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He Hate Me
Cheerleader, Queen Bee, Honor Student.
That's me, Deja Marcus, cruising through life in my perfect suburban bubble. Then Brandon Keane crashes into my world like a wrecking ball. He's trouble with a capital T, my childhood nemesis now under my roof, thanks to my stepfather’s guardianship and his own delinquency. We're oil and water, fire and ice – clashing every chance we get. But with one careless decision I find myself caught in his web. That reckless night sets off a game of control and desire I never asked to play.
He's turned my life upside down, revealing truths about the past that I don't want to know, shaking the foundations of my world so I no longer know who I am. And is he going to be there to pick up the pieces when this is all over? Or will he leave me broken, desolate and alone?
Juvenile Delinquent
Living with the man who fired my mother, destroying our lives, and the girl who bullied me in grade school is not my idea of fun. But I’m not here to have fun. I’m on a mission of revenge, my goals temporarily aligned with those of my guardian’s enemy. What I didn’t expect was Deja: her beauty, the way she challenges me, the way she receives my curse like it’s a gift. She’s a distraction, but I don’t care anymore. I live for two things now: revenge and her.
That's me, Deja Marcus, cruising through life in my perfect suburban bubble. Then Brandon Keane crashes into my world like a wrecking ball. He's trouble with a capital T, my childhood nemesis now under my roof, thanks to my stepfather’s guardianship and his own delinquency. We're oil and water, fire and ice – clashing every chance we get. But with one careless decision I find myself caught in his web. That reckless night sets off a game of control and desire I never asked to play.
He's turned my life upside down, revealing truths about the past that I don't want to know, shaking the foundations of my world so I no longer know who I am. And is he going to be there to pick up the pieces when this is all over? Or will he leave me broken, desolate and alone?
Juvenile Delinquent
Living with the man who fired my mother, destroying our lives, and the girl who bullied me in grade school is not my idea of fun. But I’m not here to have fun. I’m on a mission of revenge, my goals temporarily aligned with those of my guardian’s enemy. What I didn’t expect was Deja: her beauty, the way she challenges me, the way she receives my curse like it’s a gift. She’s a distraction, but I don’t care anymore. I live for two things now: revenge and her.
- GenresDarkEnemies To Lovers
395 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2024
176 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 2, 2024
very slow
The tropes made it seem like this would be right up my alley but they were executed in a disappointing manner. I like how both characters had flaws and were healthy athletes. Who ran and ate healthy and had plans for the future. It takes forever for Brandon to make a move and the book felt very slow. I do not like how she is one day a virgin and the next she into everything whips and blindfolds and it was too much too believe. 3 star read
The tropes made it seem like this would be right up my alley but they were executed in a disappointing manner. I like how both characters had flaws and were healthy athletes. Who ran and ate healthy and had plans for the future. It takes forever for Brandon to make a move and the book felt very slow. I do not like how she is one day a virgin and the next she into everything whips and blindfolds and it was too much too believe. 3 star read
May 24, 2024
Spice level is def a 4.5
This book is a slow burn. The build up. Getting both MCs backstories, their real beef and trying to figure out what is happening and why.
“He Hate Me” is true to its name. Brandon despises Deja. For both valid and invalid reasons. Once the plot picked up & I started to get to the meat and potatoes, I found myself rushing through the smut scenes to get back to the plot- the drama.
I was shocked, disgusted and so much more by the actual storyline of this book. It’s well written, the real twists of this story, takes a turn, and I won’t lie, I def didn’t expect for it to play out the way that it did… and the ending actually, it warmed my heart.
There’s a lot of trauma in this book - If you’re easily triggered, avoid it.
I volunteered to read a copy of this ARC through BookSirens.
This book is a slow burn. The build up. Getting both MCs backstories, their real beef and trying to figure out what is happening and why.
“He Hate Me” is true to its name. Brandon despises Deja. For both valid and invalid reasons. Once the plot picked up & I started to get to the meat and potatoes, I found myself rushing through the smut scenes to get back to the plot- the drama.
I was shocked, disgusted and so much more by the actual storyline of this book. It’s well written, the real twists of this story, takes a turn, and I won’t lie, I def didn’t expect for it to play out the way that it did… and the ending actually, it warmed my heart.
There’s a lot of trauma in this book - If you’re easily triggered, avoid it.
I volunteered to read a copy of this ARC through BookSirens.
May 24, 2024
had potential
I liked early characterization of both leads in the beginning and the twist was good. However mmc started out one way and did a 180. Brandon wasn’t dark enough for me, some characters fell off. It could’ve been better but it’s good i finished so that’s awesome
I liked early characterization of both leads in the beginning and the twist was good. However mmc started out one way and did a 180. Brandon wasn’t dark enough for me, some characters fell off. It could’ve been better but it’s good i finished so that’s awesome
May 6, 2024
woah!
OK, so she said this was a dark romance and she is correct. This book had everything. From bullying to race issues, to murder to other unspeakable crimes to a romance. I’m not gonna give anything away, but this was a definite page turner. this was such a good book. Wow these kids had a lot to deal with and go through.
OK, so she said this was a dark romance and she is correct. This book had everything. From bullying to race issues, to murder to other unspeakable crimes to a romance. I’m not gonna give anything away, but this was a definite page turner. this was such a good book. Wow these kids had a lot to deal with and go through.
January 19, 2026
He Hate Me by Sencha Skeete is the first story in her new series, Briarwood Prep. Ms. Skeete describes her story as a dark, bully romance and it lives up to that categorization! In an unusual twist, the MFC was the original bully when the pair was in grade school together. When they met again years later, Deja Marcus and Brandon Keane could not be more different. Deja is the most popular girl in her school, cheerleader, scholar and the person that everyone wants to be with. Brandon’s life has taken an even more depressing trajectory, he has had clashes with the authorities and his mother is in an almost vegetative state. Brandon is sent to live with Deja’s family as a part of his probation. While Deja is willing to leave the past in the past, Brandon has conflicted feelings about his former bully, and they find themselves in a passionate love/hate relationship. This story has so many layers and twists, some I suspected but still ended up being surprised. The main villain is written in such a mild and innocuous way that the revelation of his true character was shocking. As in most dark romances, triggers can be found: dubious consent scenarios, past abuse, on page violence, parental illness and death. While young (both eighteen), Deja and Brandon have lived a lifetime worth of trauma. Will they be able to move away from the darkness of the past and make a future together? I enjoyed this story and was moved by the strength and resilience of both characters. Ms. Skeete gives readers a sweet epilogue to tie together this raw and compelling story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://theretiredreader.com/read-for...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
https://theretiredreader.com/read-for...
March 4, 2025
3.75 Stars. (BW/WM). Kindle Unlimited 397 page e-book
Setting: The story takes places in Merrill, Old Town and Briarwood cities in an unmnamed state.
Trope: Enemies to lovers. Bullying. Mystery. Murder. Dubious consent. Sexual abuse.
Characters:
1. Deja Marcus, heroine, is an eighteen year old Briarwood Academy popular student.
2. Brandon Keane, hero, is also eighteen and a new student and soccer player at Briar Academy.
3. Deja's parents: Tanisha, mother. Devin, step-father. David, deceased biological father.
4. Brandon's parents: Lindsey, mother. Devin, guardian.
5. Brandon's employer, Anton
This is a well written interesting story with memorable and likable characters. After his release from Juvie for selling marijuana, Brandon is sent to live in Briarwood under the guardianship of Devin. Brandon's mother is in hospice due to brain damage from injecting roofies given to her by Devin and David. Brandon is employed by Anton to find the source the information that Devin is using for blackmailing Anton. Brandon also wants to rick havoc on Deja because she was mean to him during their early childhood. After months of insulting and antagonizing each other, Deja and Brandon develop an attraction and a connection that leads to love. Their romance in part initiates from Brandon's sadism responding to Deja's masochism and vice versa. Brandon is able to uncover the hidden secrets of Lindsey, David and Devin that were damaging to the Deja and him and that remains a threat to their being a couple and living happy contented lives together.
Setting: The story takes places in Merrill, Old Town and Briarwood cities in an unmnamed state.
Trope: Enemies to lovers. Bullying. Mystery. Murder. Dubious consent. Sexual abuse.
Characters:
1. Deja Marcus, heroine, is an eighteen year old Briarwood Academy popular student.
2. Brandon Keane, hero, is also eighteen and a new student and soccer player at Briar Academy.
3. Deja's parents: Tanisha, mother. Devin, step-father. David, deceased biological father.
4. Brandon's parents: Lindsey, mother. Devin, guardian.
5. Brandon's employer, Anton
This is a well written interesting story with memorable and likable characters. After his release from Juvie for selling marijuana, Brandon is sent to live in Briarwood under the guardianship of Devin. Brandon's mother is in hospice due to brain damage from injecting roofies given to her by Devin and David. Brandon is employed by Anton to find the source the information that Devin is using for blackmailing Anton. Brandon also wants to rick havoc on Deja because she was mean to him during their early childhood. After months of insulting and antagonizing each other, Deja and Brandon develop an attraction and a connection that leads to love. Their romance in part initiates from Brandon's sadism responding to Deja's masochism and vice versa. Brandon is able to uncover the hidden secrets of Lindsey, David and Devin that were damaging to the Deja and him and that remains a threat to their being a couple and living happy contented lives together.
May 27, 2024
Not dark enough and slow
3.5 stars
A bit slow to get moving but a book that would appeal to those who like their heroes not to be antiheroes and instead bad boys, a bad boy from the other side of the tracks who's secretly crazy about a girl he's known most of his life. That was Brandon. Deja was the well-to-do (from her mother's recent marriage) head cheerleader and most popular girl in the school. Classic enemies to lovers, she and Brandon are at odds initially but quietly attracted to each other. He more than she.
Here's what I loved about this story
- The girl is the popular one for a change; she bullies him, tries to put him at odds with others.
- Deja is confident even though sexually inexperienced, has some unexplored kinks that Brandon brings to light and they both indulge in
- The hero is the poor one, the underprivileged AND he's hot as heck and very experienced, talented even. Brandon has a learned history of pleasing a woman and knowing what he likes, which Dom / sadist
- Brandon is the bad boy, but he has the best intentions. Life/ circumstance have caused him to choose the path he follows, and he's not really apologizing about it. And despite Brandon's being the poor character, he is well-connected. I would love to read about Rourke, his filthy rich friend.
- There is a crime boss sub plot, intrigue that entangles the main characters and those closest to them.
- Deja holds to convictions about misdeeds of her family.
- Deja is a beautiful PoC, envied, in fact, for her beauty.
- There are great side characters of diversity.
- Everyone is flawed
- IR romance, yes!
What I wasn't too hip on:
- Deja was annoying ah; she was so antagonizing and not in the sexual tension or brat appealing way, as in no reason to be as catty as she was. She was mean to Brandon (although he does fight back in a good way), pitted guys against each other, led them on, and then believed Brandon was always the one in the wrong.
- Deja, once she got with Brandon, didn't really support him, was quick to doubt him and not give him trust he deserved by this point in the book.
- The story was sloooow, unwarrantedly. I pushed through even though I would normally have paused.
- It wasn't as dark as I think it could have been, should have been to hold my attention. The power dynamic was realized through BDSM, SSC rather than any power play by Brandon or his dominance outside of the bedroom.
- It picks up toward then end, but the epilogue is too abrupt.
The book might be best suited for those who like a slower read, a bit of detail about the setting, flawed characters but not the traditional dark themes found in a lot of bully romances. It's classic enemies to lovers, with a twist.
3.5 stars
A bit slow to get moving but a book that would appeal to those who like their heroes not to be antiheroes and instead bad boys, a bad boy from the other side of the tracks who's secretly crazy about a girl he's known most of his life. That was Brandon. Deja was the well-to-do (from her mother's recent marriage) head cheerleader and most popular girl in the school. Classic enemies to lovers, she and Brandon are at odds initially but quietly attracted to each other. He more than she.
Here's what I loved about this story
- The girl is the popular one for a change; she bullies him, tries to put him at odds with others.
- Deja is confident even though sexually inexperienced, has some unexplored kinks that Brandon brings to light and they both indulge in
- The hero is the poor one, the underprivileged AND he's hot as heck and very experienced, talented even. Brandon has a learned history of pleasing a woman and knowing what he likes, which Dom / sadist
- Brandon is the bad boy, but he has the best intentions. Life/ circumstance have caused him to choose the path he follows, and he's not really apologizing about it. And despite Brandon's being the poor character, he is well-connected. I would love to read about Rourke, his filthy rich friend.
- There is a crime boss sub plot, intrigue that entangles the main characters and those closest to them.
- Deja holds to convictions about misdeeds of her family.
- Deja is a beautiful PoC, envied, in fact, for her beauty.
- There are great side characters of diversity.
- Everyone is flawed
- IR romance, yes!
What I wasn't too hip on:
- Deja was annoying ah; she was so antagonizing and not in the sexual tension or brat appealing way, as in no reason to be as catty as she was. She was mean to Brandon (although he does fight back in a good way), pitted guys against each other, led them on, and then believed Brandon was always the one in the wrong.
- Deja, once she got with Brandon, didn't really support him, was quick to doubt him and not give him trust he deserved by this point in the book.
- The story was sloooow, unwarrantedly. I pushed through even though I would normally have paused.
- It wasn't as dark as I think it could have been, should have been to hold my attention. The power dynamic was realized through BDSM, SSC rather than any power play by Brandon or his dominance outside of the bedroom.
- It picks up toward then end, but the epilogue is too abrupt.
The book might be best suited for those who like a slower read, a bit of detail about the setting, flawed characters but not the traditional dark themes found in a lot of bully romances. It's classic enemies to lovers, with a twist.
August 8, 2024
Not for the faint of heart…
Wow, this book has taken me from high to low and back again. And it’s not for the faint of hearts.
Sometimes who you think is your enemies are really your allies.
He Hate Me, has some really good and interesting detailed content and it definitely has some dark situations. I have to say, I had to really take my time reading this book. I for one can’t relate and understand, a lot of what this book is based upon. And I don’t wish that on anyone.
The chemistry and the storyline are not for the squeamish… but you feel the heat…
This is the first time I’ve ever read anything from this author, and I’m DEFINITELY looking forward to book 2.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
Wow, this book has taken me from high to low and back again. And it’s not for the faint of hearts.
Sometimes who you think is your enemies are really your allies.
He Hate Me, has some really good and interesting detailed content and it definitely has some dark situations. I have to say, I had to really take my time reading this book. I for one can’t relate and understand, a lot of what this book is based upon. And I don’t wish that on anyone.
The chemistry and the storyline are not for the squeamish… but you feel the heat…
This is the first time I’ve ever read anything from this author, and I’m DEFINITELY looking forward to book 2.
Any opinions, recommendations, or suggestions expressed within this review our Solely and uniquely made by me. I originally and voluntarily received in advance copy of this book via Bsprout.
May 15, 2024
"Fear and pain are like food, and I feel like I’ve been starving my whole life."
This book has a touch of everything: dark romance, mystery, suspense, enemies to lovers, trauma, murder, betrayal, steamy scenes, etc. Some reviewers thought it was slow. I had no problem staying engaged throughout the book. There are a lot of descriptions but they exist because we experience a new place together with the character. Do read the triggers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This book has a touch of everything: dark romance, mystery, suspense, enemies to lovers, trauma, murder, betrayal, steamy scenes, etc. Some reviewers thought it was slow. I had no problem staying engaged throughout the book. There are a lot of descriptions but they exist because we experience a new place together with the character. Do read the triggers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 13, 2024
Potent potential
This book, this dark romance has so much potential. Stepbrother troupe kind of , with a bunch of dark, forbidden goodness. There truly were like no good characters in the whole book. Except for Lindsey. Everyone else was monstrous and deserved the endings written for them.
I wish the epilogue was detailed and longer. And considering we spent so much time with the high school friend group I want to know how they turned out.
Book is worth a read if you can over look the countless errors.
This book, this dark romance has so much potential. Stepbrother troupe kind of , with a bunch of dark, forbidden goodness. There truly were like no good characters in the whole book. Except for Lindsey. Everyone else was monstrous and deserved the endings written for them.
I wish the epilogue was detailed and longer. And considering we spent so much time with the high school friend group I want to know how they turned out.
Book is worth a read if you can over look the countless errors.
April 3, 2025
Rich high school kids these days...' feels like an understatement. This book delves into a dark world of privilege, exposing some truly disturbing realities. Be warned, it contains heavy triggers: drug use, sexual assault, and deeply unsettling characters. The author's portrayal, while difficult, is disturbingly realistic, making the narrative both compelling and harrowing. I'm thankful for the hard-won, but ultimately satisfying, happy ending, which provided a necessary counterbalance to the darkness.
May 9, 2024
Hard to read
This one has a lot of triggers. I typically don't read the warnings but I should have on this one.
This book is really dark. Some things you can guess early on. But some other stuff blind sides you until later.
I can say much about the chemistry between the main characters because I'm fresh from reading this book. It makes me wonder if their kinks are based on what is revealed later.
This one has a lot of triggers. I typically don't read the warnings but I should have on this one.
This book is really dark. Some things you can guess early on. But some other stuff blind sides you until later.
I can say much about the chemistry between the main characters because I'm fresh from reading this book. It makes me wonder if their kinks are based on what is revealed later.
May 28, 2024
This book was deliciously dark and tantalizing, and extremely dirty. I couldn’t put it down until the end! Definitely check the trigger warnings, because there are many. I loved this slow burn romance. The story was well written and I'm hooked I cannot wait to read more books from this author. Highly recommend !
May 3, 2024
there are no words
There are no words simply because while I like the storyline and the drama, it does hit hard. Other than that honestly it’s like watching a really good lifetime movie on fold.
There are no words simply because while I like the storyline and the drama, it does hit hard. Other than that honestly it’s like watching a really good lifetime movie on fold.
May 19, 2024
Unexpected suspense
I discovered a new writer! Great plot and unexpected intimacy between the two main characters that propelled the typical hate-love relationship to another level. Acceptance of oneself and all the "KINKS". Can't wait for the next in the series.
I discovered a new writer! Great plot and unexpected intimacy between the two main characters that propelled the typical hate-love relationship to another level. Acceptance of oneself and all the "KINKS". Can't wait for the next in the series.
May 26, 2024
Wow!!! unexpected!!
You know how within the first chapter you can already tell where a story is headed. Yeah, well this wasn't one of them. This story is dark, but I have to say it was one where I honestly couldn't tell who the good guys were until the end. It was good read!
You know how within the first chapter you can already tell where a story is headed. Yeah, well this wasn't one of them. This story is dark, but I have to say it was one where I honestly couldn't tell who the good guys were until the end. It was good read!
May 16, 2024
This was the first book I've read, written by this author. The story line had a constant glow a d was easy to follow.
June 1, 2024
wow
Wow. Stumbled across this book by accident but so glad I did . Now am hooked and can’t wait to read more from this author
Wow. Stumbled across this book by accident but so glad I did . Now am hooked and can’t wait to read more from this author
July 30, 2024
Slow-ish burn but WELL WORTH THE WAIT.
I enjoyed this so much and I....just really really want more from this author as soon as possible....
CAN IT BE NOW PLEASE!?
I enjoyed this so much and I....just really really want more from this author as soon as possible....
CAN IT BE NOW PLEASE!?
August 15, 2024
Great read
One of the best books I’ve read in a while. I will definitely read this author again. Highly recommended book.
One of the best books I’ve read in a while. I will definitely read this author again. Highly recommended book.
March 24, 2025
Enjoyed!
This was my first book from this Author and I enjoyed the storyline,as well as the main two characters. I think some parts were a little unbelievable. What a surprise turn of event.
This was my first book from this Author and I enjoyed the storyline,as well as the main two characters. I think some parts were a little unbelievable. What a surprise turn of event.
April 25, 2025
He Hate Me - Briarwood Prep Book 1
Excellent storytelling! It blew me totally away and I never expected the plot twist. Definitely a must read! Glad for Brandon & Deja’s HEA 🥰🥰
Excellent storytelling! It blew me totally away and I never expected the plot twist. Definitely a must read! Glad for Brandon & Deja’s HEA 🥰🥰
July 11, 2024
Intense.
Throughout this book there's the feeling of something ominous behind the scenes. The plot and characters are compelling. I'd never read this author before and wasn't sold by the first chapter, but by the third, I was definitely hooked.
Throughout this book there's the feeling of something ominous behind the scenes. The plot and characters are compelling. I'd never read this author before and wasn't sold by the first chapter, but by the third, I was definitely hooked.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews