension. Holy sh!t. 🥵 and it’s basically that every time they are together sexually.
Hattie, though…she’s a mess. A real hot mess. She’s dramatic and the hateful reactions toward Rob do get to be a bit much at times, IMO. But the more it goes on, the more you get a sense that she’s got some deep insecurities or fears that drive her. You don’t get much of a glimpse into her thoughts around that but you just sense her anxiety and the internal chaos in her life. However, all the hang ups and ‘hate’ it made the tension so much *more*, it was delicious.
Rob is a great character, I like how he has his majorly cocky side but then is also actually really caring and has a bit of a sensitive soul.
I loved eventually seeing them soften and come to terms with things. I didn’t fully cry but I was misty-eyed at times.
So much great dialogue and storytelling in this one - I feel like I highlighted damn near the whole book! Just really fun to read and great writing overall.
Really entertaining book, enjoyed it a lot and would def recommend. I’m wanting to go read all her other books now! I’m going to pop over to other books/authors but I am most definitely putting her on my “read more of this author” rotation for this year.
5/5 ⭐️
May 24, 2024
What can I say about this incredible book??
I’m new to the Holly June Smith world but after reading 3 of her books in 2 days, you could say I’m hooked!
The Worst Guy Ever is book 2 in the Sunshine Book club series and follows Hattie and Rob in their journey of self healing, love and banter!
We get enemies to lovers, enemies with benefits, childhood trauma, and LOADS of steamy smut!
I couldn’t get enough of the hilarious banter between our main characters in this one! Holly’s writing showed Hattie’s insecurities so perfectly but in a way that didn’t make her feel toxic.. anyone who’s struggled to accept love when it’s so freely given to them can relate to Hattie’s reluctance to falling in love with Rob!
Rob is a reformed playboy and falls first and HARD for our Hattie! His POV chapters give us such a beautiful insight to his longing for something deeper with Hattie but also his love for who she is as a person, his craving for her sharp tongue and humour and his attraction to her! It was refreshing to read about an MMC who takes the first step in seeking help with his commitment issues!
Overall I truly loved this book, I’ll be recommending it to everyone I meet and I am SO excited for Megan’s book!
I’m new to the Holly June Smith world but after reading 3 of her books in 2 days, you could say I’m hooked!
The Worst Guy Ever is book 2 in the Sunshine Book club series and follows Hattie and Rob in their journey of self healing, love and banter!
We get enemies to lovers, enemies with benefits, childhood trauma, and LOADS of steamy smut!
I couldn’t get enough of the hilarious banter between our main characters in this one! Holly’s writing showed Hattie’s insecurities so perfectly but in a way that didn’t make her feel toxic.. anyone who’s struggled to accept love when it’s so freely given to them can relate to Hattie’s reluctance to falling in love with Rob!
Rob is a reformed playboy and falls first and HARD for our Hattie! His POV chapters give us such a beautiful insight to his longing for something deeper with Hattie but also his love for who she is as a person, his craving for her sharp tongue and humour and his attraction to her! It was refreshing to read about an MMC who takes the first step in seeking help with his commitment issues!
Overall I truly loved this book, I’ll be recommending it to everyone I meet and I am SO excited for Megan’s book!
April 17, 2025
“But being with you is the best scary thing I’ve ever done.”
I had so much fun reading this story. Hattie and Rob had me lmao so hard at times, but also broke my heart with their complicated pasts and feelings.
Hattie and Rob are two sides of the same coin and have more in common than just the fact that neither of them wants to give love a shot. The banter and chemistry between these two is absolute fire, and I love how they went from barely being able to be in the same room together to not being able to keep their hands off of each other.
I also loved the character growth and the way the author presented the importance of therapy and taking care of our mental health, and how healing is not straightforward or linear. We see this when even towards the end of the book we can still see Hattie struggling with some parts of being in a relationship.
Quote: “I never, ever, want to hear about you with another man again, do you understand me? As far as I’m concerned, you were a vırgin the day I met you and I’m the only man who’s ever been inside you.”
I had so much fun reading this story. Hattie and Rob had me lmao so hard at times, but also broke my heart with their complicated pasts and feelings.
Hattie and Rob are two sides of the same coin and have more in common than just the fact that neither of them wants to give love a shot. The banter and chemistry between these two is absolute fire, and I love how they went from barely being able to be in the same room together to not being able to keep their hands off of each other.
I also loved the character growth and the way the author presented the importance of therapy and taking care of our mental health, and how healing is not straightforward or linear. We see this when even towards the end of the book we can still see Hattie struggling with some parts of being in a relationship.
Quote: “I never, ever, want to hear about you with another man again, do you understand me? As far as I’m concerned, you were a vırgin the day I met you and I’m the only man who’s ever been inside you.”
July 19, 2023
Reading Holly's writing is like coming home. This is the second book I've read in the Sunshine Book Club series and the third by Holly overall and I'm utterly obsessed.
Holly creates likeable characters, a plot that moves at a pleasureable pace...and speaking of pleasure(!) There are spicy scenes to DIE for.
I was a little in conflict about whether I liked Hettie as much as I wanted to but as her story unraveled I started to align with her a little more but I was hooked on Rob from the outset. Holly has an amazing knack of keeping you uncomfortable with will they/won't they moments and throws in the curve balls leaving you questioning whether or not there will be a happy resolution to some of the road blocks between these two characters.
I would adore to see these stories become a must watch series, I think they'd translate amazingly well.
The sunshine book club series is a feel good series of books that are a pleasure to read and I can't wait for the next installment.
Holly creates likeable characters, a plot that moves at a pleasureable pace...and speaking of pleasure(!) There are spicy scenes to DIE for.
I was a little in conflict about whether I liked Hettie as much as I wanted to but as her story unraveled I started to align with her a little more but I was hooked on Rob from the outset. Holly has an amazing knack of keeping you uncomfortable with will they/won't they moments and throws in the curve balls leaving you questioning whether or not there will be a happy resolution to some of the road blocks between these two characters.
I would adore to see these stories become a must watch series, I think they'd translate amazingly well.
The sunshine book club series is a feel good series of books that are a pleasure to read and I can't wait for the next installment.
January 20, 2024
So much more than enemies to lovers!
Hate. Desire. Friends with Benefits. Healing. Love?
Dang Holly June Smith! This was so much more than it seemed like it would be. But I maybe should have known, given book one in the Sunshine Book Club series made me feel all the feels.
Honestly, Hattie was such a mess through almost ninety percent of The Worst Guy Ever, I did not expect to think so much about this book after I finished it. But she really finally faced her demons and allowed herself to risk love.
Don’t get me wrong, this was no opposites attract book. Rob was cut from the same cloth of no strings as Hattie… he just fell and then got help when he realized how messed up he was. That meant being willing to walk away if he had to.
This line though… “We don’t have to decide everything right now and follow one path. I could live a thousand different lives with you and be happy in every one.”
A book worth reading.
Hate. Desire. Friends with Benefits. Healing. Love?
Dang Holly June Smith! This was so much more than it seemed like it would be. But I maybe should have known, given book one in the Sunshine Book Club series made me feel all the feels.
Honestly, Hattie was such a mess through almost ninety percent of The Worst Guy Ever, I did not expect to think so much about this book after I finished it. But she really finally faced her demons and allowed herself to risk love.
Don’t get me wrong, this was no opposites attract book. Rob was cut from the same cloth of no strings as Hattie… he just fell and then got help when he realized how messed up he was. That meant being willing to walk away if he had to.
This line though… “We don’t have to decide everything right now and follow one path. I could live a thousand different lives with you and be happy in every one.”
A book worth reading.
February 12, 2024
Sweet, tart and frothy like a strawberry soda. This was full of robust, witty banter that was genuinely amusing and fun to read. The characters felt familiar, and alive from the get go, the set up was brilliant and their "hatred" truly believable. I liked the gradual evolution, and just how long the teasing went on, further progression came up naturally and flowed so well with the rest of the plot. My only critique would be that Hattie did the dance of "1 step forward, 3 steps back" a few too many times, which made the ending seem a little rushed but I can also accept that it's a realistic portrayal of her trauma. Rob was a delight to read, multi-faceted, layered and charm that jumps off the page. Also dealing with his own trauma, and healthily coming to conclusions that it needs to be addressed. Holly June Smith has a gift, and I think she's become one of my firm favourites in this genre.
February 6, 2025
I had high hopes for this as I love enemies to lovers. It’s my favourite. But this went far beyond banter.
This isn’t marketed with any TW or as dark Romance but some of the stuff wasn’t enemies to lovers haha funny but violent and unnecessary.
The 2 best friends from book one meet and instantly hate each other. They have some sexy banter for all or 1 minute before he calls her a S**t.
While he improves and becomes a doormat that puts up with way too much from her.
Hattie isn’t a strong independent commitmaphobe she’s down right cruel and nasty.
She physically kicked him in his genitals multiple times for no reason. Slapped him across the face. Cut his face with scissors which was an “accident” and laughing matter apparently.
Let’s not forget the uncomfortable way she demanded sex in almost an SA way.
I have nothing more to say this was painful to read and in no way charming.
No Luke Evans
This isn’t marketed with any TW or as dark Romance but some of the stuff wasn’t enemies to lovers haha funny but violent and unnecessary.
The 2 best friends from book one meet and instantly hate each other. They have some sexy banter for all or 1 minute before he calls her a S**t.
While he improves and becomes a doormat that puts up with way too much from her.
Hattie isn’t a strong independent commitmaphobe she’s down right cruel and nasty.
She physically kicked him in his genitals multiple times for no reason. Slapped him across the face. Cut his face with scissors which was an “accident” and laughing matter apparently.
Let’s not forget the uncomfortable way she demanded sex in almost an SA way.
I have nothing more to say this was painful to read and in no way charming.
No Luke Evans
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