The One I Hate

Rolling Hills #4

by Chelle Sloan

I hate Simon Banks.

I also hate tequila.
The first makes my blood boil with his devilish smirk and giant…ego.
The second makes me do questionable things.
Specifically, with Simon.
Fine. Whatever. It’s a blip on my radar.
Even though I can’t stop thinking about memories of our night…or his hands…and that mouth.
But I have more important things to do—like finally opening my dream restaurant in the small town of Rolling Hills.
There’s just one problem—he lives here.
I’m bound and determined to not let that stop me.
He’s bound and committed to get under my skin.

And here's another thing I hate - it's working.
His smug smile. His clever jokes. The way my body heats when he’s around.
Our looks of longing and the sizzling tension between us.
Not to mention his bare, chiseled chest running past my restaurant every day.
He’s becoming too hard to resist.

I'm starting to realize there's a thin line between love and hate. Ours just happens to be two pink ones...

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Second Chance, Romance, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Forced Proximity, Friends To Lovers

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2024

About the author

Known for her witty sense of humor, Chelle Sloan is a former sports reporter who recently completed her master's degree in journalism, and is now putting that to good use — one happily ever after at a time.

An Ohio native, she’s fiercely loyal to Cleveland sports, is the owner of way too many — yet not enough — tumblers and will be a New Kids on the Block fan until the day she dies. She does her best writing at Panera, or any place that's not her office. Oh, and yes, you probably saw her on TikTok.

As for her own happily every after? Maybe one day...

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Reviews

[Jen ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looong review ahead!!!



This book has some of the tropes that I'm wary of, namely, second chance and reformed hoe. That's why I didn't expect too much from this, so the disappointment wouldn't be overwhelming. But what I didn't see coming was me enjoying every minute of this story and loving the MMC, Simon, surprisingly. It's rare for me to read a book with a hoe MMCs, but it's even rare for me to end up loving them. 😂


============================

The past:

They met in college, and he befriended her because he was attracted to her. She wasn't interested in him at first, but throughout the months, she eventually grew fond of him. At the end of the semester, Simon and his frat threw a party, and he and Charlie shared a kiss then. They talked about meeting the next day. But when Charlie came to his dorm, a woman opened his door, wearing his shirt. She didn't know that this woman was his sister, and Charlie jumped to the worst conclusion. I can't blame her, though. 🤷‍♀️ And she just ran away after that, then the next day, I think? Her brother called to tell her that their mother had been diagnosed with cancer. With Simon's "betrayal" and her mother's failing health, Charlie decided to drop college and left Simon without saying a word.

============================


The present:

Fifteen years later, Charlie's crew catered to the wedding of one of Simon's friends. He wasn't sure at first if it was really his "bug" (his pet name for her) But when he finally looked at her and confirmed it was Charlie, Simon went after her. Even years later, he's still mad that she ghosted him, and he didn't even know why she did that. He thought back then that they were about to become more, and with a blink of an eye, she was nowhere to be found. So with all the pent-up frustration and anger, he tried talking to her, but he was surprised to see that she's angry just as much as he is. And he's totally clueless as to why. He asked her why she left, but Charlie didn't answer and instead left him again. 
 
Then another four months passed; at this point, Simon already knew he's close to Charlie (geographically speaking) as he learned everything about her after their wedding encounter. He came along with one of his friends to have a food tasting, and Charlie was the chef they were meeting with. Of course, he knew she would be there. After all, he found out everything about her schedule. 😂

To say Charlie was surprised and mad is an understatement. They ended up throwing hurtful words during this meeting, and she asked him to leave, which he did but felt awful afterwards that he hurt her and made her cry.

Then they both got drunk that night, and Simon left a voice mail, which Charlie listened to, and her friend encouraged her to talk to him to get her closure. So she went to his hotel room, and instead of talking, they ended up having angry sex. 🤭 She sneaked out the next morning, of course, that's her usual MO. 🤷‍♀️

Then another month passed after that. Charlie was looking for a place to start her restaurant, and Simon secretly made it happen by renting out one of his properties to her. She knew the offer was too good to be true, but she accepted it anyway. 

============================


Simon (36) has the worst reputation in this group of friends and was hellbent on becoming a bachelor for life and to be the fun uncle to his best friend's children. And Charlie was the reason behind this attitude. I'm not on board with him being a manwhore, though. 😒 She was the only woman he considered to become more with. But after she left and broke his heart, he decided to only have casual relationships. 🥴 Yet even as the years go by, the love he has for her is still very much there, buried deep inside of him. When he finally sees her again, he plans to finally get his answers and make sure she'll never run away again. 🤭

He was like a 5-year-old kid who's high on sugar all the time. This guy's hyperactivity was so adorable and cute to read. 😂 He really exudes golden retriever energy, and even I couldn't get annoyed with all of his antics in this story. Him bugging Charlie since the first chapter made me giggle a lot. She doesn't stand a chance with him; this man's persistence, charm, and wit were too much to handle. 🤣 He's my second favorite MMC in this series, sorry, but Oliver will always have the top spot in my heart. 💖

This is why I was able to partially get over his hoe-nes. Only partial because I can't still wrap my head around his fictional body count over the last fifteen years. 🤢🤷‍♀️ Anyway, he's really endearing, helpful, supportive, and protective of Charlie. Not once did he lose it on her, even when she's being stubborn. And during the first half of the book, when she's angry at him, he always charms her and shows how sunshine-y he is. He finds her even more beautiful when she's pissed at him. 🤣 His lines and OTT details about celebrations and preparations made me laugh so hard. He's definitely extraaaa in a good way. 


****************

Charlie/Bug (36) was the most selfless and loving person in this book. The sacrifice she made to take care of her younger brother when their mother died wasn't easy to do, but she never hesitated to do it anyway. I'm also amazed by her dedication to having her own restaurant, and her independence made me like her character so much. She's a loving sister, friend, boss, and aunt, and I love her loyalty to those people she cares about. 

While I do love her independence, this comes off as a problem at some point in the story. I get that she's not used to asking for help or doesn't want to feel like a charity case, but a little help won't hurt her dreams or ego. And it's frustrating to read her getting pissed at receiving a little assistance. But in the end, I'm glad she saw it from a different perspective and was able to accept it happily.

As for her jumping to the worst conclusion about Simon, I used to be annoyed at first with her reaction, but then I realized she's aware of his reputation on their campus. So while he showed her much attention in the few months they've become friends, I still don't blame her when she can't fully trust him. Thanks to her own father leaving them and giving her trust issues. But in an ideal scenario, it would've been better if she had talked to him back then and cleared things up instead of ghosting him. At least give him the chance to explain things, seeing as they're friends after all. 🤷‍♀️


****************


Overall, I guess the only explanation was that they weren't ready back then for each other, and Charlie has a lot on her plate. I don't think it would have gone anywhere had they chosen to give their mutual attraction a chance before. 😐
 
But I have to say that fifteen years is still way too long and so much wasted chance and time. I just can't personally deal with long separations. 😭

But I'm glad that when their paths crossed again, Simon finally took the opportunity to get the girl. When she finally told him the reason why she left, it didn't take him a long time to get over the past, and they proceeded to look forward to their future together.

Also, his reaction to the pregnancy was so OTT and I had fun reading him being excited to be a father. He never considered the idea of family; actually, he never considered a lot of things before Charlie came into his life. But ever since she came back, it was like a puzzle piece, with a whole lot of ideas coming together in his head. Those things he never thought of before? Relationships, family, babies, etc. were at the forefront of his mind, and he wanted to do all of that with her by his side. 

All in all, this was a good read. I had a great time with it, and I'm excited to read the next series that was about Simon's four sisters. 😊 



Book info:
- Second chance (15 years)
- Surprised pregnancy
- Small town romance
- Found family
- Reformed manwhore
- Miscommunication
- Real estate agent x Chef
- No cheating, OPD
- Separation (2 days)
- Golden retriever H
- Dislike (h) to Love
- Small town romance
- Loss of a parent (past)
- Abandonment issue
- HFN (in a relationship, they just had their daughter)
- Bonus epilogue (2 yrs later, married and pregnant again)


Notes:
- Both with OP during separation, but of course Simon had way more experience. And Charlie had only four bfs. 🙄
- Unsafe sex. No STD talk. Their first time together was their angry sex. No info how long it has been for both of them.

[Chelle Sloan]

Available now!

Accidental Pregnancy, Boy Obsessed, Boy Falls First, Close Proximity

Grab your copy here: https://geni.us/TOIHAmazon
ADD TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR: https://geni.us/TOIHGR

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
3.5/5🌶


Well it's official. Chelle Sloan did the impossible. She took my loathing of accidental pregnancy tropes and turned it into a OK they aren't all bad reaction.
I have always loved enemies-to-lovers but this one with the Accidental pregnancy trope I was hesitant on. Chelle Sloan said Challenge Accepted and blow my mind!

Simon & Charlie's love story is in my opinion the epic Right person wrong time love story. I love how every single moment in their past lead to their future. Yes I know that's ever story and every one's life. However Chelle told the epic tale of how sometimes life gives you miscommunication for a reason that leads to a phenomenal future.

Simon and Charlie absolutely loathing each other because of the hurt and disappointment of the past. Both are so stubborn and bull headed neither want to give the explanations needed first. When little to much alcohol plays into a blow-up between them and turns their screaming match into an "angry-sex" match their lives are forever changed.

Simon Banks is a softie. He's also a master manipulator and he'll stop at nothing to make sure Charlie doesn't slip out of his life again and that all her dreams come true.


Chelle shouting from the highest roof top of How you've worked magic in changing my tune on the trope I've never connected with. Cheers to you in doing what I thought was an impossible task!

The One I Hate is a 5⭐️ Need to read, keep tissue by your side Romance that will have you begging for more!

[What.Nikki.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
🥞 Small Town
🍼 Accidental pregnancy
🥞 Close Proximity
🍼 Second chance
🥞 Right person, wrong time
🍼 Enemies to lovers
🥞 Golden retriever MMC

Simon... Simon was such a different MMC from any I've read. He gives ULTIMATE class clown energy. He is the "I have a guy" guy for everything and everyone. He's also the guy in the friend group who's friends aren't sure he will ever settle down.
But they don't know about the one that got away, Charlie. She left him 15 years ago without a word and he has no idea why.
Then they run into each other as she's catering a wedding he's at. We learn she HATES him. They end up having one night of hate sex and hello accidental pregnancy. She expects to be a single mom but Simon is ALL in.

“𝑶𝒉, 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒉, 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒆?” 𝑺𝒊𝒎𝒐𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆𝒔. “𝑵𝒐𝒑𝒆. 𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒅. 𝑰 𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒆 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒀𝒆𝒔, 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏.”

I have been waiting for Simons book I knew it was going to be a favorite and it absolutely was!

Thank you for this ARC Chelle!

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many funny books; some are good, and some are just okay. Comedy is not easy—especially to write. Chelle Sloan has the comedic timing combined with a plot-driven story perfected in “The One I Hate.” Within the first few pages, I knew I would not put this book down. I laughed so hard. I choked up a bit, too, at the end. But everything flowed so well.

Charlie and Simon have quite the story that takes them on a long path to get where they need to be. Simon and Charlie meet in college with Simon, who heavily pursues Charlie, only to break apart for unfortunate reasons. Simon, never truly getting over Charlie, has an opportunity to reconnect and does so with gusto years later.

Though “The One I Hate” is part of the Rolling Hill Series, I read it as a standalone, and it was easy to follow. I loved the dialogue, spice scenes, and Chelle Sloan’s writing style. I’m eager to backtrack and read books 1-3 to catch up on the other characters.

[Mandy’s Spicy Book Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Simon and Charlie’s story. I mean the man child, Simon completely stole the show in this book. He was annoyingly perfect! He’s relentless and makes a point that he won’t let Charlie walk away again. There are so many moments in this book had me rolling and crying laughing so hard at his antics. This was a great final book to the Rolling Hills series. Chelle knows how to bring humor and spice to all of her books.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This series just gets better. Plan to laugh out loud, smile until your face hurts, and fall in love with Simon and Charlie.

Simon is a master manipulator and Charlie does not like to be controlled. Both are stubborn, but Simon is a softy for Charlie. One alcohol fueled night leads to shouting and more, followed later by those two pink lines.

This is one found family I want to be part of: the group texts, the banter, and how they try to keep each other in their own lane, not. Ms. Sloan is a relatively new author to me, but I am so glad to have found her.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Shreya Damani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book you guys was so so cute and fun to read! 💖🥰😍
It's the last book in the Rolling Hills series and I haven't read the others but I didn't feel like I was missing anything. So it could be read as a stand alone.

It's a delightful romance that will have you hooked from the start. This book checks all the boxes for what makes a romance enjoyable: there's cute banter, sizzling chemistry, a sense of found family, and a heartwarming theme of rekindled love. It’s easy to see why I breezed through it, giving it a solid four-star rating. 💫🔥🧡

The characters are absolutely adorable and easy to fall in love with. The female main character (FMC) is particularly memorable—not only is she relatable and curvy, but she's portrayed in a positive and empowering light, which I really appreciated. The interactions between the characters are filled with light-hearted and witty dialogue that keeps the mood fun and lively throughout. ☺️🥰

My only gripe with the book is the use of the miscommunication trope. At times, it felt a bit childish and unnecessary, which was a slight letdown amidst the otherwise engaging narrative. However, this didn’t significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

*The One I Hate* is definitely a recommended read, especially for those who love a good romance with all the essential elements done right. It’s a book that will make you smile, swoon, and laugh out loud for sure. 💞💞

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re not familiar with this series you need find remedy that ASAP. I’ve never fallen so hard for such a fun group of friends. The teasing, the banter, the group texts, the loyalty, and the found family aspect are all phenomenal. Getting to know them and watching them each fall in love has been amazing.

Finally, FINALLY, it's Simon's turn to find his forever, and it's with the one who got away. A misunderstanding separated them for 15 years, but Simon sees Charlie catering a friend's wedding reception, then again a few months later. When Charlie opens her own restaurant in Rolling Hills, Simon finally has his chance. But if you know Simon, you know he’s a little extra, and his efforts at wooing are also extra and may backfire on him.

This is one of those series I wish would go on forever. I love everything about this small town and the quirky, beloved characters we've come to know. While I’m sad to see it end, I’m happy to know we'll see more of Simon and Charlie again in an upcoming new series.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

read if you like
✅ accidental pregnancy
✅ reverse grumpy x sunshine
✅ friends to enemies to lovers
✅ curvy heroine

going into this i hadn’t read the rest of the series, but a lot of the characters definitely caught my interest!
i always love when the fmc is the grumpy one in relationships, something about it is so 🙂‍↕️
this is about college friends, who stopped talking due to a miscommunication that caused resentment — fast forward 15 YEARS LATER. boom 👏🏽 accidental pregnancy.
i just …. simon gave me whiplash.
he was a golden retriever but he just felt so immature to me at times. and very surface leveled. he wasn’t my favorite out of the bunch, i loved how shane would put him in his place.
buuuut i did think his reaction to learning he was going to be a “daddy” was super adorable, and i did love how it wasn’t the type of pregnancy trope where it felt forced.
the writing was done well i just couldn’t connect with his character per say.

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon is exhausting but perfect at the same time!

Well it’s the end of a series and that is always bittersweet, but we have been waiting for Simon’s story and Chelle did NOT disappoint!

Simon is like a puppy, always moving, always talking, but he’s loyal to a fault and he loves with everything he has. But what happens when his past comes walking through the door? I mean it’s been fifteen years, plenty of time for the emotional connection to fade, but much to Charlie’s surprise it hasn’t. And now the real fun begins!

Read this series, just do it! Family doesn’t always need blood and Chelle shows us this in these books. Each book will hook you, she makes her MMC’s vulnerable in ways that bring them alive and make you want to move to this small town and be a part. I am a fan of Chelle’s writing style and while I’m sad for this story to end I can not wait to see what comes next!!

[Elyvia (eliv_bookstagram) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧𝗔𝗟𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 - 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗜 𝗛𝗔𝗧𝗘
⏳𝟭𝟬𝗛 𝟯𝟰𝗠
🎙️𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 & 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀

💓𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗕𝘂𝗴🐞
💭This is one of the rare second-chance romance books with a playboy MMC that I actually enjoyed! The chemistry between Charlie and Simon is fantastic, and the banter between them is just so much fun. I had a blast with these two, especially when Simon finds out he’s going to be a dad! Honestly, this is the only way I’ll accept a surprise pregnancy reaction—PERIOD.

✅This is my first book by Chelle Sloan, and now I'm super excited to check out the rest of the series!

🎧Stephanie and Adam are new to me, but I really loved their narration! They did such a great job bringing the story to life, and I had a great time listening to this audiobook.

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟱⭐️ | 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝟯🌶️ | 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:𝟱🎧

✨ 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚘 VALENTINE PR 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝙰𝙻𝙲, 𝙸'𝚖 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚟𝚘𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚕𝚢 ✨

[Brooke (iambookish_brooke) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it’s the last book in the series, it was the first I read- and now I want to go back and start from the beginning. I love the group of guy friends- it gave Bromance Book Club vibes and I was into it.

Simon was HILARIOUS. It took me a minute to connect with his character, but once I did, I couldn’t stop cackling whenever he really got going.

Charlie was the best plus size FMC I’ve read in a long time. The moments where that came into play, it felt realistic and was written very thoughtfully.

I’m going to need to make French toast really soon, and it’s Mona’s fault 🤣

Thank you Chelle for the chance to read an advance copy. Can’t wait get into more of the Rolling Hills series.

[Katelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon and Charlie do not disappoint. This was my first book by this author and I ate it up. Charlie and Simon were study partners with Simon wanting more in college. But one night left Charlie hating Simon and him not knowing why she disappeared. Their story of right person wrong time was full of banter and that chemistry that sizzles. Simon was full of life and chaos, but his heart always drifted to his Bug. I felt for Charlie and all the battles she faced, making it hard for her to really trust Simon. The side characters had me cracking up, so I know I'll be visiting some other books in this series. I'd definitely recommend this one.

[Candy Habin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series from the beginning and have been patiently waiting for Simon's book and boy was it worth the wait! Oh and Charlie was absolutely perfect for him. I loved these two together, of course that could be because it's packed with some of my favorite tropes, but also because this writer knows how to tell one fantastic story! The banter was top notch, and I can't count how me time I actually laughed out loud. We also get some delicious spice along with plenty of heart melting moments.

[Nadya Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was fun! Small town, enemies to lovers, boy obsessed and plus size heroine! This is the author’s first book that I have read and i was hooked instantly. Definitely gonna read the rest of the Rolling Hills series!

Charlie a.k.a Bug was strong, hardworking, and a determined woman. While Simon was funny and confident
I love their chemistry and banter and the way their relationship progressed.

[Lori Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I suspected, book 4 did not disappoint. I wish this series could continue because I love all of the characters and their friend dynamic. Oh, and the sex, my fingers were on fire turning the pages…insert swoon here. 🔥 Chelle is a great storyteller and I am glad that I stumbled upon her books on a display at Barnes & Noble.

[Jennifer Bowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking LOVED this book. Simon is hands down my favorite of the bunch! I love a good enemies to lovers story. This will have you laughing and maybe crying. Simon and Charlie have become some of my favorite characters this year.

Thank you Chelle and Amanda for an ARC ♥️

[Janet Adame · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5/5

The book was enjoyable, but quite cheesy. The guy was overly obsessed with the female lead, i felt suffocated by his grand gestures. While being swept off one's feet sounds nice, he doesn't allow her to be independent. His excessive use of money leaves her with little control over her own desires. Overall, it was a sweet second chance romance with a lot of love.

[Crystal Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon & Bug

This one is an enemies to lovers, second chance, accidental pregnancy, popular Insider and newcomer story that will get you in the feels. Simon is very over the top in the best ways, and "Bug" is resistant to most of his charms... but not all

[Robyn Prem · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I absolutely loved this book! Simon and Charlie and my favorite Rolling Hill’s couple.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read an advance Copy for for an honest review.
Simon has not been written in a positive light in past books - he is a rake and a bit of a troublemaker but has always been there for his friends. Here we find out that Charlie is the one that got away 15 years ago and our boy is OBSESSED when she shows back up trying to find out why she bailed after one kiss. The reason was unfortunately predictable but the relationship does work well after reconciliation and both sides learn to deal with their legit issues with honest communication.

This is a surprise baby trope -so if you are not into that be warned. Otherwise another excellent book by Ms Sloan.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept almost quitting this and then I would read just a little bit more until I got to the end. So if nothing else, it was compelling enough to keep me coming back. It's got a couple of my favorite tropes, surprise pregnancy and second chance (the flavor where they were best friends, he wanted more, and she didn't believe him, then they were estranged for many years).

The writing was passable, but not great, and I was never quite satisfied with the way the tropes were handled. The surprise pregnancy didn't really come into play until 50%, and the estrangement was caused by a single misunderstanding that was cleared up with half of a conversation, never my favorite. I read most of the book really hoping the book would reach it's potential, and always being vaguely dissatisfied.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon and Charlie’s story is a lovers to enemies to drunken h8 effers. And it’s not a spoiler as it’s in the blurb, but they end up accidentally making a baby.

This was fun, Simon was delicious, Charlie was exceedingly capable at her profession, and when the stick showed positive, Simon became focused on landing Charlie in any way possible.

I was furnished an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.

[Lady M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it first came out and loved it. Then recently listened to the audio and loved it just as much the 2nd time. The male narrator was the perfect Simon. He's exactly right for the part. The female was good too, don't get me wrong, but Simon is such a big character in the series, ans he nailed it.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read through the first three books of The Rolling Hills Crew. I have loved them all and couldn't wait for Simon Banks story despite him being a wild one to say the least.
Simon is attending his friend's wedding (Whitley and Jake). He was talking with Wes when "a woman barking orders" catches his attention. The woman is the caterer for the wedding. It's been 15 years since he has seen Charlie Bennett, and he can't determine if it's really her or if the alcohol is playing tricks on him. Simon is determined that the woman is "Bug", his pet name for her, and tries to go after her. She ultimately refuses to talk to him.
Four months later, when Simon and Shane go to a tasting at a restaurant in Nashville, he again runs into Charlie. She is the Sous Chef for the restaurant. Charlie is extremely angry the moment she sees Simon. Charlie encourages Shane to reschedule the tasting for a time when he can come back with his fiancé. Simon says somethings he regrets the moment they come out of his mouth. Later that night, he gets drunk and crashes at a hotel in Nashville. While he was drunk, he calls and leaves a message for Charlie. He's not sure that she will get said message because she blocked him all those years ago. Charlie is out with her best friend/co-worker getting drunk. She confesses to Mellie why she hates Simon and states her broker her heart. She is still at the bar when she gets the voicemail from Simon. It might not be the right decision, but she goes to him at his hotel. One thing leads to another. They share a passionate night together, but she leaves him in the middle of the night.

One thing you learn about Simon is that he's in real estate. He does well for himself. While eating at the town's go to place, Mona's, he overhears someone asking to see the owner. He realizes it's his college buddy Emmett. He's in town because his boss wants him to find out if the Owner is willing to sell. Mona surprisingly agrees to sell, but somehow Simon offers more and offers Emmett a job as his property manager. Mona's only stipulation is that she gets to meet whoever decides to lease the restaurant. Everything falls in place quickly, but they want to keep it under the radar.

Whitley reaches out to Charlie to convince her to meet with the Property Manager at a Magnolia Properties. It's always been her dream to own her own restaurant. Charlie tries to fight it knowing that Simon lives in Rolling Hills determining she couldn't risk running into him on a regular basis.
But in the end, she agrees to the meeting.
Simon knows that Emmett has set up a few showings but doesn't pay too much attention to it. However, he finds out the first showing is Charlie. Simon basically tells Emmett to do whatever he needs to do to get Charlie to agree on lease terms. Little does she know Simon is the owner of the building. Emmett is sworn to keep that a secret. He keeps the details to a minimum but swears up and down that this is for the best. Simon is determined to figure out why Charlie disappeared on him all those years ago even if she still hates him. Charlie cannot refuse the offer to run the restaurant, so she gives her notice.

Their past and present collide in a wonderful way. We learn down the road that the reason Charlie hated Simon so much was solely based on a complete misunderstanding. At the time, she had no idea and also lost her mother shortly after, so she disappeared and took the role of guardian on for her younger brother. Never looking back. Once the truth comes out, Charlie and Simon slowly make amends and get closer. At some point she figures out she is pregnant from their night in Nashville. She tells Simon immediately and although he is shocked, he seems completely thrilled. Things are going great with them, but there's still one thing dangly in the air....the fact that Charlie doesn't know that Simon owns her building. Once she finds out, will they make it? Read to find out!

[mary Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved The One I Hate although to me it was kind of a slow start for me. I encourage you to hang in there because I promise you it won’t take you long before you will become totally invested in the story of Simon Banks and Charlie Bennett. An enemies to lovers, second chance, plus a surprise pregnancy thanks to a little drunken whoopie!!

Simon and Charlie met during college. Charlie was in one of his classes but she also worked in a coffee shop as a barista. Simon was pretty smitten with her and nicknamed her “bug” for the ladybug headband she wore when working. Simon was totally into Charlie/Bug and was always asking her out but she would always decline his dates but that never, ever stopped him from asking!! Charlie and Simon never seemed to click as he was the rich, frat guy and she came from a modest means. So even though she and Simon did become study partners there was this kind of a love-hate relationship between them. Simon loved – Charlie hated!!

It was the end of the school year and Simon threw a frat party with the unknown sole purpose of having Charlie attend. Him being a party boy, as well as always surrounded by women, that is exactly what was going on when Charlie arrived. Dancing while surrounded by women … of course that all stopped the moment Charlie arrived. It just so happened that Simon was able to get his Bug away from the party and out on the roof of the frat house he rented. This is the night that Simon shares his feelings with Charlie and they share a kiss like no other they ever had. Yep, Simon was gone hook, line and sinker!! Sadly this sweet, passionate moment was interrupted by the sound of the police arriving.

It's been fifteen years since Simon has seen his Bug! It’s at his best friend’s wedding that he catches a glimpse of someone in chef’s clothing and he thinks it’s her. His Bug!! Working as a chef for the catering company. Determined to get answers from his Bug, he is relentless trying to get answers from her as to why she just left without a trace, nada word or otherwise. Unknown to each other is the fact that they both are broken-hearted by the abrupt ending to their evening. Simon wants answers and will stop at nothing. Yet once again Bug runs and the answers still remain a mystery.

Then one night Charlie is out with her friend Melle and she receives a drunken voicemail from Simon. He just might have been drunk enough to tell her where he is and that he wants to talk with her… to ask her some questions about what happened all those years ago that made her run. Needless to say, anything but answers were up for debate when she got to his room. It’s more like drunken, hot sex with them falling asleep together. Of course upon waking up Simon sadly finds that Charlie has once again run out on him. My heart breaks for him because he is so smitten with her too!!

It’s not long after that the Charlie has the chance to start her own restaurant. The only problem is that it’s located in the same small town that Simon lives in. Yet she goes and falls in love with the restaurant and when an apartment upstairs is thrown in for the price of rent she takes it! Though Bug questions that this deal is too good to be true, she is eager to get started. The only thing is that she has no idea that Simon owns the property the restaurant is in. Plus his friend Emmett is his new property manager whom she interacts with for all things regarding the restaurant. But heck, what could possibly go wrong?

The One I Hate was truly a fun book to read and I loved how Simon and Charlie were able to reconnect in this story. Though it took a what a great ending.
And OMGosh, how could you not swoon when Simon was so sweet and totally excited to be a daddy?

[Erin Under_Covers_Smut_Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Advance Readers Copy)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

This is the first book I've read by this author. I really enjoyed reading this book and honestly can't wait to see what she does next with Simon's sisters books. I know it will be with the sister Stella, but I'm really hoping Emmett is the guy, secretly. I know he didn't come to events for a reason in this book. That reason probably being a sister, but I'm hoping it's because of Stella. Anyway, I'm getting off topic and ahead.

I really enjoyed this authors style of writing, and this book had just the right amount of spice. I just wish Simon didn't come across the way he did. He seemed very childish and almost like he had adhd. He asked a million questions before anyone could answer him. I just wish the book would have showed him as the Millionaire he was. A little more serious maybe.

Tropes:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Accidental Pregnancy
- Multimillionaire MMC
- Curvy FMC
- Second Chance
- Hate to Love
- Secret Landlord
- Reformed Playboy
- Dual POV

Simon and Charlie met in college. He was instantly attracted to her and wanted to go out with her. Charlie couldn't stand him. All she saw when she looked at him was a rich frat boy. Which Simon was. Charlie worked and came from a less than life. Eventually, Simon wore her down by them becoming best friends and study partners. One night, they shared an epic kiss at a party Simon threw at his frat house. It was broken up by the police showing up, and Simon didn't see her again for 15 years.

He recognized Charlie as the chef catering his best friend's wedding. All Simon wants to know is what happened 15 years ago. He looked for her everywhere for the longest time. Charlie won't give him the time of day because he broke her heart, in her mind. She shuts Simon out, but Simon doesn't let anything go.

Charlie has worked her butt off since college. She had to drop out and raise her brother once their mother died. Now she is a chef with hopes of owning her own restaurant one day with her best friend Mellie. Nothing makes her more mad than Simon Banks, the only boy to ever break her heart. Now he wants to show up everywhere and drag up old memories like he doesn't know what he did.

One night, while she's out drunk with her friend Mellie, Charlie gets a drunk voicemail from Simon saying her wants answers and that he thinks she's cute. Basically rambling, but he also rambles what hotel he's staying at if she wants to come chat. She goes to give him a piece of her mind. What ends up happening is very drunken hot sex. When Simon wakes up alone the next morning to see Charlie ran again, he gives up. He's never been in a serious relationship before. A true playboy at heart. He goes home.

One day a friend is talking to her about a restaurant that's needing someone to take it over. All she has to do is meet with the property manager. She almost refuses because it's in the same small town Simon lives in. But this could be the greatest thing that ever happened to he, and when she gets there it's almost to good to be true. She'd be stupid not to take it, right? She's going to rub her success in his face all the time.

Only two problems end up happening and one big secret. The problems being that Simon is wearing her down more and more everyday. She finds out she's become pregnant from their drunken one night stand, and the secret? Well let's just say she's never met the owner of her restaurant, just the property manager, Emmett. When she does finally meet the owner of her restaurant it's well in the second trimester of her pregnancy. One she's not happy to meet.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Whitney’s wedding was becoming quite a milestone for several guys' lives. Shane would finally make his move, but Amelia would still be unsure. Wes figured out quickly that none of the quartet he grew up with was backing his play concerning the whole Betsy situation. There was Oliver who had gone to Vegas gotten married, but was planning to have a reception with a vow renewal. Then, there’s Simon who is talking with the quad at the wedding when he hears a voice from the past. Yet, when he looks up he can only see a petite woman with red hair.

He could be sure it was her it had been fifteen years since he had last seen her. Now she is giving the kitchen serving staff instructions. She was wearing a Chef’s coat. His Bug, better known as Charlie Bennett, had blonde hair then. As if a ray of sunlight just happened to shine upon only her face to highlight this woman. But she had gotten away before he could be sure it was her. However, when she reappeared he knew for sure. So before she could get away a second time, guess who was right there in front of her?

None other than Simon Banks himself, and now she had her eyes on him. When she disappeared without warning, Simon had to force himself to erase her from his memory. It was the only way he could move on. But if he was being honest, his heart never moved on. She broke it that day. No—she destroyed it. He tried to call and text. So many times. Calls went straight to voicemail. But that didn’t stop him from leaving message after message. He sent emails. She never told him where she lived, so he couldn’t bang on her door.

Which he would’ve done. He was that desperate for answers. Answers he never got. He doesn’t know the reason why she would’ve done it, but somehow he is being blocked stung less than her hearing and reading every desperate message he sent, only to ignore them. They were both stubborn and knew how to drive the other crazy. But at the end of the day, they were friends. Before she left, he had hoped that they could be more than that. And he thought she felt the same way. The kiss they shared made him believe so.

She was always beautiful. And if the woman he is looking at is her, she’s just as gorgeous as the last time he saw her. This woman is full-figured, just like she was. Curves that drove him f-ing crazy. Full breasts and hips that he used to fantasize about digging his fingers into. This woman has filled out even more, and he almost has to bite his fist to keep himself in check. It wasn’t just her body that attracted him to Charlie. She had it all. Brains, beauty, and boldness. Her confidence was sexy. Her mind was fascinating. And her wit?

The woman could verbally spar with him better than anyone. So what went wrong? That is the million-dollar question. But the hostile reception he received was not what it was supposed to be, that is for sure. She was the only one outside his immediate circle who could make him genuinely smile. He needed to know what happened or what he did wrong. “Charlie!” Okay, now he called her twice she had to be ignoring him. It’s like the phone calls and text messages all over again. No way she didn’t hear him. He just yelled so loud that he thinks the DJ stopped playing music.

Yet, she’s picking up her speed and not even looking back. He feels like if she walks through those swinging doors it might be another fifteen years before he sees her again. “Bug!” This she heard. It stops her on a dime. You have to read to solve the mystery of why “Bug” chose to cut him out of her life. Out of the books I’ve read, this has been my favorite.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The One I Hate by Chelle Sloan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This is the 4th and final book in the Rolling Hills series, a fun Rom-Com series about 5 small town friends and their relationships.

Like books 2 & 3, book 4 starts off at a mutual friend’s wedding.

It is at that wedding where Simon Banks sees a familiar face in the crowd, but he can hardly believe his eyes. He hasn’t seen Charlie (AKA Bug) in over 15 years. The last time he saw her, they had just shared the most amazing kiss, but the next day she was gone. She wouldn’t return his calls and he had no way to reach her. So to say he was shocked to find her at a friend’s wedding in Nashville all these years later, was a major understatement.

Needless to say, when he went up to talk to Charlie, she was NOT happy to see him. He was her best friend in college and if she was being honest with herself, he was even more than that…especially after that epic kiss. But the next day, he showed his true colors, and she decided then and there that Simon Banks was dead to her. So, running into him at the wedding she was catering for a close friend was not on her bingo card!

Let’s just say Simon is a lot. He has a big personality and an even bigger bank account. As a real estate agent/investor and eligible bachelor, he has more than enough money to go around…and he spends it like there’s no tomorrow. To be fair, he primarily spends it on his friends and family, especially his Goddaughter, Magnolia. So when he finds out that his favorite breakfast place in town is up for sale, he snags it immediately. And guess who’s been dreaming about opening her own restaurant for years and is dying to get out of her current catering gig…?

When reading The One I Hate, you can expect:
Small town
Friends to Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
He Falls First
Second Chance Romance
Banter
Snarky Golden Retriever MMC
Strong & Stubborn FMC
Found Family
Body Positivity
Pet Names

My favorite part of the book is Chapter 3 when Simon drunk-dials Charlie. If you want to hear an audio snippet, find my post on Instagram at @shadowmammaof3, you will NOT be disappointed.

Oh, and for my Bridgerton fans, remember the mirror scene? Yeah, this book has one of those too!

I truly loved this series and getting to know all of the characters. In fact, I think I’m actually going to miss them, especially the dynamic between the guys. Wes is was the grounded one, Oliver was the hopeless romantic (and stud in the bedroom!), Shane was the broody one, and Simon was the sarcastic, but lovable one.

If you like a good Rom-Com with a band of brothers, definitely give this series a try!