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Hate That Blooms
Gabriela
He hates me for our parents cheating with each other. They left us, leaving us with broken homes, selfishly thinking only about themselves. All the hate he has for his mother he is taking out on me. Joaquín and his two friends are making my senior year miserable, the bullying leaving me feeling like nothing will ever get better. I have to be there for my sister. I’m all she has. Maybe if I’m lucky, he will forget me once we graduate and go to college?
Joaquín
Her father convinced my mother to leave us, and now whenever I look at her, I am torn in two. I see the girl I’ve loved since the third grade—the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid my eyes on. But I also see the daughter of the man who tore my family apart. Gabriela is everything I’ve ever desired, and now all I want to do is hurt her.
Until the feelings become too much. Can I fight the feelings of hate and let love bloom in its place? Or will I let it destroy us both?
He hates me for our parents cheating with each other. They left us, leaving us with broken homes, selfishly thinking only about themselves. All the hate he has for his mother he is taking out on me. Joaquín and his two friends are making my senior year miserable, the bullying leaving me feeling like nothing will ever get better. I have to be there for my sister. I’m all she has. Maybe if I’m lucky, he will forget me once we graduate and go to college?
Joaquín
Her father convinced my mother to leave us, and now whenever I look at her, I am torn in two. I see the girl I’ve loved since the third grade—the most beautiful girl I’ve ever laid my eyes on. But I also see the daughter of the man who tore my family apart. Gabriela is everything I’ve ever desired, and now all I want to do is hurt her.
Until the feelings become too much. Can I fight the feelings of hate and let love bloom in its place? Or will I let it destroy us both?
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2025
29 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
January 23, 2025
╭ ✦ •
│ ⊹ 𝟹.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
Thank you for the ARC, Izzy♡
_________________________________
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│ ⊹ 𝟹.𝟻 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚞𝚙, 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚘𝚗 ⊹
╰ ✦ •
Thank you for the ARC, Izzy♡
_________________________________
Blog ಇ StoryGraph ಇ Instagram ಇ Twitter ಇ Facebook
December 27, 2024
i had the wonderful opportunity to beta read this and let me just say this book … THIS FUCKING BOOK 😭 i was so emotional reading it the whole time. izzy never fails to deliver with her stories and characters. this book just hit all the right places !! thank you so much izzy for giving me the chance to beta read 🖤 i wish i could be with these characters forever. this story, the characters … i cried so many times. it was beautiful. i was perfection.
this is a bully romance, childhood crushes to hate to lovers, taboo/step siblings, obsessed mmc with stalker tendencies, a strong fmc and mother figure, autism rep (fmc’s younger sister), heart throbbing second chance, healing, dark themes, and yummy as fuck smut 💋
jaoquín absolutely hates gabby but he is also obsessed with her. he’s been so in love with her since they were kids but because of what her dad and his mom did, jaoquín takes out his anger on gabby by bullying her and making her life miserable. but the way he shows his love and pays attention to gabby’s little sister, mireya, omg i couldn’t stop crying 😭 he’s such a lovable bully it tugs my heartstrings. gabby has no clue why he hates her so much. she always tries to be nice to him and acknowledge him. she can’t figure out why the person she’s so drawn to hates her and why she can’t seem to stay away from her bully. i loved the way gabby took care of her sister. the way she always puts her first had my heart aching. she is such an amazing person 🫂 the healing they both went through was just amazing. it took time but they worked on themselves first. this is a story about them as individuals but also about how something so beautiful can come out of something ugly. i love them so much ❤️🩹
there’s not a character that i won’t absolutely be obsessed with when it comes to izzy’s stories. i love every single one of her characters. joaquín and gabriela is all i can think about right now. i literally don’t ever want to leave them 🥹
🌶️🌶️
this is a bully romance, childhood crushes to hate to lovers, taboo/step siblings, obsessed mmc with stalker tendencies, a strong fmc and mother figure, autism rep (fmc’s younger sister), heart throbbing second chance, healing, dark themes, and yummy as fuck smut 💋
jaoquín absolutely hates gabby but he is also obsessed with her. he’s been so in love with her since they were kids but because of what her dad and his mom did, jaoquín takes out his anger on gabby by bullying her and making her life miserable. but the way he shows his love and pays attention to gabby’s little sister, mireya, omg i couldn’t stop crying 😭 he’s such a lovable bully it tugs my heartstrings. gabby has no clue why he hates her so much. she always tries to be nice to him and acknowledge him. she can’t figure out why the person she’s so drawn to hates her and why she can’t seem to stay away from her bully. i loved the way gabby took care of her sister. the way she always puts her first had my heart aching. she is such an amazing person 🫂 the healing they both went through was just amazing. it took time but they worked on themselves first. this is a story about them as individuals but also about how something so beautiful can come out of something ugly. i love them so much ❤️🩹
there’s not a character that i won’t absolutely be obsessed with when it comes to izzy’s stories. i love every single one of her characters. joaquín and gabriela is all i can think about right now. i literally don’t ever want to leave them 🥹
🌶️🌶️
February 5, 2025
Hate That Blooms is a very emotionally driven and intense book. Throughout this bully romance, we see epic growth of both our FMC Gabriela and Joaquin our MMC and that growth is everything. Its beautifully written and often had me questioning what was going to happen next for them both. It is most certainly a wild ride and one that I really enjoyed.
Our FMC Gabriela is a very strong character. Her life takes a turn when her father leaves her, her sister, and her mother for Joaquin’s Mum. Her life is full of detailed set backs, and unfortunate events.. but she is strong, powerful, and a fighter. Through the pain and everything she goes through, she finds herself building a life for herself and her family. She is a superhero.
Our MMC Joaquin is troubled. His life was turned upside down when his mother left. He was hurt, abandoned, and full of anger and pain. The only person who could understand that pain was Gabriela, but instead of talking with her, he decided to make her life a living hell. His growth throughout the book is undeniable, and even through the bullying and his possessive nature,his love for Gabriela shines through. He turns from a teenager into the man he was made to be, and he is swoon worthy.
I can’t wait for you to meet Gabriela and Joaquin 🥰 - grab the tissues, grab your emotional support blankies, and you are going to need them. It's a very emotional ride, buckle up!!
Our FMC Gabriela is a very strong character. Her life takes a turn when her father leaves her, her sister, and her mother for Joaquin’s Mum. Her life is full of detailed set backs, and unfortunate events.. but she is strong, powerful, and a fighter. Through the pain and everything she goes through, she finds herself building a life for herself and her family. She is a superhero.
Our MMC Joaquin is troubled. His life was turned upside down when his mother left. He was hurt, abandoned, and full of anger and pain. The only person who could understand that pain was Gabriela, but instead of talking with her, he decided to make her life a living hell. His growth throughout the book is undeniable, and even through the bullying and his possessive nature,his love for Gabriela shines through. He turns from a teenager into the man he was made to be, and he is swoon worthy.
I can’t wait for you to meet Gabriela and Joaquin 🥰 - grab the tissues, grab your emotional support blankies, and you are going to need them. It's a very emotional ride, buckle up!!
January 8, 2025
ARC Review
“Odio cuánto te deseo”
When I tell you guys I was HOOKED FROM THE VERY START. I absolutely LOVED Joaquín and Gabriela so much AND OF COURSE REYA LA PRINCESA ! The fact that I finished this in less than 24 hours says ALOT !! Thank you Izzy for giving me the opportunity to ARC read, I’m so happy this was my first read of the year 🙂↕️
“She will only want me, and I will ensure that she never forgets who she truly belongs to.”
The first chapter is what did it for me honestly. I have never related to an MMC more than I did with Joaquín. The way this man hated Gabriela for something she didn’t do while still being completely obsessed with her and the fact that he’s loved her since the 3rd grade 😭😭😭😭😭😭 the bullying was definitely insane but I fucking loved how much he grew as a person throughout the book. Gabriela’s situation definitely pulled at my heartstrings, I cannot even imagine going through what she has on top on having to raise a little sister on the spectrum. I absolutely admired her so much for what she did.
“Fuck, your skin looks so pretty with my mark on it. I can’t wait for there to be more. You even tasted like you were mine.”
Joaquín and his relationship with Reya was so fucking beautiful 😭😭 he adored that little girl ! It was so damn cute ! The fact that this man stepped up the way he did just made me so teary eyed 🥹
Alsoooo the banter in Spanish and the groveling had me 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩
“Porque eres mia.”
5 ★
🌶️🌶️🌶️
*step-siblings
*Mexican representation
*bullying
*stalking
*touch her and die
*groveling
“Odio cuánto te deseo”
When I tell you guys I was HOOKED FROM THE VERY START. I absolutely LOVED Joaquín and Gabriela so much AND OF COURSE REYA LA PRINCESA ! The fact that I finished this in less than 24 hours says ALOT !! Thank you Izzy for giving me the opportunity to ARC read, I’m so happy this was my first read of the year 🙂↕️
“She will only want me, and I will ensure that she never forgets who she truly belongs to.”
The first chapter is what did it for me honestly. I have never related to an MMC more than I did with Joaquín. The way this man hated Gabriela for something she didn’t do while still being completely obsessed with her and the fact that he’s loved her since the 3rd grade 😭😭😭😭😭😭 the bullying was definitely insane but I fucking loved how much he grew as a person throughout the book. Gabriela’s situation definitely pulled at my heartstrings, I cannot even imagine going through what she has on top on having to raise a little sister on the spectrum. I absolutely admired her so much for what she did.
“Fuck, your skin looks so pretty with my mark on it. I can’t wait for there to be more. You even tasted like you were mine.”
Joaquín and his relationship with Reya was so fucking beautiful 😭😭 he adored that little girl ! It was so damn cute ! The fact that this man stepped up the way he did just made me so teary eyed 🥹
Alsoooo the banter in Spanish and the groveling had me 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩
“Porque eres mia.”
5 ★
🌶️🌶️🌶️
*step-siblings
*Mexican representation
*bullying
*stalking
*touch her and die
*groveling
January 2, 2025
This book was an amazing experience. I loved the story , the plot and the issues that were talked in this book it really gave meaning to their story and held the plot together. I loved the concept of hating someone but still loving them showing how love is the strongest thing out of all things. The MMC and FMC have my heart they were absolutely strong but vulnerable people at the same thing. Their journey in their character development was written really well and it showed the importance of healing from what ever you’re going through. Also the spice , the tension in this book. Was a 10/10 I just loved the whole vibe of it hehehhehehe it made me giggle lol. Also not to forget the dedication that definitely caught be off guard and made me bury of laughing heheheheh mission accomplished.
Love this book 😚😚
💓TROPES💓
Bully
Step siblings
Light stalking
Touch her and d!e
Childhood crushes to hate to love
Austim rep ( younger sibling)
Love this book 😚😚
💓TROPES💓
Bully
Step siblings
Light stalking
Touch her and d!e
Childhood crushes to hate to love
Austim rep ( younger sibling)
January 30, 2025
Hate That Blooms is a rollercoaster of emotions wrapped in a novel! It tells the gripping saga of two young souls whose families become a tangled mess thanks to a scandalous affair between his mom and her dad, leading to a divorce extravaganza!
At the start, we meet Joaquín and Gabriella, both 18 and ready to toss their caps at graduation. Gabby is a heart of gold, smart as a whip, and a super-sister, juggling her three-year-old sibling while her night-shift nurse mom tries to find her footing after the split.
Now, Joaquín is in a love-hate pickle! He can’t stand Gabby, but deep down, he’s been crushing on her since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. Unfortunately, his anger about their parents’ mess gets unfairly tossed at Gabby, making her life a bit of a rollercoaster ride.
But hold on to your tissues! The bond between Joaquín and little Mireya is pure magic! His affection for that adorable munchkin is simply heart-stealing! Watching him step up for her tugged at my heartstrings like a puppy in a sweater! 🥹
Things to know
Explicit sexual content, graphic language, breeding without pregnancy, degradation, praise, primal play, dub con, non-con (not the MMC), bullying, somnophilia, dark romance, controlling/obsessive/possessive MMC, virgin MMC/FMC, orgasm control, squirting, light stalking, anal play, masked male characters, mild suicidal ideations, knife play, fear play, breath play, spitting, filming of a sexual act, hate fucking, manipulation, death of a parent, parents cheating on spouses, murder, figging, graphic torture, neglectful parenting, cum play and voyeurism, childhood crush, Mexican MCs
At the start, we meet Joaquín and Gabriella, both 18 and ready to toss their caps at graduation. Gabby is a heart of gold, smart as a whip, and a super-sister, juggling her three-year-old sibling while her night-shift nurse mom tries to find her footing after the split.
Now, Joaquín is in a love-hate pickle! He can’t stand Gabby, but deep down, he’s been crushing on her since they were knee-high to a grasshopper. Unfortunately, his anger about their parents’ mess gets unfairly tossed at Gabby, making her life a bit of a rollercoaster ride.
But hold on to your tissues! The bond between Joaquín and little Mireya is pure magic! His affection for that adorable munchkin is simply heart-stealing! Watching him step up for her tugged at my heartstrings like a puppy in a sweater! 🥹
Things to know
Explicit sexual content, graphic language, breeding without pregnancy, degradation, praise, primal play, dub con, non-con (not the MMC), bullying, somnophilia, dark romance, controlling/obsessive/possessive MMC, virgin MMC/FMC, orgasm control, squirting, light stalking, anal play, masked male characters, mild suicidal ideations, knife play, fear play, breath play, spitting, filming of a sexual act, hate fucking, manipulation, death of a parent, parents cheating on spouses, murder, figging, graphic torture, neglectful parenting, cum play and voyeurism, childhood crush, Mexican MCs
January 12, 2025
Im just going to say it… because honestly I know we’re all thinking it; this book was HOT. Everything from the banter, to the spice, to even just the character descriptions- hot.
This is my second arc read by Izzy and at this point I’m going through the backlog. I cannot get enough of her writing style.
Watching Joaquín and Gabriela work through their own things separately and also work on their relationship with each other was everything.
This book was so raw and so real. Grief and trauma processing is done in such a beautiful way that just proves that you CAN overcome hard things and sometimes you just need someone there with you. Not to fix you, but to be by your side while you work on fixing yourself.
Thank you so much Izzy for giving me the opportunity to read and love Joaquín & Gabriela’s story.
This is my second arc read by Izzy and at this point I’m going through the backlog. I cannot get enough of her writing style.
Watching Joaquín and Gabriela work through their own things separately and also work on their relationship with each other was everything.
This book was so raw and so real. Grief and trauma processing is done in such a beautiful way that just proves that you CAN overcome hard things and sometimes you just need someone there with you. Not to fix you, but to be by your side while you work on fixing yourself.
Thank you so much Izzy for giving me the opportunity to read and love Joaquín & Gabriela’s story.
December 16, 2024
Izzy Ravas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
This book…
Oh my goodness this book.
I cried SO MANY TIMES.
This book ripped my heart and soul out, juggled them, then shoved them back in, and turned me on afterwards.
This book is incredible.
It’s so incredibly deep and inspiring as well as realistic and amazing.
It’s dark and heartbreaking while being hot and spicy at the same time.
Izzy is an incredible writer, and this book is the proof.
This deserves every award there ever is.
Everyone needs to read this.
It’s literally the perfect book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️🌶️
This book…
Oh my goodness this book.
I cried SO MANY TIMES.
This book ripped my heart and soul out, juggled them, then shoved them back in, and turned me on afterwards.
This book is incredible.
It’s so incredibly deep and inspiring as well as realistic and amazing.
It’s dark and heartbreaking while being hot and spicy at the same time.
Izzy is an incredible writer, and this book is the proof.
This deserves every award there ever is.
Everyone needs to read this.
It’s literally the perfect book.
November 27, 2024
I was lucky enough to be a BETA for this, and honestly this book is the FIRST book to make me shed actual tears. The way Izzy put pure heart wrenching moments that EVERYONE can feel idk how she was able to do it but she did and all those tears I shed I’m not mad at her for it.
Be ready because when this comes out you’ll want to have the tissues ready because it does a donkey k!ck to the feels.
5/5 ⭐️
Be ready because when this comes out you’ll want to have the tissues ready because it does a donkey k!ck to the feels.
5/5 ⭐️
January 7, 2025
Took me one sitting to read this book. It had me feeling so much. Highly recommended especially if you love step siblings and hate to love. It’s well worth the read.
February 15, 2025
10/10 recommend!
I’m an absolute sucker for the bull¥ trope and I ate this right up.
From the possessive/obsessive MMC - to the independent, very resilient FMC.
Between the push and pull, the obvious pining, hidden beneath a lot of h@ting - this was everything I could’ve wanted:
And the spice? 🔥🔥🔥 the right amount of yummy.
“You’re so fucking pretty when you cry for me.” 🤤
Also f that dude. IYKYK. 😮💨 If not, go read it and come back to tell me how much you wanted to punch him in the teeth. Lol.
This has one of the most satisfying HEA’s when dealing with this kind of stuff. 🙌🏻 Joaquin & Gabriela deserved to find that happiness, and healing; because of everything they went through.
I’m an absolute sucker for the bull¥ trope and I ate this right up.
From the possessive/obsessive MMC - to the independent, very resilient FMC.
Between the push and pull, the obvious pining, hidden beneath a lot of h@ting - this was everything I could’ve wanted:
And the spice? 🔥🔥🔥 the right amount of yummy.
“You’re so fucking pretty when you cry for me.” 🤤
Also f that dude. IYKYK. 😮💨 If not, go read it and come back to tell me how much you wanted to punch him in the teeth. Lol.
This has one of the most satisfying HEA’s when dealing with this kind of stuff. 🙌🏻 Joaquin & Gabriela deserved to find that happiness, and healing; because of everything they went through.
February 2, 2025
I find it to be incredibly genius of this author to come up with this title because it is absolutely fitting. So much frustration and rage is cascaded, it was impossible to stop turning the pages.
It was a unique reading experience and a recommendation for 2025.
It was a unique reading experience and a recommendation for 2025.
February 24, 2025
Literally OBSESSED with Joaquín and Gabriela’s story from start to finish! The hate was filled with so much emotion about past traumas, but also the love that’s always been there with them🥹
Joaquín is so dark and brooding, and all Gabriela wants to do is please him or make him happy. The fact that she tries to mend what’s broken when it’s not even her fault pulled my heart strings! Her and her sister deserves so much love and I’m so happy that they found that with Joaquín. BULLY ROMANCE GIRLIES, this one’s for you and it’s haaaawwwwt🤭🖤
Joaquín is so dark and brooding, and all Gabriela wants to do is please him or make him happy. The fact that she tries to mend what’s broken when it’s not even her fault pulled my heart strings! Her and her sister deserves so much love and I’m so happy that they found that with Joaquín. BULLY ROMANCE GIRLIES, this one’s for you and it’s haaaawwwwt🤭🖤
January 19, 2025
ARC review:
Long story short - this books is worth it and I will tell you why.
JOAQUIN!!!!!
He was a little bit an asshole, okay he was a BIG asshole, but it’s bully romance, so what else to expect. Still his character development was amazing. He wanted her and she told him what she needs from him and he got his shit together because of her!
Gabriela, come on! She didn’t deserved what she got. Really not!
But I will tell you who were the biggest assholes in this whole f*cking book! Their parents! Specially her dad and his both parents!!!!
Her dad was son of a b*tch. When there was that one scene (no spoiler) - I was like “you’ve got be f*cking kidding me? This you will do? THIS?!” I hated that man! There is no good word for him, not a chance.
Joaquins dad was a d*ck, but okay, still better than Gabrielas father.
Nate or whats his name is, he was an asshole, but okay, still I have kind of hated him less than Gabrieles father - maybe it’s weird. I don’t know
My small issue with this was that they are twenty something. This was the main issue for ME and only for ME. It has nothing to do with a story or characters. I just was not able to dive into their story at the beginning, BUT from like 60% I was hooked and I devoured every word!
I need more about Cora brothers! and honestly I want more of Joaquin!
and biggest surprise for me was this whole spanish thing, like it worked! and I found some new music and I found new author!
Long story short - this books is worth it and I will tell you why.
JOAQUIN!!!!!
He was a little bit an asshole, okay he was a BIG asshole, but it’s bully romance, so what else to expect. Still his character development was amazing. He wanted her and she told him what she needs from him and he got his shit together because of her!
Gabriela, come on! She didn’t deserved what she got. Really not!
But I will tell you who were the biggest assholes in this whole f*cking book! Their parents! Specially her dad and his both parents!!!!
Her dad was son of a b*tch. When there was that one scene (no spoiler) - I was like “you’ve got be f*cking kidding me? This you will do? THIS?!” I hated that man! There is no good word for him, not a chance.
Joaquins dad was a d*ck, but okay, still better than Gabrielas father.
Nate or whats his name is, he was an asshole, but okay, still I have kind of hated him less than Gabrieles father - maybe it’s weird. I don’t know
My small issue with this was that they are twenty something. This was the main issue for ME and only for ME. It has nothing to do with a story or characters. I just was not able to dive into their story at the beginning, BUT from like 60% I was hooked and I devoured every word!
I need more about Cora brothers! and honestly I want more of Joaquin!
and biggest surprise for me was this whole spanish thing, like it worked! and I found some new music and I found new author!
January 8, 2025
Gabriela
Joaquín
Can they fight the feelings of hate and let love bloom in its place? Or will they let it destroy them both?
Wow, what a ride that was!
I truly got sucked into this enemies to lovers story. I could feel the struggle with both the MCs. There was good banter. The bullying with make you want to hate the MMC but then love him too. FMC just goes thru so much and had me shedding tears! The spice was good too!
Please please check your TW as there are dark parts of this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Joaquín
Can they fight the feelings of hate and let love bloom in its place? Or will they let it destroy them both?
Wow, what a ride that was!
I truly got sucked into this enemies to lovers story. I could feel the struggle with both the MCs. There was good banter. The bullying with make you want to hate the MMC but then love him too. FMC just goes thru so much and had me shedding tears! The spice was good too!
Please please check your TW as there are dark parts of this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 3, 2025
🥀This is a contemporary romance with darker themes
You can count on the following:
🖤Childhood crush's to Hate to Love
🥀Step siblings-ish...
🖤Obsessed MMC
🥀Bullying
🖤Mexican MC's
🥀Autism Rep (younger sibling)
🖤Medium Burn
Wow! I read this in one sitting! This was the first book i've read by this author, and it will not be the last. We are give an incredible story about two young adults who's families have been torn apart because of their father (MMC) and mother (FMC) decision to have an affair resulting in divorcing from their partners.
Joaquin (Quin) (MMC) and Gabriella (FMC) are both 18 at the start of the book, and in their last year of highschool. Gabriella is kind, smart, loyal and has been the primary caregiver of her 3 year old sister who is on the spectrum. Her mother is a nurse who works night shifts and is barely keeping it together while coping with the recent separation with her husband.
Gabriella's dad is a scumbag! plain and simple! He left his wife and kids, with zero contact, relinquishing his rights to his children, so he can pursue a marriage with Quinn's mom.
Quin is absolutely angry and resentful. He has a rage inside him, seeping through his marrow. He is so angry at his mother for abandoning them that he cannot stop himself from hating Gabriella, as if it's her fault her dad and his mother did this.
"All I can think about is how Gabriela's presence reminds me of everything I've lost. F-them, and most of all, F her."
Gabriella understands his pain, his disappointment and most of all his rage. However she is more level headed about it than he is. She knows that it's neither of their fault. she'd rather they try to get along. Quin will have none of that. He will use this last year of high school together to bully her, torment her in ways that are unimaginable, and quite frankly, you'll hate him.
The best part: he has been in love with her since the third grade. "Gabriella has always been it for me, I've saved myself for her knowing that she's the only girl I would ever want to be inside. The intensity of my desire for her is overwhelming, fueled by a mixture of lust and anger..."
Gabriella is trying her best to keep her nose above water. There are so many times she is ready to let the waves just pull her under. But for the sake of her sister, she keeps going.
There are so many times in this book that you will feel as though your heart is aching; you will ride along the tumultuous and raw emotional rollercoaster these two MC's go through. The book covers a span of about 5 years but it's done so well that it never feels like it's dragging on. Through each phase of their relationship, you are part of their journey. Their personal growth is beautiful. not without it's challenges but beautiful none the less.
"How do I fight this hate that blooms inside me, festering like a wound that won't heal? It's keeping me from being the man I know I could be for her. I wish I had the strength to just stop and not hold her responsible because the rational part of me knows that none of it was her fault. Why am I still so angry?"
Quin does so many horrible, awful things to Gabriella. And throughout the whole book, her heart is so forgiving, understanding and patient. She knows he's hurting so deep inside, but she also believes that there is hope for them yet.
Please read the TW/CW, as there are some scenes that my be upsetting to some folks.
I received a free ARC of this book, and this review is only my opinion.
You can count on the following:
🖤Childhood crush's to Hate to Love
🥀Step siblings-ish...
🖤Obsessed MMC
🥀Bullying
🖤Mexican MC's
🥀Autism Rep (younger sibling)
🖤Medium Burn
Wow! I read this in one sitting! This was the first book i've read by this author, and it will not be the last. We are give an incredible story about two young adults who's families have been torn apart because of their father (MMC) and mother (FMC) decision to have an affair resulting in divorcing from their partners.
Joaquin (Quin) (MMC) and Gabriella (FMC) are both 18 at the start of the book, and in their last year of highschool. Gabriella is kind, smart, loyal and has been the primary caregiver of her 3 year old sister who is on the spectrum. Her mother is a nurse who works night shifts and is barely keeping it together while coping with the recent separation with her husband.
Gabriella's dad is a scumbag! plain and simple! He left his wife and kids, with zero contact, relinquishing his rights to his children, so he can pursue a marriage with Quinn's mom.
Quin is absolutely angry and resentful. He has a rage inside him, seeping through his marrow. He is so angry at his mother for abandoning them that he cannot stop himself from hating Gabriella, as if it's her fault her dad and his mother did this.
"All I can think about is how Gabriela's presence reminds me of everything I've lost. F-them, and most of all, F her."
Gabriella understands his pain, his disappointment and most of all his rage. However she is more level headed about it than he is. She knows that it's neither of their fault. she'd rather they try to get along. Quin will have none of that. He will use this last year of high school together to bully her, torment her in ways that are unimaginable, and quite frankly, you'll hate him.
The best part: he has been in love with her since the third grade. "Gabriella has always been it for me, I've saved myself for her knowing that she's the only girl I would ever want to be inside. The intensity of my desire for her is overwhelming, fueled by a mixture of lust and anger..."
Gabriella is trying her best to keep her nose above water. There are so many times she is ready to let the waves just pull her under. But for the sake of her sister, she keeps going.
There are so many times in this book that you will feel as though your heart is aching; you will ride along the tumultuous and raw emotional rollercoaster these two MC's go through. The book covers a span of about 5 years but it's done so well that it never feels like it's dragging on. Through each phase of their relationship, you are part of their journey. Their personal growth is beautiful. not without it's challenges but beautiful none the less.
"How do I fight this hate that blooms inside me, festering like a wound that won't heal? It's keeping me from being the man I know I could be for her. I wish I had the strength to just stop and not hold her responsible because the rational part of me knows that none of it was her fault. Why am I still so angry?"
Quin does so many horrible, awful things to Gabriella. And throughout the whole book, her heart is so forgiving, understanding and patient. She knows he's hurting so deep inside, but she also believes that there is hope for them yet.
Please read the TW/CW, as there are some scenes that my be upsetting to some folks.
I received a free ARC of this book, and this review is only my opinion.
January 10, 2025
I was honored with the opportunity to ARC read, and WHEW Izzy had me in a full chokehold while reading! Hate That Blooms was an emotional, heartfelt story that I felt was uniquely done for the bully trope. Book drops February 7th!
Hate that Blooms follows Joaquín and Gabriela. Two high school kids caught up in the mess of their parent's affairs. After Joaquín's mother runs off with Gabriela's dad, babe it was MESSY! Infatuation mixed with hatred is never a good mix, but boy did it make for great reading! This story begins with tensions high and evolves into a heartfelt, yet seductive read that was a delicious time. I also extremely loved the culture within this book and how it was showcased in the characters too.
These two characters were beautifully written in how they both wore their hearts on their sleeves, and each experience was uniquely compelling. Joaquín was an emotional character that led with his emotions, and at times his rage and pain put him in a bad spot. His character development was so compelling because I found Izzy's work to create his journey from rageful acts to healing was multifaceted and compelled the reader to empathize. I truly loved his layers and how once he shed away the masks, he displayed a beautiful devotion.
Gabriela was my freaking favorite. She prevailed through things that could disarm the strongest of people, yet she maintained such empathy and strength. Her character was beautifully done in how she stood tall for herself and her little sister Mireya through it all. I just wanted to wrap her up in my arms, hug her tight, and fight all her battles.
Additionally, I sincerely appreciated the multidimensional side characters. Mierya was an adorable character who was beautifully written while also an emotional constant for both Joaquín and Gabriela. Mireya was their reminder of an innocent and true love that warmed my heart completely. Thiago, Cora and Natalie were some true friends that I just LOVED! They had depth, complexity, and their own personality that really added layers to the story.
Here's my only thing...Nathan. He was a character that gives you vibes you won't like but for the sake of avoiding spoilers, I felt that the role he played was befitting. I REALLY loved the ending that befell him. Now this is purely a preference thing, but I wished his character had more development if that makes sense. Like I don't want redemption for him, I just wish that there was more for the readers to understand his place in Joaquín's life and contextualize his motivations.
Now PLEASE don't take my notes on Nathan as anything other than me taking a fully transparent route with my review. I loved this book and definitely recommend this read if you are in the market for a good bully romance where you watch the characters mature both in the plot and their characterization, filled with beautifully written scenes, endearing characters, and delicious storytelling.
All I ask is to please make sure to check the triggers, this book does contain material that could be heavy and triggering for some.
Hate that Blooms follows Joaquín and Gabriela. Two high school kids caught up in the mess of their parent's affairs. After Joaquín's mother runs off with Gabriela's dad, babe it was MESSY! Infatuation mixed with hatred is never a good mix, but boy did it make for great reading! This story begins with tensions high and evolves into a heartfelt, yet seductive read that was a delicious time. I also extremely loved the culture within this book and how it was showcased in the characters too.
These two characters were beautifully written in how they both wore their hearts on their sleeves, and each experience was uniquely compelling. Joaquín was an emotional character that led with his emotions, and at times his rage and pain put him in a bad spot. His character development was so compelling because I found Izzy's work to create his journey from rageful acts to healing was multifaceted and compelled the reader to empathize. I truly loved his layers and how once he shed away the masks, he displayed a beautiful devotion.
Gabriela was my freaking favorite. She prevailed through things that could disarm the strongest of people, yet she maintained such empathy and strength. Her character was beautifully done in how she stood tall for herself and her little sister Mireya through it all. I just wanted to wrap her up in my arms, hug her tight, and fight all her battles.
Additionally, I sincerely appreciated the multidimensional side characters. Mierya was an adorable character who was beautifully written while also an emotional constant for both Joaquín and Gabriela. Mireya was their reminder of an innocent and true love that warmed my heart completely. Thiago, Cora and Natalie were some true friends that I just LOVED! They had depth, complexity, and their own personality that really added layers to the story.
Here's my only thing...Nathan. He was a character that gives you vibes you won't like but for the sake of avoiding spoilers, I felt that the role he played was befitting. I REALLY loved the ending that befell him. Now this is purely a preference thing, but I wished his character had more development if that makes sense. Like I don't want redemption for him, I just wish that there was more for the readers to understand his place in Joaquín's life and contextualize his motivations.
Now PLEASE don't take my notes on Nathan as anything other than me taking a fully transparent route with my review. I loved this book and definitely recommend this read if you are in the market for a good bully romance where you watch the characters mature both in the plot and their characterization, filled with beautifully written scenes, endearing characters, and delicious storytelling.
All I ask is to please make sure to check the triggers, this book does contain material that could be heavy and triggering for some.
January 5, 2025
REVIEW for Hate That Blooms by Izzy Ravas
𝕽𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝕾𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖊: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝕰𝖓𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖌: HEA
𝕲𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: Dark Forbidden Romance
𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘:
* Bully Romance
* Step-Siblings
* Obsessed MMC
* Mexican MC’s
* Somnø 😋
𝕭𝖑𝖚𝖗𝖇:
Gabriela
He hates me for our parents cheating with each other.
They left us, leaving us with broken homes, selfishly thinking only about themselves. All the hate he has for his mother he is taking out on me. Joaquín and his two friends are making my senior year miserable, the bullying leaving me feeling like nothing will ever get better. I have to be there for my sister. I'm all she has. Maybe if I'm lucky, he will forget me once we graduate and go to college?
Joaquín
Her father convinced my mother to leave us, and now whenever I look at her, I am torn in two. I see the girl l've loved since the third grade-the most beautiful girl l've ever laid my eyes on. But I also see the daughter of the man who tore my family apart. Gabriela is everything l've ever desired, and now all I want to do is hurt her. Until the feelings become too much.
Can I fight the feelings of hate and let love bloom in its place?
Or will I let it destroy us both?
𝕸𝖞 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜:
There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about this book! Izzy did it again, and I’m so happy this was my first 5 star read of the year.
This book absolutely hit home quite a few times for me through personal experiences. It was an emotional ride with the characters stories, and the tension and angst. The writing was well done, I cried so much, and I felt like I was on a healing journey with Gabriela.
Joaquin was just absolutely amazing! I don’t care how much of an a$$hole he was in the beginning, it was understandable lol he has so much hate in his heart, but his Reina is all he really needs. Their growth was everything!!
𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘:
“How do I fight this hate that blooms inside me, festering like a wound that won’t heal? It’s keeping me from being the man I know I could be for her.”
“Her touch is like a balm to the open wound inside of me. Soothing the sting and making me realize all the time away was worth it.”
𝕯𝖎𝖘𝖈𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖚𝖗𝖊:
⚠️Check trigger warnings before reading
𝕽𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝕾𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖊: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝕰𝖓𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖌: HEA
𝕲𝖊𝖓𝖗𝖊: Dark Forbidden Romance
𝕿𝖗𝖔𝖕𝖊𝖘:
* Bully Romance
* Step-Siblings
* Obsessed MMC
* Mexican MC’s
* Somnø 😋
𝕭𝖑𝖚𝖗𝖇:
Gabriela
He hates me for our parents cheating with each other.
They left us, leaving us with broken homes, selfishly thinking only about themselves. All the hate he has for his mother he is taking out on me. Joaquín and his two friends are making my senior year miserable, the bullying leaving me feeling like nothing will ever get better. I have to be there for my sister. I'm all she has. Maybe if I'm lucky, he will forget me once we graduate and go to college?
Joaquín
Her father convinced my mother to leave us, and now whenever I look at her, I am torn in two. I see the girl l've loved since the third grade-the most beautiful girl l've ever laid my eyes on. But I also see the daughter of the man who tore my family apart. Gabriela is everything l've ever desired, and now all I want to do is hurt her. Until the feelings become too much.
Can I fight the feelings of hate and let love bloom in its place?
Or will I let it destroy us both?
𝕸𝖞 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜:
There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about this book! Izzy did it again, and I’m so happy this was my first 5 star read of the year.
This book absolutely hit home quite a few times for me through personal experiences. It was an emotional ride with the characters stories, and the tension and angst. The writing was well done, I cried so much, and I felt like I was on a healing journey with Gabriela.
Joaquin was just absolutely amazing! I don’t care how much of an a$$hole he was in the beginning, it was understandable lol he has so much hate in his heart, but his Reina is all he really needs. Their growth was everything!!
𝕼𝖚𝖔𝖙𝖊𝖘:
“How do I fight this hate that blooms inside me, festering like a wound that won’t heal? It’s keeping me from being the man I know I could be for her.”
“Her touch is like a balm to the open wound inside of me. Soothing the sting and making me realize all the time away was worth it.”
𝕯𝖎𝖘𝖈𝖑𝖔𝖘𝖚𝖗𝖊:
⚠️Check trigger warnings before reading
January 16, 2025
Plot⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
First I want to thank Izzy for the opportunity to be a BETA reader for this book. Second WOW!! This book was amazing from beginning to end. I honestly didn’t think anything would come close to how I felt reading Izzy’s book Break Me … well Izzy proved me wrong with Hate That Blooms. I honestly felt all the emotions reading this book and absolutely fell in love with Joaquin and Gabby.
You get a lot in this book from a bully romance, obsessed MMC, stalker vibes, step-siblings, strong FMC, childhood crushes to hate to lovers, second chance, hurt/comfort, autism rep in younger sibling, and some super hot as fuck spice. I mean how could you not want to read it?
Joaquin has been crushing on Gabby in silence for years until his life is flipped upside down finding out his mom has left them for her dad. It doesn’t take long before Joaquin starts taking out his frustrations on Gabby doing anything he can to hurt her, cause her pain, and make her as miserable as he feels. Gabby is nothing but nice to him even when he’s treating her like crap she still tries to be nice. On top of that she can’t understand why the boy she’s crushing on treats her so badly. The push and pull between these two is 👩🍳💋, the chemistry is written to perfection, and build up to their inevitable realization of their feelings had me on the edge of my seat. I just couldn’t put this book down.
Now add in the amazing way Gabby takes care of her sister who has autism and her ability to take on anything that’s thrown her way and you’ve gone on hell of a strong FMC. The icing on the cake? Joaquin is the absolute sweetest to Gabby’s little sister. Talk about a bully making your heart melt 🫠 The growth of Joaquin was done in such little steps but those steps turned him from a hurting teenager into a swoon worthy book boyfriend. However there’s so much more going on in this story than just Joaquin and Gabby finding solace in each other because of what happened with their parents. Izzy’s books never cease to draw me in and get me hooked on the emotional aspect of her stories. This is 100% a must read.
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
First I want to thank Izzy for the opportunity to be a BETA reader for this book. Second WOW!! This book was amazing from beginning to end. I honestly didn’t think anything would come close to how I felt reading Izzy’s book Break Me … well Izzy proved me wrong with Hate That Blooms. I honestly felt all the emotions reading this book and absolutely fell in love with Joaquin and Gabby.
You get a lot in this book from a bully romance, obsessed MMC, stalker vibes, step-siblings, strong FMC, childhood crushes to hate to lovers, second chance, hurt/comfort, autism rep in younger sibling, and some super hot as fuck spice. I mean how could you not want to read it?
Joaquin has been crushing on Gabby in silence for years until his life is flipped upside down finding out his mom has left them for her dad. It doesn’t take long before Joaquin starts taking out his frustrations on Gabby doing anything he can to hurt her, cause her pain, and make her as miserable as he feels. Gabby is nothing but nice to him even when he’s treating her like crap she still tries to be nice. On top of that she can’t understand why the boy she’s crushing on treats her so badly. The push and pull between these two is 👩🍳💋, the chemistry is written to perfection, and build up to their inevitable realization of their feelings had me on the edge of my seat. I just couldn’t put this book down.
Now add in the amazing way Gabby takes care of her sister who has autism and her ability to take on anything that’s thrown her way and you’ve gone on hell of a strong FMC. The icing on the cake? Joaquin is the absolute sweetest to Gabby’s little sister. Talk about a bully making your heart melt 🫠 The growth of Joaquin was done in such little steps but those steps turned him from a hurting teenager into a swoon worthy book boyfriend. However there’s so much more going on in this story than just Joaquin and Gabby finding solace in each other because of what happened with their parents. Izzy’s books never cease to draw me in and get me hooked on the emotional aspect of her stories. This is 100% a must read.
February 5, 2025
Ok, so Izzy pretty much destroyed my soul and put it back together with Gabriela and Joaquin's story. 💔💔❤️
Gabriela is such an amazing person. She is beautiful, kind, and caring, and I can't help but really like her as a character. Her personality just brings you into her orbit. And to top it off, she is an amazing mother figure to her little sister, Mireya.
Joaquin. Mmmm, I don't know how I feel about him as a whole. The reason for that is that he is kind of a d*** for a lot of their story, but I feel as though he did win me over to some degree with a lot of hard work on his end. It's clear that he is so in love with Gabby, but then it turns into something extremely dark and twisted.
The plot was extremely emotional and dark and really kind of heartbreaking before I was put back together. We see Gabby and Joaquin go through something extremely traumatic. Instead of possibly bonding and growing together from the experience, it goes the complete opposite and just destroys them as whatever they could have become/ where. It gets even worse when Gabby's world is turned upside down once again. It was beautiful seeing Gabby and Mireya together. It was also really cute seeing Mireya love Joaquin instantly and Quin just falling for this beautiful little girl. But it's so sad that Gabby and Quin went through so much to get to where they got. There are so many ups and downs, secrets, lies, parents not being great parents, and so much miscommunication, so you better buckle in for the ride because it's a lot but in the best way.
Please check your trigger warnings because this beauty is dark and your mental health matters 💚
Izzy's writing is so beautiful. It has a way of sucking you in, and you get to really feel the emotions of her characters and everything they go through. It's remarkable.
Thank you so much, Izzy, and your lovely team for the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
❤️ dual pov
💔 stepsiblings
❤️ childhood crush to hate to love
💔 bully
❤️ obsessed mmc
💔 autism rep (younger sibling) love this
❤️ medium burn
Gabriela is such an amazing person. She is beautiful, kind, and caring, and I can't help but really like her as a character. Her personality just brings you into her orbit. And to top it off, she is an amazing mother figure to her little sister, Mireya.
Joaquin. Mmmm, I don't know how I feel about him as a whole. The reason for that is that he is kind of a d*** for a lot of their story, but I feel as though he did win me over to some degree with a lot of hard work on his end. It's clear that he is so in love with Gabby, but then it turns into something extremely dark and twisted.
The plot was extremely emotional and dark and really kind of heartbreaking before I was put back together. We see Gabby and Joaquin go through something extremely traumatic. Instead of possibly bonding and growing together from the experience, it goes the complete opposite and just destroys them as whatever they could have become/ where. It gets even worse when Gabby's world is turned upside down once again. It was beautiful seeing Gabby and Mireya together. It was also really cute seeing Mireya love Joaquin instantly and Quin just falling for this beautiful little girl. But it's so sad that Gabby and Quin went through so much to get to where they got. There are so many ups and downs, secrets, lies, parents not being great parents, and so much miscommunication, so you better buckle in for the ride because it's a lot but in the best way.
Please check your trigger warnings because this beauty is dark and your mental health matters 💚
Izzy's writing is so beautiful. It has a way of sucking you in, and you get to really feel the emotions of her characters and everything they go through. It's remarkable.
Thank you so much, Izzy, and your lovely team for the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
❤️ dual pov
💔 stepsiblings
❤️ childhood crush to hate to love
💔 bully
❤️ obsessed mmc
💔 autism rep (younger sibling) love this
❤️ medium burn
February 8, 2025
4.75 Stars
This book is so much more than what it seems. It’s a bully romance, but it is so full of emotion and hurt. It has pain and spice and heart. This was not your typical bully romance. It’s about two people that have been through so much and are trying to understand what they are feeling. It is a story that will grip your heart in a vice and squeeze it until the very end. It was so well written and I really flew through while reading it. It has diverse representation, with MCs of Mexican descent, and it has disability representation, with the FMCs sister being autistic. It was so emotional and powerful that it will claw at your insides in the very best of ways.
The MCs in this book are so complex and written with fantastic detail. Gabby has the entire world on her plate. She does everything for her family and rarely anything for herself. She is the main caregiver for her sister. On top of everything that she has to battle every day, she is also being tortured by Joaquin for something that isn’t her fault. It actually is another thing that is piled on her. But Joaquin is hurting and is having trouble dealing with his feelings about his mother leaving. The two are technically step-siblings, but it is because they both have had to deal with one of their parents abandoning their family. These two go through a range of emotions and immense growth throughout this story. You can’t help but feel for both of them. Yes, Joaquin bullies Gabby, but its because he is dealing with the complex emotions of his mother abandoning him. What makes it all more complex is that each of them have are also dealing with the feelings that they have had for one another. They have each had a crush on the other. These characters were so well written and made the story.
This book is so much but in the absolute best of ways. It takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and it is one of those books that will stick with me. There was excellent spice, but as this is an enemies to lovers bully romance, it does take some time to get to it. There is a lot to this book, so read the trigger warnings before starting. It is absolutely worth the read.
This book is so much more than what it seems. It’s a bully romance, but it is so full of emotion and hurt. It has pain and spice and heart. This was not your typical bully romance. It’s about two people that have been through so much and are trying to understand what they are feeling. It is a story that will grip your heart in a vice and squeeze it until the very end. It was so well written and I really flew through while reading it. It has diverse representation, with MCs of Mexican descent, and it has disability representation, with the FMCs sister being autistic. It was so emotional and powerful that it will claw at your insides in the very best of ways.
The MCs in this book are so complex and written with fantastic detail. Gabby has the entire world on her plate. She does everything for her family and rarely anything for herself. She is the main caregiver for her sister. On top of everything that she has to battle every day, she is also being tortured by Joaquin for something that isn’t her fault. It actually is another thing that is piled on her. But Joaquin is hurting and is having trouble dealing with his feelings about his mother leaving. The two are technically step-siblings, but it is because they both have had to deal with one of their parents abandoning their family. These two go through a range of emotions and immense growth throughout this story. You can’t help but feel for both of them. Yes, Joaquin bullies Gabby, but its because he is dealing with the complex emotions of his mother abandoning him. What makes it all more complex is that each of them have are also dealing with the feelings that they have had for one another. They have each had a crush on the other. These characters were so well written and made the story.
This book is so much but in the absolute best of ways. It takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and it is one of those books that will stick with me. There was excellent spice, but as this is an enemies to lovers bully romance, it does take some time to get to it. There is a lot to this book, so read the trigger warnings before starting. It is absolutely worth the read.
February 2, 2025
Gabriella is one of the strongest FMC I have read so far this year and it is off to a great start. She is a 17-year-old that has had her world turned upside down and inside out. When her father leaves for another woman and her family is left is devastation has rocked her soul. Now that she has to take up the slack to help her mother with her 3-year-old sister that has autism, she is not your average high school student. She is resilient and so strong. When she finds herself at the mercy of a bully and the anger that is so strong against her and her family, she is determined to be understanding of the anger. although it is out of her control, she truly doesn't know what to do other than apologize and make sure to stay out of his way.
Joaquin is one angry young man. He feels betrayed by the one person that he should never had to question loyalty from. When the enemy at hand is anywhere of him her around him makes her life a living hell. Although he knows it is not her fault, she will be the one to take his anger. She is the daughter of the man that took his mother. Even though he has had a crush on her for years it does not matter. He will not let the anger fade as she is the only person he can take it out on.
That is until he finds out what she is going through and the reason she is doing what she is doing for her family. No 17 year old should have to pick up the pieces and become the anchor for their family.
When he sees firsthand what Gabriella is going through after tragedy hits and he finally is told what has happened he feels like a horrible person and finds it in his heart to make amends, but she will not let him off that easy. He needs to make changes not only within himself but prove that he wants to make himself a better person for her in the future if there is a future for them.
This is a beautiful story of heartbreak, trauma, tragedy, love, forgiveness and finding the strength to push on even though the odds are against you.
Joaquin is one angry young man. He feels betrayed by the one person that he should never had to question loyalty from. When the enemy at hand is anywhere of him her around him makes her life a living hell. Although he knows it is not her fault, she will be the one to take his anger. She is the daughter of the man that took his mother. Even though he has had a crush on her for years it does not matter. He will not let the anger fade as she is the only person he can take it out on.
That is until he finds out what she is going through and the reason she is doing what she is doing for her family. No 17 year old should have to pick up the pieces and become the anchor for their family.
When he sees firsthand what Gabriella is going through after tragedy hits and he finally is told what has happened he feels like a horrible person and finds it in his heart to make amends, but she will not let him off that easy. He needs to make changes not only within himself but prove that he wants to make himself a better person for her in the future if there is a future for them.
This is a beautiful story of heartbreak, trauma, tragedy, love, forgiveness and finding the strength to push on even though the odds are against you.
February 7, 2025
I'm gonna start this by saying that although I really did love this book I did struggle with the Spanish. When it was already translated it was fine but as someone that can't speak or read it. It took away from the flow of the book for me when I had to translate it. I wasn't sure why the author felt the need to translate some but not all of it. But that's more of a me problem and if I read anymore of this authors books I would be tempted to try and learn a little.
Anyway as for the story it was really good, it was an enemy to lover, bully, step-sibling romance.
We start the book finding out that Joaquin mother is having and affair with Gabriela father and instead of ending it she is leaving to be with him.
Joaquin who has been in love with Gabriela since 3rd grade when decides in his 17 year old mixed up head that it's all Gabriela's fault and set out to make her life hell.
What Joaquin doesn't realize is that Gabriela is already there. Between being the main caregiver to her 3 year old autistic sister helping her mom around the house since her dad left she doesn't actually need him taking it out on her.
As much as he hate her he is still obsessed with her. I have to say I was glad that he didn't try and take it out on little Mireya. He totally could have let something happen to that little girl and Gabriela would have felt horrible but he didn't. He was actually really sweet with her and the fact that he said he wasn't going to cut his hair too short because Mireya liked playing with the curls on the back of his neck I thought was so cute.
That dad at the hospital who does that. I know it's not real but I wanted to climb into the page and smack some sense into him. No-one should do that to their kids every, never mind at the worst time on the worst day of their lives and then to expect money for it. If I had a top 10 of character I hate in books he is right up near the top.
Anyway as for the story it was really good, it was an enemy to lover, bully, step-sibling romance.
We start the book finding out that Joaquin mother is having and affair with Gabriela father and instead of ending it she is leaving to be with him.
Joaquin who has been in love with Gabriela since 3rd grade when decides in his 17 year old mixed up head that it's all Gabriela's fault and set out to make her life hell.
What Joaquin doesn't realize is that Gabriela is already there. Between being the main caregiver to her 3 year old autistic sister helping her mom around the house since her dad left she doesn't actually need him taking it out on her.
As much as he hate her he is still obsessed with her. I have to say I was glad that he didn't try and take it out on little Mireya. He totally could have let something happen to that little girl and Gabriela would have felt horrible but he didn't. He was actually really sweet with her and the fact that he said he wasn't going to cut his hair too short because Mireya liked playing with the curls on the back of his neck I thought was so cute.
That dad at the hospital who does that. I know it's not real but I wanted to climb into the page and smack some sense into him. No-one should do that to their kids every, never mind at the worst time on the worst day of their lives and then to expect money for it. If I had a top 10 of character I hate in books he is right up near the top.
January 18, 2025
⋆˚✿˖° ARC REVIEW ᯓᡣ𐭩
HATE THAT BLOOMS By Izzy Ravas
Release date: February 7, 2025
Plot ❤︎
JOAQUIN .☘︎ ݁˖
Gabriela is the girl I loved since 3rd grade but now she turns into a nightmare. I want to hurt her so damn much though i can't stop falling for her. I want to see her so broke for making my life living hell. My mom leaves me and my dad because of her father. I'm torturing her all the ways I can, yet she's being soft to me. Can I hate her forever? or will I lose myself for her? Is it possible that love blooms in hate?
GABRIELA ♡ྀི ₊
He is the one I'm loving for a long time. But now our life has messed up. He hates me for my father's doing, can't He see that I'm suffering too? Even though he is bullying me so much in school yet I can't hate him. I want him to understand that it's not my mistake. I will make him understand that. Can I do that for real? I've to right? For me and for himself. I'm gonna make him feel sorry to me.
(It's not the blurb. It's my own words)
My Pov ❀
Hate that blooms is a bullying school romance. I was so worked up when I received this ARC. The beginning was so interesting and keep me got hooked and then the middle part, I feel like does he really needs to do this? Go this far to hurt her? Tbh I'm not okay with that but, after that the way he changed for her is so beautifully written. If we love someone we need to make sure if they are okay with our behaviors. And he did that. He makes sure that she feels safe with him. Gabriela she is like a one man army. She's facing the worst in her life yet she remains to be calm. I love her for that. Ending is so heart whelming. I loved how the story ends. I mean they are happy, that's what we want. A Happy Ending❤️
Thank you so much Author for sending this ARC
Rating: 4🌟
HATE THAT BLOOMS By Izzy Ravas
Release date: February 7, 2025
Plot ❤︎
JOAQUIN .☘︎ ݁˖
Gabriela is the girl I loved since 3rd grade but now she turns into a nightmare. I want to hurt her so damn much though i can't stop falling for her. I want to see her so broke for making my life living hell. My mom leaves me and my dad because of her father. I'm torturing her all the ways I can, yet she's being soft to me. Can I hate her forever? or will I lose myself for her? Is it possible that love blooms in hate?
GABRIELA ♡ྀི ₊
He is the one I'm loving for a long time. But now our life has messed up. He hates me for my father's doing, can't He see that I'm suffering too? Even though he is bullying me so much in school yet I can't hate him. I want him to understand that it's not my mistake. I will make him understand that. Can I do that for real? I've to right? For me and for himself. I'm gonna make him feel sorry to me.
(It's not the blurb. It's my own words)
My Pov ❀
Hate that blooms is a bullying school romance. I was so worked up when I received this ARC. The beginning was so interesting and keep me got hooked and then the middle part, I feel like does he really needs to do this? Go this far to hurt her? Tbh I'm not okay with that but, after that the way he changed for her is so beautifully written. If we love someone we need to make sure if they are okay with our behaviors. And he did that. He makes sure that she feels safe with him. Gabriela she is like a one man army. She's facing the worst in her life yet she remains to be calm. I love her for that. Ending is so heart whelming. I loved how the story ends. I mean they are happy, that's what we want. A Happy Ending❤️
Thank you so much Author for sending this ARC
Rating: 4🌟
December 31, 2024
Hate That Blooms by Izzy Ravas is a dark bully romance that follows the journey of a young woman Gabriela and a young man Joaquin during their senior year of high school into their early adult life at college. While Joaquin and Gabriela have known each other since childhood and share mutual friends they’ve always just had a chemistry from afar… unfortunately that chemistry changes when they find out Gabby’s dad and Joaquin’s mom are having a marital affair that leads to divorce and the destruction of each of their families.
Angry and resentful, Joaquin blames Gabby and he & his friends bully her relentlessly while Gabby tries to remain empathetic and kind through her own anger and grief. Their relationship ebbs and flows between hate and love… with countless obstacles for them to overcome including bullying, trauma, a stalker, an obsession, parental loss/grief, parenting a child with Autism, insane family drama & toxic relationships.
Can Joaquin’s hate bloom into love? Can Gabriela forgive Joaquin for the pain he caused, and she endured? Or will these two lose their love before it ever has a true chance to blossom?
It is so hard to say goodbye to this characters, I truly felt so emotionally invested in this story and their journey. Joaquin has imprinted on me. As a Latina, I love seeing the representation in this book with language & culture. Hate That Blooms is a beautifully realistic dark story of love, hate, pleasure, pain, growth, maturity, revenge, redemption, and chosen family.
**Please remember to review your trigger warnings!**
Gracias Izzy! I appreciate the opportunity to ARC.
@blackreadroses
Angry and resentful, Joaquin blames Gabby and he & his friends bully her relentlessly while Gabby tries to remain empathetic and kind through her own anger and grief. Their relationship ebbs and flows between hate and love… with countless obstacles for them to overcome including bullying, trauma, a stalker, an obsession, parental loss/grief, parenting a child with Autism, insane family drama & toxic relationships.
Can Joaquin’s hate bloom into love? Can Gabriela forgive Joaquin for the pain he caused, and she endured? Or will these two lose their love before it ever has a true chance to blossom?
It is so hard to say goodbye to this characters, I truly felt so emotionally invested in this story and their journey. Joaquin has imprinted on me. As a Latina, I love seeing the representation in this book with language & culture. Hate That Blooms is a beautifully realistic dark story of love, hate, pleasure, pain, growth, maturity, revenge, redemption, and chosen family.
**Please remember to review your trigger warnings!**
Gracias Izzy! I appreciate the opportunity to ARC.
@blackreadroses
January 24, 2025
✨🔮🌞🌕🍄🌕🌞🔮✨
ARC REVIEW
Hate that Blooms - Izzy Ravas
4.5/5⭐️
📚📚📚
Yes in all the ways yes for a bully romance!! I ate this up! Grab that box of tissues for this one cause the tears it will cause ughhh it got me good! These characters will forever live in my head now rent free. Gabby our FMC is seriously my favorite but damn my heart hurt for her. It was just like one thing after another being thrown at her and she just kept pushing through every obstacle. The way she cared for her sister was absolutely amazing. Though it shouldn’t have been her job, she absolutely nailed it even when it got rough. Jaoquín was seriously everything grumpy and mad at the world but damn I loved him anyway. He’s always been obsessed with gabby but when things happen between families it turns into such a hate. But he still loves her. The healing and character growth through out the book left me speechless. I can’t tell you enough if you love bully romances, YOU NEED THIS ONE!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Step siblings
- Taboo
- Bullying
- Stalking
- Touch her and you 💀
- Groveling
- Childhood crushes to enemies to lovers
- Second chance
- Dark themes
- Holy spicy
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy
✨What’s a book you think everyone needs?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
ARC REVIEW
Hate that Blooms - Izzy Ravas
4.5/5⭐️
📚📚📚
Yes in all the ways yes for a bully romance!! I ate this up! Grab that box of tissues for this one cause the tears it will cause ughhh it got me good! These characters will forever live in my head now rent free. Gabby our FMC is seriously my favorite but damn my heart hurt for her. It was just like one thing after another being thrown at her and she just kept pushing through every obstacle. The way she cared for her sister was absolutely amazing. Though it shouldn’t have been her job, she absolutely nailed it even when it got rough. Jaoquín was seriously everything grumpy and mad at the world but damn I loved him anyway. He’s always been obsessed with gabby but when things happen between families it turns into such a hate. But he still loves her. The healing and character growth through out the book left me speechless. I can’t tell you enough if you love bully romances, YOU NEED THIS ONE!
📚📚📚
If you like to read:
- Step siblings
- Taboo
- Bullying
- Stalking
- Touch her and you 💀
- Groveling
- Childhood crushes to enemies to lovers
- Second chance
- Dark themes
- Holy spicy
… You should definitely check this out
📚📚📚
Thank you so much for sending me a copy for an honest review in my own words. #giftedcopy
✨What’s a book you think everyone needs?
#books #booklover #smut #booknerd #bookfriend #bookish #booklovers #bookishcommunity #bookloversunite #instabook #bookporn #bookphotography #reviews #igbooks #ilovereading #smutty #bookaddiction #bookhoader #hotnsexy #fortheloveofbooks #bookrecs #yummy #givemeallthebooks #readingthepainaway #booktok #arc
May 11, 2025
Dnfed at 50%. I really gave this book a chance but I just couldn't torture myself anymore. I hated Joaquin, I knew nothing would redeem her other than major groveling but the Gabriella was a doormat who didn't have a spine because she just gave in to him after all he did to her.
The guy was an idiot and needed therapy so bad.
I mean he knew and accepted that it was not her fault that her father had an affair with his mother. He knew his hatred was misplaced and irrational but he still blamed her, hated her and bullied her. He knew she was struggling more than him, she was hurt and in pain too. He knew she was drowning and had suicidal thoughts and he still continued with bullying. He got to know about her mother dying and her becoming guardian of her sister and guess what? He still bullied her. And this guy claims to have a cush on her and says that he will marry her one day and she will have his babies one day while he continues to bully her and punish her for something she didn't do.
And after all he did to her, the FMC thinks she loves him and wants him to love her too. Fucking romantic, isn't it? Well, I couldn't do it anymore. I can't take the FMC being a doormat or helpless damsel in a stress like this who has Body betraying syndrome because let's face it. There was anything she could like or love him for at that time as all he did was taunt her, call her names like slut, bitch Or whore, bullied her and hurt her. There was nothing to like about him then. He didn't deserve to be liked after what he did, so it was nothing but "Lust". That's not love what they thought they felt for each other. I am so disappointed with the story and the characters.
The guy was an idiot and needed therapy so bad.
I mean he knew and accepted that it was not her fault that her father had an affair with his mother. He knew his hatred was misplaced and irrational but he still blamed her, hated her and bullied her. He knew she was struggling more than him, she was hurt and in pain too. He knew she was drowning and had suicidal thoughts and he still continued with bullying. He got to know about her mother dying and her becoming guardian of her sister and guess what? He still bullied her. And this guy claims to have a cush on her and says that he will marry her one day and she will have his babies one day while he continues to bully her and punish her for something she didn't do.
And after all he did to her, the FMC thinks she loves him and wants him to love her too. Fucking romantic, isn't it? Well, I couldn't do it anymore. I can't take the FMC being a doormat or helpless damsel in a stress like this who has Body betraying syndrome because let's face it. There was anything she could like or love him for at that time as all he did was taunt her, call her names like slut, bitch Or whore, bullied her and hurt her. There was nothing to like about him then. He didn't deserve to be liked after what he did, so it was nothing but "Lust". That's not love what they thought they felt for each other. I am so disappointed with the story and the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
“I could never forget about her. The only person who will ever have all of me is her.”
Joaquín used to love Gabriela since third grade — the most beautiful girl he has ever laid my eyes on. But that all changed when their parents married each other and left them all alone. But now he also see the daughter of the man who tore his family apart. Gabriela is everything he has ever desired, and now all he wanted to do is hurt her.
Until the feelings become too much. Can he fight the feelings of hate and let love bloom in its place? Or will he let it destroy both of them?
Gabriela is so strong. How she step to help her mom and sister after her father left. So much happened with her but even after everything that she goes through, she stayed strong trying to build life for her. I love how she kind she is, she could hated him for how he was behaving and bullying but still try to understand his pov and what he is going through.
Joaquín also felt hurt , abandon , pain and anger when his mother left her dad. He was angry at her mother for this but he also has anger towards her as it was her dad because of whom his mother left.
The tension and emotion were so intense. I like this book from page one. The emotional rollercoaster this book took me through these two MCs. The personal growth that both the character have specially him was good. How much they have grown emotionally and how their relationship goes though different phases in those 5 years was show beautifully. Them with her little sister , that scene make me cry. It was so beautiful.
Joaquín used to love Gabriela since third grade — the most beautiful girl he has ever laid my eyes on. But that all changed when their parents married each other and left them all alone. But now he also see the daughter of the man who tore his family apart. Gabriela is everything he has ever desired, and now all he wanted to do is hurt her.
Until the feelings become too much. Can he fight the feelings of hate and let love bloom in its place? Or will he let it destroy both of them?
Gabriela is so strong. How she step to help her mom and sister after her father left. So much happened with her but even after everything that she goes through, she stayed strong trying to build life for her. I love how she kind she is, she could hated him for how he was behaving and bullying but still try to understand his pov and what he is going through.
Joaquín also felt hurt , abandon , pain and anger when his mother left her dad. He was angry at her mother for this but he also has anger towards her as it was her dad because of whom his mother left.
The tension and emotion were so intense. I like this book from page one. The emotional rollercoaster this book took me through these two MCs. The personal growth that both the character have specially him was good. How much they have grown emotionally and how their relationship goes though different phases in those 5 years was show beautifully. Them with her little sister , that scene make me cry. It was so beautiful.
February 7, 2025
please read this phenomenal must need read
Hate That Blooms
Within the first chapter. I find myself feeling these written words deeply, immensely. It’s as if the hurt and anger is screaming back at me, as if I’m being sucked into Izzy’s book to witness a familiarity, an understanding that shatters my own heart.
So many emotions flowing through me veins. So much I want to say but I refuse to give a single spoiler but the intensity, heart throbbing-shattering, holding your breath…. If any of that is something the pings an attention or grab to you heart, this read is for you.
Growth doesn’t come without pain but to bloom, you can’t do that stuck in the darkest moments life has bestowed upon us; while hate may feel like it will remain into existence forever, it won’t. Growth is what comes after ‘hate’ and growth is what blooms from the hate we feel within ourselves. This book has many downs, but just know the ‘up’s’ eventually exist.
They say the hardest moments is what makes us but in reality, it’s who we’ve always been that does; it is what’s lived within us, within Gabby. If you’re in for a breathtaking yet phenomenal-beautiful read then this one is for you!!
As I continued to read I feel a connection; a mixture of my own life but different. I just don’t want to put this book down because the amount of anticipation of needing to know, if you like that ‘hold my breath’-‘chest aching’-‘awe’ feeling… Read this breathtaking read!! You will be ‘edging’ to the end of y’all’s seats.
Hate That Blooms
Within the first chapter. I find myself feeling these written words deeply, immensely. It’s as if the hurt and anger is screaming back at me, as if I’m being sucked into Izzy’s book to witness a familiarity, an understanding that shatters my own heart.
So many emotions flowing through me veins. So much I want to say but I refuse to give a single spoiler but the intensity, heart throbbing-shattering, holding your breath…. If any of that is something the pings an attention or grab to you heart, this read is for you.
Growth doesn’t come without pain but to bloom, you can’t do that stuck in the darkest moments life has bestowed upon us; while hate may feel like it will remain into existence forever, it won’t. Growth is what comes after ‘hate’ and growth is what blooms from the hate we feel within ourselves. This book has many downs, but just know the ‘up’s’ eventually exist.
They say the hardest moments is what makes us but in reality, it’s who we’ve always been that does; it is what’s lived within us, within Gabby. If you’re in for a breathtaking yet phenomenal-beautiful read then this one is for you!!
As I continued to read I feel a connection; a mixture of my own life but different. I just don’t want to put this book down because the amount of anticipation of needing to know, if you like that ‘hold my breath’-‘chest aching’-‘awe’ feeling… Read this breathtaking read!! You will be ‘edging’ to the end of y’all’s seats.
February 10, 2025
💘 ARC Review 💘
Hate That Blooms
Author: Izzy Ravas
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Hate That Blooms follows Joaquin and Gabriela, two teens who have secretly harbored feelings for each other. However, their world shatters when Gabriela's father has an affair with Joaquin’s mother, leaving both families in ruins. Torn between his lingering love for Gabby and his anger over the betrayal, Joaquin redirects his resentment toward her, turning what was once admiration into a bitter feud. As tensions rise and emotions clash, will they find a way to heal from the pain of their broken families and finally be together?
Whew, what a read 😅
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions.
The way Joaquin blamed Gabriela for his mother's affair was despicable. But totally on par with how men nowadays have no idea how to properly communicate their feelings. This book is DARK and complex. I was so heartbroken she went through so much in a short amount of time. I adored Gabriela she was inspiring in the way she stepped up for her sister.
Joaquin, I was losing faith in him seriously. He turned it around in the end but I’m still not convinced. His actions were disgusting, to say the least. What I did love about Joaquin was his relationship with Mireya it was absolutely beautiful. The character growth process for both characters was also written beautifully and ended the book perfectly.
Thank you to Izzy Ravas for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team!
Tropes :
Bully Romance
Secret Crush
Step Siblings
Stalker
Autism Rep
Hate That Blooms
Author: Izzy Ravas
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Hate That Blooms follows Joaquin and Gabriela, two teens who have secretly harbored feelings for each other. However, their world shatters when Gabriela's father has an affair with Joaquin’s mother, leaving both families in ruins. Torn between his lingering love for Gabby and his anger over the betrayal, Joaquin redirects his resentment toward her, turning what was once admiration into a bitter feud. As tensions rise and emotions clash, will they find a way to heal from the pain of their broken families and finally be together?
Whew, what a read 😅
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions.
The way Joaquin blamed Gabriela for his mother's affair was despicable. But totally on par with how men nowadays have no idea how to properly communicate their feelings. This book is DARK and complex. I was so heartbroken she went through so much in a short amount of time. I adored Gabriela she was inspiring in the way she stepped up for her sister.
Joaquin, I was losing faith in him seriously. He turned it around in the end but I’m still not convinced. His actions were disgusting, to say the least. What I did love about Joaquin was his relationship with Mireya it was absolutely beautiful. The character growth process for both characters was also written beautifully and ended the book perfectly.
Thank you to Izzy Ravas for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team!
Tropes :
Bully Romance
Secret Crush
Step Siblings
Stalker
Autism Rep
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