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Hate: A Love Story
Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
Life can be messy,
And love can be too.
Most people say that it’s not important where you’re going, but instead, how you get there.
Unfortunately for me, the journey to love was absolutely agonizing. Love and Hate wrestled with my life day after day, year after year, and the only way to stop it was to let one of them win.
Which one?
I fought to love harder. But I loathe my love story.
Warning: This standalone novel contains explicit language, sexual content, and potential triggers.
Violets are blue.
Life can be messy,
And love can be too.
Most people say that it’s not important where you’re going, but instead, how you get there.
Unfortunately for me, the journey to love was absolutely agonizing. Love and Hate wrestled with my life day after day, year after year, and the only way to stop it was to let one of them win.
Which one?
I fought to love harder. But I loathe my love story.
Warning: This standalone novel contains explicit language, sexual content, and potential triggers.
Unknown Binding
First published October 11, 2014
60 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Ulen Curtis
16 books464 followersLaurel Ulen Curtis is a 28 year old mother of one. She lives with her husband and son (and cat!) in New Jersey, but grew up all over the United States. She graduated from Rutgers University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, and puts that to almost no use other than forecasting for her friends! She has a passion for her family, laughing, and reading and writing Romance novels. Oh, and she's addicted to Coke. The drink, not the drug.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
October 15, 2014
2 TRIGGER STARS ★★
"To be in love...It's powerful and completely debilitating all at the same time. It's ecstasy and agony, and it's one of the single most terrifying feelings in the world."
I swear that these days all the books are on a mission to deceive me with their pretty covers, eye-catching titles (look at how interestingly ironic this one was!) and promising blurbs. Why why why?!
Honestly I'm so wiped out after a day's work to be even writing a review but then I look at this book and remind myself the amount of effort I had to put in to pull myself through this read. So here's my$3.99 two cents of worth.
*******
First, let's talk about that blurb. I know, it pretty much offered nothing about this book or what it's about except it's a love story filled with...hate? Damn that irony totally pulled me into this one.
Warning: This standalone novel contains explicit language, sexual content, and potential triggers
So I do enjoy going into a book blind once in a while but sometimes, we all just want a hint of what we might actually get into. There are some triggers that people may get uncomfortable with, so it's better to be forewarned. To be fair enough, let me just list those triggers into a spoiler tag. But please only open it if you're an eager beaver and have a certain definite set of triggers that will sure to put you off. If not, move along and who knows, you may enjoy this book without knowing what triggers are ahead.
The thing is, I'm okay with triggers. I love 'em in fact. I love them like having chocolate sprinkles and nuts on top of my sundae icecream. But if it ain't done right?
I felt that a big portion of the triggers were crammed in the first half of the book and they came in continuous waves crashing upon me before I even have the time to soak in the moments. I haven't got the time to let my feels flow! It felt like I was in one of those moments where I go shopping with my mum and she kept rushing me in and out of each store before I have a proper look at everything.
Sorry mum, I hope you don't ever stumble across my review. I still love you.
And then let's talk about those excessive time gaps. For those who want to know, this book spans from . And I'm not a huge fan of them, so *shakes head*. There's just too much time gone and without proper filling in these gaps, it just couldn't work for me, I'm sorry.
Here comes the real kicker for me which then told me I should have DNF-ed this but my non-quitter self told me to suck it up. Again, this goes in a spoiler tag because it's a whole lot of triggers and MEGA SPOILERS.
MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD
********
The only reason I didn't DNF this was because of one person in this book and that would be Whitney's grandma. Who is probably the coolest grandma EVER. She is literally the saving grace of this book otherwise I would have given up. Love her knack of humorous advices and just being plain crude.
Would I recommend this read? It could go both ways and I'd say it depends on your reading preferences (and triggers). There are some glowing reviews for this one, so it could just be me being picky. I won't deny that there are some actual great emotional scenes that brought out some major feels in me. But sadly, it just wasn't enough to redeem the entire read.
"To be in love...It's powerful and completely debilitating all at the same time. It's ecstasy and agony, and it's one of the single most terrifying feelings in the world."
I swear that these days all the books are on a mission to deceive me with their pretty covers, eye-catching titles (look at how interestingly ironic this one was!) and promising blurbs. Why why why?!
Honestly I'm so wiped out after a day's work to be even writing a review but then I look at this book and remind myself the amount of effort I had to put in to pull myself through this read. So here's my
*******
First, let's talk about that blurb. I know, it pretty much offered nothing about this book or what it's about except it's a love story filled with...hate? Damn that irony totally pulled me into this one.
Warning: This standalone novel contains explicit language, sexual content, and potential triggers
So I do enjoy going into a book blind once in a while but sometimes, we all just want a hint of what we might actually get into. There are some triggers that people may get uncomfortable with, so it's better to be forewarned. To be fair enough, let me just list those triggers into a spoiler tag. But please only open it if you're an eager beaver and have a certain definite set of triggers that will sure to put you off. If not, move along and who knows, you may enjoy this book without knowing what triggers are ahead.
The thing is, I'm okay with triggers. I love 'em in fact. I love them like having chocolate sprinkles and nuts on top of my sundae icecream. But if it ain't done right?
I felt that a big portion of the triggers were crammed in the first half of the book and they came in continuous waves crashing upon me before I even have the time to soak in the moments. I haven't got the time to let my feels flow! It felt like I was in one of those moments where I go shopping with my mum and she kept rushing me in and out of each store before I have a proper look at everything.
Sorry mum, I hope you don't ever stumble across my review. I still love you.
And then let's talk about those excessive time gaps. For those who want to know, this book spans from . And I'm not a huge fan of them, so *shakes head*. There's just too much time gone and without proper filling in these gaps, it just couldn't work for me, I'm sorry.
Here comes the real kicker for me which then told me I should have DNF-ed this but my non-quitter self told me to suck it up. Again, this goes in a spoiler tag because it's a whole lot of triggers and MEGA SPOILERS.
MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD
********
The only reason I didn't DNF this was because of one person in this book and that would be Whitney's grandma. Who is probably the coolest grandma EVER. She is literally the saving grace of this book otherwise I would have given up. Love her knack of humorous advices and just being plain crude.
"Two things I'm serious about are abortion and penises."
Would I recommend this read? It could go both ways and I'd say it depends on your reading preferences (and triggers). There are some glowing reviews for this one, so it could just be me being picky. I won't deny that there are some actual great emotional scenes that brought out some major feels in me. But sadly, it just wasn't enough to redeem the entire read.
December 6, 2014
this title is very appropriate for this story. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but (there is always a but) it just left me with a few things I didn't like. I do recommend reading the book and judging for yourself. I'm not hating on it, because overall it was good, but like I say below, I had some issues with a few things.
#1. I don't like my characters being in love with two people. To me, and my experiences, this is not possible. I know this is not for everyone, but to define romantic love as this ability to give yourself completely to two different people- it doesn't exist for me. I think you can like/lust for more than one person- but real love allows for no others to intrude on that type of relationship and commitment. *note- there is not real love triangle per say. That is not what this story is about really.*
So this brings me to Blane. Blane, Blane, Blane. I can't buy the whole "I have loved you forever, even when I was with another woman (Oh, but wait, I really loved her too)." I don't like this. It doesn't make me feel good or give me warm and fuzzies. He flat out tells Whitney (our main girl)- that his other lover wasn't just a placeholder- that he really did love her,
I don't like it.
#2. The explanation was never good enough for me. There wasn't a good enough apology for not supporting his supposed best friend and the woman he "loved." To me, he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. I mean, I feel for the guy. He experiences really shitty things. Really shitty. But... BUT... it doesn't make him any more likable to me the way he treats Whit. He is portrayed as the really selfless person who goes out of his way for the people in his life, and maybe he deserves some credit to this aspect, but to be in "love" with two women at the same time, and to be ok with that is wrong. It is very SELFISH. He even speaks to this because he states,
There are two key words he says- "twisted" and "took." He took from Whit- he took what he wanted from her, and took what he wanted from Franny. Did he stop to think about this? Nope. I think this was an unconscious act on his part, but to me, that isn't an excuse. He had the best of both worlds, so why would he? It is twisted to treat to people you "love" like that- consciously or unconsciously. It's deplorable, selfish behavior. Somehow Blane comes out smelling like roses after all this, and I'm not really sure how...
#1. I don't like my characters being in love with two people. To me, and my experiences, this is not possible. I know this is not for everyone, but to define romantic love as this ability to give yourself completely to two different people- it doesn't exist for me. I think you can like/lust for more than one person- but real love allows for no others to intrude on that type of relationship and commitment. *note- there is not real love triangle per say. That is not what this story is about really.*
So this brings me to Blane. Blane, Blane, Blane. I can't buy the whole "I have loved you forever, even when I was with another woman (Oh, but wait, I really loved her too)." I don't like this. It doesn't make me feel good or give me warm and fuzzies. He flat out tells Whitney (our main girl)- that his other lover wasn't just a placeholder- that he really did love her,
I don't like it.
#2. The explanation was never good enough for me. There wasn't a good enough apology for not supporting his supposed best friend and the woman he "loved." To me, he wanted to have his cake and eat it too. I mean, I feel for the guy. He experiences really shitty things. Really shitty. But... BUT... it doesn't make him any more likable to me the way he treats Whit. He is portrayed as the really selfless person who goes out of his way for the people in his life, and maybe he deserves some credit to this aspect, but to be in "love" with two women at the same time, and to be ok with that is wrong. It is very SELFISH. He even speaks to this because he states,
" I had the perfect relationship with her because I had you too. You were almost always there, making me laugh and smiling big in my direction"..." It was fine when I was Franny, when she was m girl, because in some twisted way, you were still my girl too. You were always there. There was never a her without you. But there was definitely a you without her. And I still loved every minute of it. Any you weren't ready to be with anyone. So I took your friendship and I embraced it."
There are two key words he says- "twisted" and "took." He took from Whit- he took what he wanted from her, and took what he wanted from Franny. Did he stop to think about this? Nope. I think this was an unconscious act on his part, but to me, that isn't an excuse. He had the best of both worlds, so why would he? It is twisted to treat to people you "love" like that- consciously or unconsciously. It's deplorable, selfish behavior. Somehow Blane comes out smelling like roses after all this, and I'm not really sure how...
November 9, 2014
A sweet book where two childhood friends are the best of friends and one has to watch the love of her life love her other best friend.
Then tragedy happens with a whole lot of bad stuff and Whitney looses her best friend in in the process...
Now years later... They find their way back to each other with the help of an awesome grandmother.
A really really sweet book!
Then tragedy happens with a whole lot of bad stuff and Whitney looses her best friend in in the process...
Now years later... They find their way back to each other with the help of an awesome grandmother.
A really really sweet book!
October 17, 2014
J&G: 4.5 Stars
“Go after life. Do it every day, every minute, every single moment. Don’t hold anything back.”
B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L! Well once again we entered into a story not knowing anything about it and once again we hit the jackpot. The thrill of reading is all about the unraveling of the story as it unfolds, of almost walking in the characters shoes and living each moment with them, sharing their emotions and feelings and that certainly was the case with Hate: A Love Story. What unfolded was a superbly told story of friendship, family, loss, love and redemption, fate and soul mates. It was captivating and we couldn’t put it down. This story had it all!
“But, please, I’m begging you, stop running away from me. I’m fucking sick of it.”
This story was incredibly sad at times, however Laurel Ulen Curtis brilliantly intertwined humour and light banter through her story which prevented it from becoming too weighted down. Oh, we certainly felt extreme emotion but it didn’t overcome us as the author perfectly wove a secondary character through her story in the form of the hysterical Gram who counteracted the heaviness that could have otherwise overwhelmed the story.
“She’s just got a special brand of honesty. I, personally, either find it refreshing or annoying as fuck.”
The comedic timing of the banter was spot on and this uniquely hilarious character with her incorrigible flirting, her bluntness, lack of filter and odd habits was bloody hilarious! We just about highlighted every crazy and sarcastic word that came out her mouth, yet she also had many a wise word to pass onto Whitney.
“I don’t know how to make any of it good again, Gram. Tell me how to make it good again.”
“Oh, my sweet girl. You can’t. Only time can.”
Told through the eyes of Whitney we experience her hidden love for her best friend Blane. Blane blusters into Whitney’s life, forcing the otherwise closed off Whitney to accept his offer of friendship and it’s a solid bond that is sadly torn apart by tragic events, until fate steps in and they meet again 12 years later.
‘At that moment, I knew without a doubt that Blane Hunt had me in his arms, and the look in his heated eyes told me he planned to do all the right things.’
The way the author brought the story to its crescendo was priceless, she had us laughing and crying in equal measure. Every character in this story was engaging and the various relationships woven throughout the story felt real and believable.
“Since when do you need a man to do anything?”
“I don’t need a man. I need Blane.”
We did experience a first in Hate: A Love Story and that was where we found ourselves reading an intimate scene that was so vividly and powerfully written we felt the intensity, the love and the connection of that scene down to our soul. When discussing the book afterwards, we both spoke of how transfixed we were in that moment, how completely lost in the story we became that the magnitude of our feelings saw us with tears streaming down our faces. What these characters felt at that very moment, believe us, we felt it too so BRAVO to this author for eliciting such strong emotions from us.
If you love your stories with plenty of angst, enjoy friends to lovers’ stories that touch your heart, break your heart, that leave you in floods of tear one minute and laughing the next then check this one out! A beautiful story and a definite recommend!
“What’s your biggest regret?”
“That I didn’t love hard enough.”
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author with thanks**
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March 18, 2015
Hate: A Love Story is on sale.
For the FIRST. TIME. EVER.
Regularly $3.99, for a limited time you can have it in your hot little hands for only $0.99!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Gj92f2
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1uYweM7
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1o6A59o
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/1vjnJN5
Kobo is coming, but it takes longer!
Hate: A Love Story is LIVE!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/ZlH81W
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1uYweM7
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/ZA30H5
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1o6A59o
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/1vjnJN5
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1sNaimu
Cover Revealed!
Full Wrap:
Teasers!
“Juicy or not, it’s none of your business,” I scolded.
“Pshhh. It’s all my business. I used to read your diary when you were younger. I was really sad when you outgrew it, and my main source of drama dried up. Almost cried. I really liked the part where you got you’re period.”
“Gram!” I screeched, slamming my hands down on the bed beside my knees.
This. Was. Horrifying.
“You were excited!” she screamed through a fit of hysterical laughter. “Bet hindsight’s twenty twenty on that one, huh?”
“Oh my God! You’re ridiculous!”
“Better than boring. Or dead. These days, both of those are real possibilities.”
“It seems like it won’t end, like nothing will ever be the same. No one will ever be happy again.”
Settling her delicate palm onto my head just above my ear, Gram took a deep breath.
“Well, baby. Nothing ever will be the same. Some things have happened that we can’t change. And these events affect a change in people whether we want them to or not. But you have to remember that just because things can’t ever be the same, does not mean that they can’t ever be good again.”
“I don’t know how to make any of it good again, Gram. Tell me how to make it good again.”
“Oh, my sweet girl. You can’t. Only time can.”
For the FIRST. TIME. EVER.
Regularly $3.99, for a limited time you can have it in your hot little hands for only $0.99!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Gj92f2
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1uYweM7
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1o6A59o
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/1vjnJN5
Kobo is coming, but it takes longer!
Hate: A Love Story is LIVE!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/ZlH81W
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1uYweM7
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/ZA30H5
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1o6A59o
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/1vjnJN5
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1sNaimu
Cover Revealed!
Full Wrap:
Teasers!
“Juicy or not, it’s none of your business,” I scolded.
“Pshhh. It’s all my business. I used to read your diary when you were younger. I was really sad when you outgrew it, and my main source of drama dried up. Almost cried. I really liked the part where you got you’re period.”
“Gram!” I screeched, slamming my hands down on the bed beside my knees.
This. Was. Horrifying.
“You were excited!” she screamed through a fit of hysterical laughter. “Bet hindsight’s twenty twenty on that one, huh?”
“Oh my God! You’re ridiculous!”
“Better than boring. Or dead. These days, both of those are real possibilities.”
“It seems like it won’t end, like nothing will ever be the same. No one will ever be happy again.”
Settling her delicate palm onto my head just above my ear, Gram took a deep breath.
“Well, baby. Nothing ever will be the same. Some things have happened that we can’t change. And these events affect a change in people whether we want them to or not. But you have to remember that just because things can’t ever be the same, does not mean that they can’t ever be good again.”
“I don’t know how to make any of it good again, Gram. Tell me how to make it good again.”
“Oh, my sweet girl. You can’t. Only time can.”
October 9, 2014
I hate roller coasters, the twisting and turning, stomach churning, the fear of what may happen.
Yet I love the anticipation, the nervous tingling, the breath taking, heart racing, emotion swirling way they take you to your highest highs and the lowest lows, only to end on the most magnificent high.
Hate: A Love Story is one hell of a roller coaster. And while I hate the damn things, I sure as hell loved this one.
Full review to come :)
Yet I love the anticipation, the nervous tingling, the breath taking, heart racing, emotion swirling way they take you to your highest highs and the lowest lows, only to end on the most magnificent high.
Hate: A Love Story is one hell of a roller coaster. And while I hate the damn things, I sure as hell loved this one.
Full review to come :)
February 17, 2015
I love when my beZzles finds an Anna book .... While perusing for Fifty clips lol
Read
October 15, 2014DNF.
Not a love/hate story, but a FMF triangle. The nature of the story wasn't for me.
Not a love/hate story, but a FMF triangle. The nature of the story wasn't for me.
February 21, 2015
There are times when you find a book – a true gem, a rarity in this book world that is over-saturated with the typical stories of bad boys and virginal girls, and be completely blown away. When I signed up to review Hate, I had no idea what it was about. I simply liked the cover. Its simplicity drew me in. There was no ‘sexy couple’ featured, or a man with well-defined abs. It was just a pretty purple, and had hands holding a cracked heart. It made me curious. What would I find inside?
The answer to that is simple, and yet complex. BRILLIANCE. EMOTIONS. FEELINGS. A story that is so touching I can’t get it out of my head. And I’ve tried! I’ve read a few books since, but I keep going back to Hate. I’ve not felt this way since The Sea of Tranquility a couple years ago. Before that, I’d say Beautiful Disaster. I know these are big comparisons to make, but for me, it’s the only possible way to convey my hardcore love and adoration for this story.
Hate: A Love Story is told through the words of one Whitney Lenox. She is not the stereotypical female voice we are used to, and that alone was enough to win me over. Her voice is refreshingly unique. She is the kind of person you could see yourself becoming friends with – if only she’d be willing to let you in. Whitney’s downfall is her inability to let people in. She tends to focus on one aspect of her life, and cannot see past whatever it is. Her best friends were forced upon her by the “Can’t-Help-But-Fall-In-Love-With-His-Charm” Blane, who later added Franny into the mix. They become her everything.
"I’ve heard people say that a true connection with someone else goes beyond the reasonable. It goes beyond science and fact, and instead, takes root in the connection of your souls."
The above quote means more to me than just a romantic connection. This can be witnessed throughout the story while watching Whitney and Gram interact. Gram provides much needed comic relief through the entire story. And believe me, it’s perfectly integrated in situations which were at times overwhelmingly depressing. The two of them have a real bond that goes beyond just being related by blood. Their relationship is honestly one of my favorite things about Hate.
From page one, I was transfixed by the story. Laurel Ulen Curtis somehow perfectly intertwined comedy and devastation, giving me relief in times when I was almost at my own emotional breaking point.
"One meant holding on. The other meant letting go. And I just couldn’t seem to commit to either one. How do you let go of the person you’re in love with? But how do you hold on to someone who’ll never love you back?"
And minutes later,
"You’re the one keeping me in Soaps for now. As long as I’m getting something out of you, I figure it pays to try not to screw this up."
Curtis’s storytelling skills are remarkable. Amidst all the sadness and heartbreak, you are still hoping that Whitney will get what she wants out of life. You will fall in love with Gram, and most likely, aspire to be her. You will want to quit reading out of frustration for what these characters go through. The romantic scenes are breathtaking and perfectly complement the story. You will feel every emotion on the spectrum. Most importantly, this book will make you FEEL. ALL. THE. FEELS. I know I did. Filled with angst, love, humor, loss, fate, and redemption, Hate: A Love Story is EVERYTHING. It has all the elements I look for in a favorite read, and it rocketed into position 1 for my favorite of 2014. Now, it’s your turn to fall in love with Hate.
The answer to that is simple, and yet complex. BRILLIANCE. EMOTIONS. FEELINGS. A story that is so touching I can’t get it out of my head. And I’ve tried! I’ve read a few books since, but I keep going back to Hate. I’ve not felt this way since The Sea of Tranquility a couple years ago. Before that, I’d say Beautiful Disaster. I know these are big comparisons to make, but for me, it’s the only possible way to convey my hardcore love and adoration for this story.
Hate: A Love Story is told through the words of one Whitney Lenox. She is not the stereotypical female voice we are used to, and that alone was enough to win me over. Her voice is refreshingly unique. She is the kind of person you could see yourself becoming friends with – if only she’d be willing to let you in. Whitney’s downfall is her inability to let people in. She tends to focus on one aspect of her life, and cannot see past whatever it is. Her best friends were forced upon her by the “Can’t-Help-But-Fall-In-Love-With-His-Charm” Blane, who later added Franny into the mix. They become her everything.
"I’ve heard people say that a true connection with someone else goes beyond the reasonable. It goes beyond science and fact, and instead, takes root in the connection of your souls."
The above quote means more to me than just a romantic connection. This can be witnessed throughout the story while watching Whitney and Gram interact. Gram provides much needed comic relief through the entire story. And believe me, it’s perfectly integrated in situations which were at times overwhelmingly depressing. The two of them have a real bond that goes beyond just being related by blood. Their relationship is honestly one of my favorite things about Hate.
From page one, I was transfixed by the story. Laurel Ulen Curtis somehow perfectly intertwined comedy and devastation, giving me relief in times when I was almost at my own emotional breaking point.
"One meant holding on. The other meant letting go. And I just couldn’t seem to commit to either one. How do you let go of the person you’re in love with? But how do you hold on to someone who’ll never love you back?"
And minutes later,
"You’re the one keeping me in Soaps for now. As long as I’m getting something out of you, I figure it pays to try not to screw this up."
Curtis’s storytelling skills are remarkable. Amidst all the sadness and heartbreak, you are still hoping that Whitney will get what she wants out of life. You will fall in love with Gram, and most likely, aspire to be her. You will want to quit reading out of frustration for what these characters go through. The romantic scenes are breathtaking and perfectly complement the story. You will feel every emotion on the spectrum. Most importantly, this book will make you FEEL. ALL. THE. FEELS. I know I did. Filled with angst, love, humor, loss, fate, and redemption, Hate: A Love Story is EVERYTHING. It has all the elements I look for in a favorite read, and it rocketed into position 1 for my favorite of 2014. Now, it’s your turn to fall in love with Hate.
December 5, 2015
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Hate: A Love Story was very well written. I adored the friendship between Blane, Whitney, and Franny. They were very easy to connect with and understand the issues that they had to face. This book dealt with some very tough situations and I think the author did an excellent job handling them.
One of my favorite characters in this story had to be Gram. She was a riot! She was old, grumpy and just told you how it was. She had no filter at all. And I loved the advice she would give. It was priceless. She made me laugh so much!! Her family may have been annoyed by her, but Whitney completely adored her.
Hate: A Love Story is a beautiful, well written, coming of age story. It is a story about love. Not just romantic love, but the love you have for family and friends. This story was heartbreaking at times, and gives you just the right amount of angst. It has a great message about accepting the things that happen to us and how we move on. It is a great story about friendship, hope, finding ones self and a love that can stand the test of time. This book will make you laugh, cry and swoon. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be checking her other books out.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
You can check out my full review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
Hate: A Love Story was very well written. I adored the friendship between Blane, Whitney, and Franny. They were very easy to connect with and understand the issues that they had to face. This book dealt with some very tough situations and I think the author did an excellent job handling them.
One of my favorite characters in this story had to be Gram. She was a riot! She was old, grumpy and just told you how it was. She had no filter at all. And I loved the advice she would give. It was priceless. She made me laugh so much!! Her family may have been annoyed by her, but Whitney completely adored her.
Hate: A Love Story is a beautiful, well written, coming of age story. It is a story about love. Not just romantic love, but the love you have for family and friends. This story was heartbreaking at times, and gives you just the right amount of angst. It has a great message about accepting the things that happen to us and how we move on. It is a great story about friendship, hope, finding ones self and a love that can stand the test of time. This book will make you laugh, cry and swoon. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be checking her other books out.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
You can check out my full review here at: http://www.onceuponabookblog.com/blog...
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June 11, 2018What a beautifully haunting story of love and family. Every character was complete. Every page perfect. I loved this bittersweet romance.
October 6, 2015
4.5 Stars
I don't know what all the fuss is about. I was apprehensive going into this book because I read some reviews where people were so upset about a f/m/f love triangle. First of all, we read love triangles all the time, and why is it acceptable for a woman to be torn between two men and not a man in love with two women?
Secondly, I don't even really think this was a love triangle. I believe both of the main characters loved each other all along, and because of unwillingness on the heroine's side, the male moved on. However, I never doubted the love the characters had for each other, neither when they were apart, nor when they were reunited. There was also no real conflict like I usually see in love triangle stories. The conflict had to do with unrequited love and insecurity more than anything else. Granted, the hero was in love with two women, but it was much more complicated than that. There was no cheating. He wasn't going back and forth between the two of them trying to decide. He loved both of them. I do believe he loved one more than the other in a romantic way, but that was never exposed until later, and I'm not sure he even knew that at the time. He was a good guy. Seriously.
Hear me out:
As Gram states throughout this entire book, the hero dropped hints all along that he was in love with Whitney.
I think Blane loved both women, but I think he loved Franny more as a best friend that he was intimate with and later played the role of a caretaker and protector. I think he loved Franny and could have been content with her, but he would have been settling. Even if he didn't know it at the time. Circumstances happened later that made him realize that, but hindsight is 20/20.
I think this pretty much sums it up:
Gram is probably one of the best and most humorous secondary characters I have ever read. The story is worth a read just to meet her! She is awesome! There were a few times where she made me miss my own grandmother and I got teary eyed. There were even more times where I had to put my kindle down because I was laughing so hard I couldn't continue reading.
Grams was the smartest broad in the room, and she knew all along who the true soul mates were. She did everything in her power to make them see and believe that. Her methods were a bit unconventional, but she did it in a style unique to Grams, and I love her for it!
Anyway, I came into this book apprehensive, and finished really loving it. A lot of serious issues are touched on in this book: It is also filled with a lot of humor and love. I would put aside any preconceived notions and give this one a try. It's worth it.
I don't know what all the fuss is about. I was apprehensive going into this book because I read some reviews where people were so upset about a f/m/f love triangle. First of all, we read love triangles all the time, and why is it acceptable for a woman to be torn between two men and not a man in love with two women?
Secondly, I don't even really think this was a love triangle. I believe both of the main characters loved each other all along, and because of unwillingness on the heroine's side, the male moved on. However, I never doubted the love the characters had for each other, neither when they were apart, nor when they were reunited. There was also no real conflict like I usually see in love triangle stories. The conflict had to do with unrequited love and insecurity more than anything else. Granted, the hero was in love with two women, but it was much more complicated than that. There was no cheating. He wasn't going back and forth between the two of them trying to decide. He loved both of them. I do believe he loved one more than the other in a romantic way, but that was never exposed until later, and I'm not sure he even knew that at the time. He was a good guy. Seriously.
Hear me out:
As Gram states throughout this entire book, the hero dropped hints all along that he was in love with Whitney.
I think Blane loved both women, but I think he loved Franny more as a best friend that he was intimate with and later played the role of a caretaker and protector. I think he loved Franny and could have been content with her, but he would have been settling. Even if he didn't know it at the time. Circumstances happened later that made him realize that, but hindsight is 20/20.
I think this pretty much sums it up:
Gram is probably one of the best and most humorous secondary characters I have ever read. The story is worth a read just to meet her! She is awesome! There were a few times where she made me miss my own grandmother and I got teary eyed. There were even more times where I had to put my kindle down because I was laughing so hard I couldn't continue reading.
Grams was the smartest broad in the room, and she knew all along who the true soul mates were. She did everything in her power to make them see and believe that. Her methods were a bit unconventional, but she did it in a style unique to Grams, and I love her for it!
Anyway, I came into this book apprehensive, and finished really loving it. A lot of serious issues are touched on in this book: It is also filled with a lot of humor and love. I would put aside any preconceived notions and give this one a try. It's worth it.
June 18, 2015
This book, hands down the best book I’ve ever read. My absolute FAVORITE.
Ever. Like in my whole entire life!
Words cannot express the connection I am feeling with this book. I am a lover of all books, but this book was different. I have never loved a book, its characters, and their love story as soon or as much as I did this one.
"To be in love...It's powerful and completely debilitating all at the same time. It's ecstasy and agony, and it's one of the single most terrifying feelings in the world."
Feeling this many emotions, all in ONE book is new to me... Hell, I have never experienced this many emotions within 5 hours, ever.
Oh gosh, there were times I felt like the oxygen was being sucked out of my lungs, making my heart hurt so badly. Many times I wanted to unread words to stop my heart from feeling all of the emotions running through every inch of me. But it was more than just a heart crushing story, and as many times as it brought me to tears, I would turn the page and almost immediately start LAUGHING-OUT-LOUD. As if the author knew I needed to be reeled back in, she filled me up with butterflies and happiness and giving me hope. I went from love to hate to love within seconds, coincidence? I think not.
"No bottle is big enough for human emotion. Love, hate, anger, happiness, and deep melancholy. Each one exists for a reason. Emotion is real. It's meant to be released. It's meant to be lived."
Whitney, the female main character was confident and strong; I fell in love with her first, which NEVER happens. Extremely guarded, she projected this, take-no-bullshit-attitude, that I loved, but what I admired about her the most, was her loyalty. Always doing what was right, even if that meant putting the wants and needs of other ahead of her own.
I loved Blane too, there was nothing not to love about Blane, well there is one thing. The relationship between the two was palpable from the very beginning. The back and forth banter between Blane and Whitney was amazing…. And then there was Gram, and to say she was absolutely hysterical is an understatement! Gram was blunt and so very obnoxious, slightly delusional, but full of so much wisdom, she knew what was best for Whitney, always.
Gram was literally the icing on the cake, and icing is my favorite part!
Without Gram, I don’t think there would be happily-ever-after. Without Gram, I wouldn’t have loved this book so much, and I probably would have been sleeping 2 hours after I finished reading, instead I was sobbing unsure if I was happy, sad, angry, needing more (.. it was all of the above)
This book was my highest roller coaster ride, the up’s and the down’s, I would not change a thing and I loved every moment of the ride; this is a ride I plan to take over and over again!
After reading some other reviews, I saw several reviewers that made note of one thing, and I totally could see where they’re coming from, and why it was interpreted negatively. My interpretation was the opposite, I told you it like an all-encompassing love, and I have to defend its honor.. like a devil’s advocate so to speak, my interpretations that others saw differently, are most definitely considered spoilers
Ever. Like in my whole entire life!
Words cannot express the connection I am feeling with this book. I am a lover of all books, but this book was different. I have never loved a book, its characters, and their love story as soon or as much as I did this one.
"To be in love...It's powerful and completely debilitating all at the same time. It's ecstasy and agony, and it's one of the single most terrifying feelings in the world."
Feeling this many emotions, all in ONE book is new to me... Hell, I have never experienced this many emotions within 5 hours, ever.
Oh gosh, there were times I felt like the oxygen was being sucked out of my lungs, making my heart hurt so badly. Many times I wanted to unread words to stop my heart from feeling all of the emotions running through every inch of me. But it was more than just a heart crushing story, and as many times as it brought me to tears, I would turn the page and almost immediately start LAUGHING-OUT-LOUD. As if the author knew I needed to be reeled back in, she filled me up with butterflies and happiness and giving me hope. I went from love to hate to love within seconds, coincidence? I think not.
"No bottle is big enough for human emotion. Love, hate, anger, happiness, and deep melancholy. Each one exists for a reason. Emotion is real. It's meant to be released. It's meant to be lived."
Whitney, the female main character was confident and strong; I fell in love with her first, which NEVER happens. Extremely guarded, she projected this, take-no-bullshit-attitude, that I loved, but what I admired about her the most, was her loyalty. Always doing what was right, even if that meant putting the wants and needs of other ahead of her own.
I loved Blane too, there was nothing not to love about Blane, well there is one thing. The relationship between the two was palpable from the very beginning. The back and forth banter between Blane and Whitney was amazing…. And then there was Gram, and to say she was absolutely hysterical is an understatement! Gram was blunt and so very obnoxious, slightly delusional, but full of so much wisdom, she knew what was best for Whitney, always.
Gram was literally the icing on the cake, and icing is my favorite part!
Without Gram, I don’t think there would be happily-ever-after. Without Gram, I wouldn’t have loved this book so much, and I probably would have been sleeping 2 hours after I finished reading, instead I was sobbing unsure if I was happy, sad, angry, needing more (.. it was all of the above)
This book was my highest roller coaster ride, the up’s and the down’s, I would not change a thing and I loved every moment of the ride; this is a ride I plan to take over and over again!
After reading some other reviews, I saw several reviewers that made note of one thing, and I totally could see where they’re coming from, and why it was interpreted negatively. My interpretation was the opposite, I told you it like an all-encompassing love, and I have to defend its honor.. like a devil’s advocate so to speak, my interpretations that others saw differently, are most definitely considered spoilers
October 17, 2014
J&G: 4.5 Stars
“Go after life. Do it every day, every minute, every single moment. Don’t hold anything back.”
B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L! Well once again we entered into a story not knowing anything about it and once again we hit the jackpot. The thrill of reading is all about the unraveling of the story as it unfolds, of almost walking in the characters shoes and living each moment with them, sharing their emotions and feelings and that certainly was the case with Hate: A Love Story. What unfolded was a superbly told story of friendship, family, loss, love and redemption, fate and soul mates. It was captivating and we couldn’t put it down. This story had it all!
“But, please, I’m begging you, stop running away from me. I’m fucking sick of it.”
This story was incredibly sad at times, however Laurel Ulen Curtis brilliantly intertwined humour and light banter through her story which prevented it from becoming too weighted down. Oh, we certainly felt extreme emotion but it didn’t overcome us as the author perfectly wove a secondary character through her story in the form of the hysterical Gram who counteracted the heaviness that could have otherwise overwhelmed the story.
“She’s just got a special brand of honesty. I, personally, either find it refreshing or annoying as fuck.”
The comedic timing of the banter was spot on and this uniquely hilarious character with her incorrigible flirting, her bluntness, lack of filter and odd habits was bloody hilarious! We just about highlighted every crazy and sarcastic word that came out her mouth, yet she also had many a wise word to pass onto Whitney.
“I don’t know how to make any of it good again, Gram. Tell me how to make it good again.”
“Oh, my sweet girl. You can’t. Only time can.”
Told through the eyes of Whitney we experience her hidden love for her best friend Blane. Blane blusters into Whitney’s life, forcing the otherwise closed off Whitney to accept his offer of friendship and it’s a solid bond that is sadly torn apart by tragic events, until fate steps in and they meet again 12 years later.
‘At that moment, I knew without a doubt that Blane Hunt had me in his arms, and the look in his heated eyes told me he planned to do all the right things.’
The way the author brought the story to its crescendo was priceless, she had us laughing and crying in equal measure. Every character in this story was engaging and the various relationships woven throughout the story felt real and believable.
“Since when do you need a man to do anything?”
“I don’t need a man. I need Blane.”
We did experience a first in Hate: A Love Story and that was where we found ourselves reading an intimate scene that was so vividly and powerfully written we felt the intensity, the love and the connection of that scene down to our soul. When discussing the book afterwards, we both spoke of how transfixed we were in that moment, how completely lost in the story we became that the magnitude of our feelings saw us with tears streaming down our faces. What these characters felt at that very moment, believe us, we felt it too so BRAVO to this author for eliciting such strong emotions from us.
If you love your stories with plenty of angst, enjoy friends to lovers’ stories that touch your heart, break your heart, that leave you in floods of tear one minute and laughing the next then check this one out! A beautiful story and a definite recommend!
“What’s your biggest regret?”
“That I didn’t love hard enough.”
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author with thanks**
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December 6, 2014
4.5 stars!! Emotional!! OMG I loved this one, such a beautiful friends to lovers story, it may have took a long time to get there but the journey was incredible. Angsty and emotional perfectly balanced with a huge dollop of wit. I would be bawling one minute and laughing the next. I loved Gram. (Full review to come)
October 7, 2014
Excuse me while I go cry and cry on my bed. Happy tears, sad tears, just tears of all emotions. This was beautiful! It broke my heart, it healed it, it broke it again...
My full review will be up soon. Make sure to mark this book down!
My full review will be up soon. Make sure to mark this book down!
October 19, 2014
The author was kind enough to give me the opportunity and privilege to read the advance reading copy of Hate: A Love Story for an honest review.
A NeeNee and Elbow 5 gold star
From the start I had butterflies and cramps in my stomach, I don't know why, don't ask me but I just had this feeling that this one was going to tear my heart and soul into kazillion pieces and I'd need glue to put myself back together. And trust me on this guys, I DID NOT REGRET ONE SINGLE MOMENT OF IT.
This is a story of friendship, love and growing up in an increasingly hostile world that forces you to lose people you love for no reason other than hate. This is a love story that you will hate to not love or fall epically in love with like I did.
We meet Whit and Blane when they become friends at the age of 12. And then came Franny, and they became the trio of best friends who completed each other. Life was simple and sweet and then came the year when the whole world changed forever. I think every single person on this planet changed that day like the world changed for these three uniquely beautiful people.
The characters were real, each of their stories were heartbreakingly beautiful. Whit was smart, witty, she's always had a one track mind until Blane came into her world, well even then she was on her track. Blane was wow. God I fell in love each and every time he opened his mouth. He's a man stuck in a boy's body. His thoughts were so insanely grown up thanks to his dad. Blane was hot but the best part about his was his heart, it was gorgeous and thoughtful because of the man that was his father. I wish there were more people like him out there. More people like Blane and Mr. Hunt that is. I loved the camaraderie between Whit and Blane, it was fun and honestly made me giddy listening these two banter. And Franny, the quiet little bird, the sweet and quite soul that completed the trio of best friends.
Life has a way of wrecking havoc, things happen, we make certain decisions and bam. EVERYTHING changes. Life changed for these three souls and in a span of few months, everything went upside down. What I loved about Whit was that her heart was always in the right place. She was practical yet at the same time compassionate and supportive. She tried to be everything for her two best friends yet life has a way of messing everything up. So you end up being alone even when you've given your all. Sometimes doing everything isn't enough. Such is life. But in all this, Whit had one person who was always there to support her with her wise cracks and hilarious tantrums. Gram. Larger than life, the bestest person any person could ever hope to have on their side of the right. Oh man, I love that woman. She's crazy, she's never quiet, always voicing her not so politically correct opinions but oh boy is she right in her anecdotes. Each and every of her advice to Whit was incredibly thought provoking and true.
So as I said from the beginning, from the very first moment, my heart was in my throat, even when I was more than half way through, and I felt wrecked and ruined and I cried and moped around, the lump was still lodged uncomfortably in my throat, and then it eased a bit. Even through the wreck of her teen years Whit managed to survive and then the plane thing happened and again I had the lump the size of a soccer ball lodged in my throat. And I wasn't sure if I should read on or stop. I honestly did not know if I could survive reading this one. I dreaded the ending, but I couldn't stop and not find out and I read on.
While growing up we go through different phases. We fall in love, we break our hearts, we lose people precious to us. But funny thing, even through all this, we survive if we only have the patience and perseverance. Some of us do and some of us don't. For the don'ts it's hard for the do's to move on. Because the ones they leave behind have to go on with life without them to be with every single step of the way.
I am sorry if this review confuses you, this book isn't simple, it's made me emotional on a level I cannot explain because then I'd have to spoil the story. I don't want to because I would request and urge each and every single one out there to read this hauntingly beautiful story. This story will grab you by the throat and shake your core with its honesty and poignancy.
This is a story of friendship and loss and hate, the purest form of hate there is. Because if it wasn't hate then the world wouldn't be what it is now today. So after reading this if you're at all curious about Whit and her love story which you will love to hate but hate to miss out on. Then read this epically stunning story and find out if Whit gets her happy ever after? Will she get her Prince Charming because if there was ever a Prince Charming in books, HE WAS IT! But does life give us bliss when it has taken so much pleasure in giving us misery. To know all you have to do is buy this book and find out.
So Hate: A love Story for me was a solid 5 gold star. And now I do need glue to put myself back together but I'm a better person from having read this one. Wow! What a way to be introduced to a new author.
A NeeNee and Elbow 5 gold star
From the start I had butterflies and cramps in my stomach, I don't know why, don't ask me but I just had this feeling that this one was going to tear my heart and soul into kazillion pieces and I'd need glue to put myself back together. And trust me on this guys, I DID NOT REGRET ONE SINGLE MOMENT OF IT.
This is a story of friendship, love and growing up in an increasingly hostile world that forces you to lose people you love for no reason other than hate. This is a love story that you will hate to not love or fall epically in love with like I did.
We meet Whit and Blane when they become friends at the age of 12. And then came Franny, and they became the trio of best friends who completed each other. Life was simple and sweet and then came the year when the whole world changed forever. I think every single person on this planet changed that day like the world changed for these three uniquely beautiful people.
The characters were real, each of their stories were heartbreakingly beautiful. Whit was smart, witty, she's always had a one track mind until Blane came into her world, well even then she was on her track. Blane was wow. God I fell in love each and every time he opened his mouth. He's a man stuck in a boy's body. His thoughts were so insanely grown up thanks to his dad. Blane was hot but the best part about his was his heart, it was gorgeous and thoughtful because of the man that was his father. I wish there were more people like him out there. More people like Blane and Mr. Hunt that is. I loved the camaraderie between Whit and Blane, it was fun and honestly made me giddy listening these two banter. And Franny, the quiet little bird, the sweet and quite soul that completed the trio of best friends.
Life has a way of wrecking havoc, things happen, we make certain decisions and bam. EVERYTHING changes. Life changed for these three souls and in a span of few months, everything went upside down. What I loved about Whit was that her heart was always in the right place. She was practical yet at the same time compassionate and supportive. She tried to be everything for her two best friends yet life has a way of messing everything up. So you end up being alone even when you've given your all. Sometimes doing everything isn't enough. Such is life. But in all this, Whit had one person who was always there to support her with her wise cracks and hilarious tantrums. Gram. Larger than life, the bestest person any person could ever hope to have on their side of the right. Oh man, I love that woman. She's crazy, she's never quiet, always voicing her not so politically correct opinions but oh boy is she right in her anecdotes. Each and every of her advice to Whit was incredibly thought provoking and true.
So as I said from the beginning, from the very first moment, my heart was in my throat, even when I was more than half way through, and I felt wrecked and ruined and I cried and moped around, the lump was still lodged uncomfortably in my throat, and then it eased a bit. Even through the wreck of her teen years Whit managed to survive and then the plane thing happened and again I had the lump the size of a soccer ball lodged in my throat. And I wasn't sure if I should read on or stop. I honestly did not know if I could survive reading this one. I dreaded the ending, but I couldn't stop and not find out and I read on.
While growing up we go through different phases. We fall in love, we break our hearts, we lose people precious to us. But funny thing, even through all this, we survive if we only have the patience and perseverance. Some of us do and some of us don't. For the don'ts it's hard for the do's to move on. Because the ones they leave behind have to go on with life without them to be with every single step of the way.
I am sorry if this review confuses you, this book isn't simple, it's made me emotional on a level I cannot explain because then I'd have to spoil the story. I don't want to because I would request and urge each and every single one out there to read this hauntingly beautiful story. This story will grab you by the throat and shake your core with its honesty and poignancy.
This is a story of friendship and loss and hate, the purest form of hate there is. Because if it wasn't hate then the world wouldn't be what it is now today. So after reading this if you're at all curious about Whit and her love story which you will love to hate but hate to miss out on. Then read this epically stunning story and find out if Whit gets her happy ever after? Will she get her Prince Charming because if there was ever a Prince Charming in books, HE WAS IT! But does life give us bliss when it has taken so much pleasure in giving us misery. To know all you have to do is buy this book and find out.
So Hate: A love Story for me was a solid 5 gold star. And now I do need glue to put myself back together but I'm a better person from having read this one. Wow! What a way to be introduced to a new author.
October 12, 2014
This book was 4.5 heartfelt stars for me. Although it dealt with many difficult topics this book was written in true Laurel Ulen Curtis Style. She writes with a touch of humor that is hard to come by. Gram stole the show for me in this book. I loved her and she brought a lightness to some of the hardships that otherwise would have been difficult to read. There were tons of ups and downs and emotions felt while reading Hate: A Love Story. To me that is a measure of true success in a book. I want it to make me feel things and this book certainly did that. I really enjoyed this one.
October 12, 2014
"No bottle is big enough for human emotion. Love, hate, anger, happiness, and deep melancholy. Each one exists for a reason. Emotion is real. It's meant to be released. It's meant to be lived."
Whitney and Blane met as young teens forging a strong connection witty rapport, and unwavering loyalty. A couple of years later, a third friend, Franny joined their crew and changed their dynamic a little but they were still all best friends, all supportive, and cared deeply.
But one choice caused a rift. And awakening awareness added complications. And it just snowballed from there with more issues and situations causing drama, stress, and heartache.
Love, hate, friendship, jealousy, disappointment, anger, loss, abandonment, fear, regret, and current events all swirled around their lives taking their easy going threesome and blowing each one of them apart in some way and changing everything.
"You can't see it now, baby, but this world is a big interwoven place, and everything in it happens for some cosmic reason."
Blane...I loved him. I hated him. Well I did not really ever hate him, but did hate some of actions and choices even when I thought I understood them. He started out sarcastic, witty, loyal, protective and loving. But somewhere along the way he lost control of his life and made choices that he thought he had to make. It was hard to see this amazing young man struggle when life kept bearing down on him.
Whitney was fiery, smart, and snarky, but also had a selective focus and kept others at arm's length. But Blane bullied his way into her life and became a part of her. And she let Franny in too. But she was a bit oblivious and did not always make the best decisions. She was insecure and full of self doubt affecting her choices.
Franny was plain, sweet, genuine and was a positive addition to their group. But life sometimes throws curve balls that are hard to deflect.
So the dynamics of this group are challenged and no matter how much they cared or loved each other sometimes things change and people change especially when they are young and lack life experience.
"Well, baby. Nothing ever will be the same. Some things have happened that we can't change. And these events affect a change in people whether we want them to or not. But you have to remember that just because things can't ever be the same, does not mean that they can't ever by good again."
And with those words of wisdom, I have to mention Grandma. OMG she was the big, bright light of this story! She was outspoken, crazy, intrusive, bossy and over the top. It was impossible not to love her. She shined in every scene she was in and thankfully provided a lot of comic relief among some of the other more serious situations. But she was also full of solid advice and support.
I was totally tense while reading. I knew where I wanted the story to end up all along. My heart was in suspended animation the whole time waiting to see what would happen next, feeling the emotions and pain, and just wanting to hold on to the glimmers of happiness. It was seriously nerve wracking and heartwrenching. My heart broke over and over for them. But mixed in were times of real connection, sweetness, and lots of humor too.
This is a story that had ups and downs, but was mesmerizing, emotional and heartfelt. Sometimes it frustrated me, but even when I wanted to hate it, I still loved it even when I thought my heart could not take anymore. The connection between the characters was so deep and intense that you could feel it. Sometimes I wanted to throttle them because they did not do what I wanted them to. I was so invested in their story and their outcome that I had to resist the urge a couple of times when I was itching to skip to the end to hopefully put my heart at ease. These characters went through so much, lost so much time and people they cared about. There was a lot of drama, angst, pain, and intense situations. It was heartbreaking but also poignant and beautiful how strongly they were tied and how strong their connection really was. Time, distance, anger, hate was no match for strong abiding friendship and love. But what a journey it was with twists and turns that took my breath away, frustrated me, and made me cry. There were also plenty of times I smiled, laughed, and swooned. And even though the subject matter of the book could have ended up dark and depressing, I did not feel that vibe from this book. Yes, it was tension filled, emotional, and sad, but there was also humor, romance, and positive situations that helped balance it. The result was a deeply touching story with memorable characters, depth, and a powerful message of the importance of loving and living life to the fullest. And that hopefully in the battle of love vs. hate that love will eventually be the victor.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Whitney and Blane met as young teens forging a strong connection witty rapport, and unwavering loyalty. A couple of years later, a third friend, Franny joined their crew and changed their dynamic a little but they were still all best friends, all supportive, and cared deeply.
But one choice caused a rift. And awakening awareness added complications. And it just snowballed from there with more issues and situations causing drama, stress, and heartache.
Love, hate, friendship, jealousy, disappointment, anger, loss, abandonment, fear, regret, and current events all swirled around their lives taking their easy going threesome and blowing each one of them apart in some way and changing everything.
"You can't see it now, baby, but this world is a big interwoven place, and everything in it happens for some cosmic reason."
Blane...I loved him. I hated him. Well I did not really ever hate him, but did hate some of actions and choices even when I thought I understood them. He started out sarcastic, witty, loyal, protective and loving. But somewhere along the way he lost control of his life and made choices that he thought he had to make. It was hard to see this amazing young man struggle when life kept bearing down on him.
Whitney was fiery, smart, and snarky, but also had a selective focus and kept others at arm's length. But Blane bullied his way into her life and became a part of her. And she let Franny in too. But she was a bit oblivious and did not always make the best decisions. She was insecure and full of self doubt affecting her choices.
Franny was plain, sweet, genuine and was a positive addition to their group. But life sometimes throws curve balls that are hard to deflect.
So the dynamics of this group are challenged and no matter how much they cared or loved each other sometimes things change and people change especially when they are young and lack life experience.
"Well, baby. Nothing ever will be the same. Some things have happened that we can't change. And these events affect a change in people whether we want them to or not. But you have to remember that just because things can't ever be the same, does not mean that they can't ever by good again."
And with those words of wisdom, I have to mention Grandma. OMG she was the big, bright light of this story! She was outspoken, crazy, intrusive, bossy and over the top. It was impossible not to love her. She shined in every scene she was in and thankfully provided a lot of comic relief among some of the other more serious situations. But she was also full of solid advice and support.
I was totally tense while reading. I knew where I wanted the story to end up all along. My heart was in suspended animation the whole time waiting to see what would happen next, feeling the emotions and pain, and just wanting to hold on to the glimmers of happiness. It was seriously nerve wracking and heartwrenching. My heart broke over and over for them. But mixed in were times of real connection, sweetness, and lots of humor too.
This is a story that had ups and downs, but was mesmerizing, emotional and heartfelt. Sometimes it frustrated me, but even when I wanted to hate it, I still loved it even when I thought my heart could not take anymore. The connection between the characters was so deep and intense that you could feel it. Sometimes I wanted to throttle them because they did not do what I wanted them to. I was so invested in their story and their outcome that I had to resist the urge a couple of times when I was itching to skip to the end to hopefully put my heart at ease. These characters went through so much, lost so much time and people they cared about. There was a lot of drama, angst, pain, and intense situations. It was heartbreaking but also poignant and beautiful how strongly they were tied and how strong their connection really was. Time, distance, anger, hate was no match for strong abiding friendship and love. But what a journey it was with twists and turns that took my breath away, frustrated me, and made me cry. There were also plenty of times I smiled, laughed, and swooned. And even though the subject matter of the book could have ended up dark and depressing, I did not feel that vibe from this book. Yes, it was tension filled, emotional, and sad, but there was also humor, romance, and positive situations that helped balance it. The result was a deeply touching story with memorable characters, depth, and a powerful message of the importance of loving and living life to the fullest. And that hopefully in the battle of love vs. hate that love will eventually be the victor.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2014
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for an unbiased review.
I went into this book already loving Laurel Ulen Curtis' work. I've enjoyed her other books and often laughed so hard I could barely see the pages through tears of laughter. This is not one of those books.
This book is, at times, very difficult to read. It is heart-breaking (more than once) and hits you hard in the heart. That being said, it is one of the very best books I've read in years and a book I will carry with me on my soul forever. This book is about love. It is about growth and life knocking you onto your butt but finding a way to get up and keep going. It is about finding a way for your heart to heal and to allow yourself to once again find the path for your life. There is a character in this book, Gram (a totally hysterically-funny extremely loving woman, btw) who said, "But you have to remember that just because things can't ever be the same, does not mean that they can't ever be good again." I honestly think this quote sets the tone for this entire book. Life happens. We have to learn to roll with it. And the people who roll along with us are who matter in this world.
I loved Whitney. She felt real. She was strong on the outside and soft underneath. Her side-kick is often her Gram. But she develops a very deep friendship when she is young with Blane (and later with Franny) who come into her life when she is defining who she is in this world. And the story begins.
I do want to say that the tragedies of 9/11 play a part in this story. If that is a trigger for you, know going in that this is painful but it is also handled with respect and to me, would be worth reading because it is just that good. I know though, what it is to read a book and have it trigger PTSD and it would have been easier of I'd known that going in to other books I've previously read. . The end - it's worth reading through, feeling the pain, and getting to the other side. It is a stand-alone and the end made me happy. I highly recommend this book!!!
I went into this book already loving Laurel Ulen Curtis' work. I've enjoyed her other books and often laughed so hard I could barely see the pages through tears of laughter. This is not one of those books.
This book is, at times, very difficult to read. It is heart-breaking (more than once) and hits you hard in the heart. That being said, it is one of the very best books I've read in years and a book I will carry with me on my soul forever. This book is about love. It is about growth and life knocking you onto your butt but finding a way to get up and keep going. It is about finding a way for your heart to heal and to allow yourself to once again find the path for your life. There is a character in this book, Gram (a totally hysterically-funny extremely loving woman, btw) who said, "But you have to remember that just because things can't ever be the same, does not mean that they can't ever be good again." I honestly think this quote sets the tone for this entire book. Life happens. We have to learn to roll with it. And the people who roll along with us are who matter in this world.
I loved Whitney. She felt real. She was strong on the outside and soft underneath. Her side-kick is often her Gram. But she develops a very deep friendship when she is young with Blane (and later with Franny) who come into her life when she is defining who she is in this world. And the story begins.
I do want to say that the tragedies of 9/11 play a part in this story. If that is a trigger for you, know going in that this is painful but it is also handled with respect and to me, would be worth reading because it is just that good. I know though, what it is to read a book and have it trigger PTSD and it would have been easier of I'd known that going in to other books I've previously read. . The end - it's worth reading through, feeling the pain, and getting to the other side. It is a stand-alone and the end made me happy. I highly recommend this book!!!
October 13, 2014
First let me get the pleasantries out of the way. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Now that those are out of the way let me get on with it.
5 Emotional Roller Coaster Stars
Holy wow! The journey and roller coaster ride that Laurel takes you on is one of tears and tons of laughter. Just when you think the story is going to take a turn for the super sentimental Gram pipes up and says something that just makes you smile and then laugh and I mean belly laugh.
Whitney/NeeNee/Elbow is one of the main characters. We meet her in 7th grade and she is a bit awkward, not super social it seems, and things don't really change a bunch. As the story progresses so does time, a year here and a year there. She goes through some pretty rough stuff her senior year and then fast forward to adult years and you see her again.
Blane is the other main character in this story. He meets Whitney when he comes to the new school. He bullies his way in to her life and stays there. Lots of tragic events happen and eventually time can heal, but it takes time. He joins the Army, grows up, and gets a life.
Then we meet Gram. She is outspoken, loud, and doesn't care what others think. She draws you in, makes you laugh, makes you think, and then some.
This is a pretty great tale of woe, happiness, and tragic life events. Definitely worth a read.
5 Emotional Roller Coaster Stars
Holy wow! The journey and roller coaster ride that Laurel takes you on is one of tears and tons of laughter. Just when you think the story is going to take a turn for the super sentimental Gram pipes up and says something that just makes you smile and then laugh and I mean belly laugh.
Whitney/NeeNee/Elbow is one of the main characters. We meet her in 7th grade and she is a bit awkward, not super social it seems, and things don't really change a bunch. As the story progresses so does time, a year here and a year there. She goes through some pretty rough stuff her senior year and then fast forward to adult years and you see her again.
Blane is the other main character in this story. He meets Whitney when he comes to the new school. He bullies his way in to her life and stays there. Lots of tragic events happen and eventually time can heal, but it takes time. He joins the Army, grows up, and gets a life.
Then we meet Gram. She is outspoken, loud, and doesn't care what others think. She draws you in, makes you laugh, makes you think, and then some.
This is a pretty great tale of woe, happiness, and tragic life events. Definitely worth a read.
August 22, 2015
✰✰✰✰✰
~~5 HEARTS~~
WOW! This book bulldozed through all my emotions. Just when I thought it's given me it's worse, it comes out and stabs me in the feels again. I like that it was so realistic and incorporated real live events where anybody can relate to the emotions attached to it. I love that you get to read of a love story that wasn't all sugar and spice and all things nice. This story just pulls you in and once it gets a hold of your attention it doesn't let up.
You get the story of how Whitney & Blane meets at the early age of fourteen and the progression of their friendship and how it evolves into this strong bond that's hard to be broken. You see all of Whitney's ups and downs and the struggle of letting go and getting forced to carrying on. I absolutely love Grams, Whitney's grandmother. She was a fiesty old lady that did and said what she liked and didn't care what you thought. She instilled those traits in Whitney and the banter between Whitney & Blane was the icing on the cake for me. I love how their story unfolds and you're just pulled in like a magnet.
I think this book hit all the emotions that makes a great book. This is definitely a book that I would re-read several times and not get tired of it. I haven't read anything like this and I absolutely LOVED it!
~~5 HEARTS~~
WOW! This book bulldozed through all my emotions. Just when I thought it's given me it's worse, it comes out and stabs me in the feels again. I like that it was so realistic and incorporated real live events where anybody can relate to the emotions attached to it. I love that you get to read of a love story that wasn't all sugar and spice and all things nice. This story just pulls you in and once it gets a hold of your attention it doesn't let up.
You get the story of how Whitney & Blane meets at the early age of fourteen and the progression of their friendship and how it evolves into this strong bond that's hard to be broken. You see all of Whitney's ups and downs and the struggle of letting go and getting forced to carrying on. I absolutely love Grams, Whitney's grandmother. She was a fiesty old lady that did and said what she liked and didn't care what you thought. She instilled those traits in Whitney and the banter between Whitney & Blane was the icing on the cake for me. I love how their story unfolds and you're just pulled in like a magnet.
I think this book hit all the emotions that makes a great book. This is definitely a book that I would re-read several times and not get tired of it. I haven't read anything like this and I absolutely LOVED it!
March 3, 2015
Okay, so here's the latest gem that I'm going to recommend to all my book buddies. This book is so good. Forget the torturous love story between Whitney and Blane. Read this book for Gram! She is awesome!! Not only is she one of the funniest damn characters I've ever read, she is also the wisest. I fell in love with her. This story is so heartbreakingly unique. I've never read anything like it. What Whitney and Blane go through, their journeys will send you reeling. And I don't think that I've ever read a story and thought that the title of the book could not be more perfect. My ONLY criticism of this story would be that wild ass scene that Blane and Whitney went through in Part 3. There is NO DOUBT it would have made world news. Period. But in the book, it's like they just go on with their lives like it was just another crazy day at the office. No way. They would have been bombarded by the press, and I'm actually surprised that it wasn't addressed in some way. Oh well. Laurel hit a home run with this one and I'm proud to say that I got to meet her in person I hope I get that chance again because I would hug her and thank her for such amazing characters...especially Gram.
October 12, 2014
Touching and Honest, Definitely a Tearjerker!
Love is not easy, this story written honestly and beautifully by Laurel Ulen Curtis is one such story.The title confused me so much when I started reading this book, but as I delved in it made perfect sense.
Whitney is a young woman after my own heart, strong, independent and speaks her mind, a lot. She moved through life and school avoiding the ordinary, but one day the extraordinary forced his way into her life. Blane became a huge part in Whitney discovering all that she tried to hide from others and mostly herself. Throw in an eccentric, hysterical grandmother and Whitney is forced to face her true feelings.
Hate: A Love Story is a tale of friendship, love, loss, humor and fate. Laurel focused on multiple sensitive topics, but did it gracefully. I laughed and cried several times throughout this book. A story that can evoke so many emotions is well worth the read and I hope you all enjoy it too. Be prepared to finish it in one sitting. It is one of the best books I've read this year.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
Love is not easy, this story written honestly and beautifully by Laurel Ulen Curtis is one such story.The title confused me so much when I started reading this book, but as I delved in it made perfect sense.
Whitney is a young woman after my own heart, strong, independent and speaks her mind, a lot. She moved through life and school avoiding the ordinary, but one day the extraordinary forced his way into her life. Blane became a huge part in Whitney discovering all that she tried to hide from others and mostly herself. Throw in an eccentric, hysterical grandmother and Whitney is forced to face her true feelings.
Hate: A Love Story is a tale of friendship, love, loss, humor and fate. Laurel focused on multiple sensitive topics, but did it gracefully. I laughed and cried several times throughout this book. A story that can evoke so many emotions is well worth the read and I hope you all enjoy it too. Be prepared to finish it in one sitting. It is one of the best books I've read this year.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
April 18, 2015
This book has pulled so many emotions from me ranging from sheer happiness to gut punching heart wrenching pain and sadness.
Whitney has the kind of friend in a guy that most girls wish they could have. Closeness and openness and love. When Blane brings Franny into their friendship you would think the duo would fall apart but in fact it may actually pull them closer and pull the further apart?
My favorite character in the whole book is her Gram, she is witty and spunky, sassy and is a soap opera addicted smart ass but has nothing but love for Whitney.
This book was the easiest 5 star in a long time.
Whitney has the kind of friend in a guy that most girls wish they could have. Closeness and openness and love. When Blane brings Franny into their friendship you would think the duo would fall apart but in fact it may actually pull them closer and pull the further apart?
My favorite character in the whole book is her Gram, she is witty and spunky, sassy and is a soap opera addicted smart ass but has nothing but love for Whitney.
This book was the easiest 5 star in a long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2014
My review is part of Lives and Breathes's Four Point Review of Hate: A Love Story.
ARC provided by author
I want to hate the hurt my heart went through reading this, but I can’t. The hurt was worth it. Hate: A Love Story is heartbreaking, but it’s also heartwarming and witty. It made me FEEL more than I ever expected, more than a book has made me feel in a very long time. Hate is an honest and real story of friendship, family, love, loss, and forgiveness. It touches on several very serious subjects and covers tragic events, all which could have made for a very depressing book, but Curtis adds a touch of humor throughout, bringing a smile to your face when it’s most needed.
The book starts with Whitney as a young adult, when Blane becomes her friend, and eventually Franny too. They are all realistic characters; they have their faults and their vulnerabilities. These teens deal with so much more than the normal teenage drama. My heart broke for each of them and what they were going through. This part of the story is done well; it has that right young adult feel to it with angsty teenager emotions.
Then we fast forward twelve year—yes twelve. I usually dislike time jumps like this, but this one didn’t seem to bother me. We get enough information to move the story forward without dwelling on the missed time. It’s one of those instances where I actually don’t feel like I have to know everything. I happened to love the way things played out from here, it’s a bit less depressing from this point forward but it’s definitely not smooth sailing either.
The focus of this story isn’t just on Whitney and Blane, the relationship between Whitney and Gram is front and center also. Gram is an absolute hoot with her jokes, sarcasm, and crazy antics and she has no problem telling it like she sees. She’s the one that brings the smiles and the laughs when your heart is breaking. But Gram is always there when Whitney needs a shoulder to lean on and she delivers the best advice. The strong relationship and love between these two shines bright throughout the entire book.
Curtis has created characters so real, I want to know them and a story so gripping, I felt every emotion presented. There’s an underlying realism to it all which made me fall even more in love this book. This is a beautiful love story, but that love encompasses so much more than just the typical romantic relationship. It’s also a love story of friends and family. Hate: A Love Story is one book I have no doubt I’ll pick up again in the future.
ARC provided by author
I want to hate the hurt my heart went through reading this, but I can’t. The hurt was worth it. Hate: A Love Story is heartbreaking, but it’s also heartwarming and witty. It made me FEEL more than I ever expected, more than a book has made me feel in a very long time. Hate is an honest and real story of friendship, family, love, loss, and forgiveness. It touches on several very serious subjects and covers tragic events, all which could have made for a very depressing book, but Curtis adds a touch of humor throughout, bringing a smile to your face when it’s most needed.
The book starts with Whitney as a young adult, when Blane becomes her friend, and eventually Franny too. They are all realistic characters; they have their faults and their vulnerabilities. These teens deal with so much more than the normal teenage drama. My heart broke for each of them and what they were going through. This part of the story is done well; it has that right young adult feel to it with angsty teenager emotions.
Then we fast forward twelve year—yes twelve. I usually dislike time jumps like this, but this one didn’t seem to bother me. We get enough information to move the story forward without dwelling on the missed time. It’s one of those instances where I actually don’t feel like I have to know everything. I happened to love the way things played out from here, it’s a bit less depressing from this point forward but it’s definitely not smooth sailing either.
The focus of this story isn’t just on Whitney and Blane, the relationship between Whitney and Gram is front and center also. Gram is an absolute hoot with her jokes, sarcasm, and crazy antics and she has no problem telling it like she sees. She’s the one that brings the smiles and the laughs when your heart is breaking. But Gram is always there when Whitney needs a shoulder to lean on and she delivers the best advice. The strong relationship and love between these two shines bright throughout the entire book.
Curtis has created characters so real, I want to know them and a story so gripping, I felt every emotion presented. There’s an underlying realism to it all which made me fall even more in love this book. This is a beautiful love story, but that love encompasses so much more than just the typical romantic relationship. It’s also a love story of friends and family. Hate: A Love Story is one book I have no doubt I’ll pick up again in the future.
October 12, 2014
This review will not be detailed, because I don't want to give away any potential spoilers. Also, I went into this book totally blind, not knowing anything other than the fact that it was love story of sorts... and by doing that, it added to all the heart wrenching goodness that is this book.
I will share this... The book will induce an ugly cry, or several, so have the tissues near by. In fact, here is an except from a text conversation with my friend while I was reading:
Me: I'm reading an ARC of Hate: A Love Story by Laurel Ulen Curtis.... and I am BAWLING my eyes out!! Ugly, ugly cries. I'm at **% and OMG! The tragedy!! I hope it fills me up with joy really soon, my tear ducts are empty. Ps... it's really really good, just very heart wrenching.
My friend: I read it toooooo! You're OK. Keep going.
Me: Are you sure? I'm rocking in the corner now....
My friend: LMAO...yes I'm sure! Laurel isn't the kind of author to do that to you. :)
Shortly after this conversation, I was out of the corner, gripping my Kindle tight and pressing on. Then came the beauty....oh, the beauty!
This book takes you on a journey from the depths of hell to the bliss of heaven on earth. It's a difficult read at times because of the issues that are dealt with, but Laurel balances it out in the end with a fantastic blend of hurt, hate, humor, healing, and LOVE. I adored this book. I mean any book that makes Friends references has a special place in my heart! "I had an obvious habit of using humor as an escape. Just call me Chandler Bing."
This book is full of fabulous quotes... but here are the two that struck me to my soul:
"Saying goodbye to someone you love isn't really the hard part. It's living every day, not being able to say anything to them at all."
"What's it like?...To be loved by someone and know they love you back?"
"It's...powerful...and completely debilitating all at the same time. It's ecstasy and agony, and it's one of the single most terrifying feelings in the world.... It's safety and danger, and the thought of living without it after you've had it is almost enough to make you stay away. But only almost. It's the most fulfilling thing I've ever experienced."
Laurel nailed it. I can't say any more because I don't want to spoil anything. Just know, this book is simply amazing.
I will share this... The book will induce an ugly cry, or several, so have the tissues near by. In fact, here is an except from a text conversation with my friend while I was reading:
Me: I'm reading an ARC of Hate: A Love Story by Laurel Ulen Curtis.... and I am BAWLING my eyes out!! Ugly, ugly cries. I'm at **% and OMG! The tragedy!! I hope it fills me up with joy really soon, my tear ducts are empty. Ps... it's really really good, just very heart wrenching.
My friend: I read it toooooo! You're OK. Keep going.
Me: Are you sure? I'm rocking in the corner now....
My friend: LMAO...yes I'm sure! Laurel isn't the kind of author to do that to you. :)
Shortly after this conversation, I was out of the corner, gripping my Kindle tight and pressing on. Then came the beauty....oh, the beauty!
This book takes you on a journey from the depths of hell to the bliss of heaven on earth. It's a difficult read at times because of the issues that are dealt with, but Laurel balances it out in the end with a fantastic blend of hurt, hate, humor, healing, and LOVE. I adored this book. I mean any book that makes Friends references has a special place in my heart! "I had an obvious habit of using humor as an escape. Just call me Chandler Bing."
This book is full of fabulous quotes... but here are the two that struck me to my soul:
"Saying goodbye to someone you love isn't really the hard part. It's living every day, not being able to say anything to them at all."
"What's it like?...To be loved by someone and know they love you back?"
"It's...powerful...and completely debilitating all at the same time. It's ecstasy and agony, and it's one of the single most terrifying feelings in the world.... It's safety and danger, and the thought of living without it after you've had it is almost enough to make you stay away. But only almost. It's the most fulfilling thing I've ever experienced."
Laurel nailed it. I can't say any more because I don't want to spoil anything. Just know, this book is simply amazing.
June 16, 2015
I actually posted a mini review to the author's Facebook page 2 chapters into the book, saying I could write a review based on just those few pages, but I would wait until I finished it...I was already so in love with the writing. I like to highlight my ebooks and it already looked like a rainbow in just those opening chapters. Best of all, my "edit monster" was peacefully curled up in the corner and happy. I know some of you will appreciate that. I think I maybe found 3 spelling errors, no errors of context or continuity and as I said before, the writing is gorgeous. I've never read any of this author's writing before I won this book in a blogger's contest, so I had no previous idea of her style or ability. I can now honestly say I will purchase and read everything she writes. The book itself will be a difficult book for anyone who has personal attachments to 9-11. I do, but that is not important here. The author must also have had some sort of personal attachment or knowledge of the depth of feeling from those events that day. She writes with empathy and compassion about the consequences and fall out from human reactions to everything that day involved, but it really isn't a story about 9-11...it's a story about enduring and true love and friendship and how sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes, you have to wrestle it back from what you think life has handed you. Oh, and the sex... yes, there is sex. At one point, I actually posted an update on Facebook and said if Blane and Whitney did not finally have sex, I was going out and finding 2 random people named Whitney and Blane and force them to have sex. The frustration was real for the characters. It was real for me. This book has innate humor, true friendship, gorgeous writing, heartbreaking problems and yes, a HEA. Finally. I almost had to stop reading it in the middle as I was positive this was not going to end well. It feels true and honest and it was the ugliest "ugly cry" book I'd read in a long time. But it was worth it. I am forever a fan. Now, onto a Laurel Ulen Curtis marathon summer.
October 12, 2014
If you haven't read any of Author Laurel Ulen Curtis' books, now is the time. Hate: A Love Story, is by far one of my favorite books of 2014. I was in complete awe of the writing, the characters, the storyline, and the fact that there are so many FEELS! I was fortunate enough to receive an early copy, and I read this in one sitting. I devoured it. It is sooooo goood!
A little history about the characters. Whitney and Blane have been friends since forever. They have a very tight and beautiful bond. But after a series of unfortunate events, Whitney and Blane drift apart. And let me tell you, it was heartbreaking. It really killed me, I felt like my heart was going to stop beating. This is where the feels start, right when things start going awry.
Many years later fate brings Whitney and Blane back to each other. But the how of it, is funny and a little nerve wracking. That bond that was so intact and tight from years before, is still there. It felt like nothing changed, that things were going to be fine, and just maybe life won't be so hard on these two great characters.
One person I didn't mention, but feel it's important, is Gram. She is the bees knees. She is Whitney's Gram, and let me tell you...she will rock your socks off. She is quick, witty, and so very snarky! Gram could very well be the main character, because she is so involved in Whitneys life. She is a hoot, and will have you laughing out loud!
Author Laurel Ullen Curtis gives us a book that will take your breath away. It is jam packed full of FEELS and wonderful dialogue. Hate: A Love Story is one of those books that you MUST READ. I don't want to give too much away, without spoiling this reading experience for you. But know, that you will LOVE each and every character and that you will be so enthralled with this story, that you won't put your book down until you've finished reading it. So hurry along and give that One Clicking Finger a little workout!
December 3, 2014
**I received an ARC from the Author in exhange for an honest review**
This book is beautiful--the writing is great and the storyline is gripping! A story about Blane, Whitney, and Franny.. 3 very close friends who look out for the each other and bring out the best in one another. This book is told in Whitney's eyes and the story starts in the high school setting. Blane will weave his way into your heart. He will make you laugh and feel like you are there with them having their heart to hearts. Whitney is witty and sarcastic. She is confident and strong and I love that about her.
Whitney's Gram lives at home with her and you will just FALL IN LOVE with her. She is incredibly blunt and I love it!
"No bottle is big enough for human emotion. Love, hate, anger, happiness, and deep melancholy. Each one exists for a reason. Emotion is real. It's meant to be released. It's meant to be lived."
Life gets in the way. Things happen that changes life as they all know it. and Whitney is left alone without her friends for over 10 years until one day, on an airplane home.. her life turns upside down. At this point Whitney is working two successful jobs, one of which a grief counselor.. considering her past, this is spot on. Her parents call her and tell her that her grandma won't eat unless she comes back home so Whit decides to go to Tampa to get her Gram and bring her back to live with her.
"DON'T LOOK FOR WHAT IF. Embrace what is."
I love Blane and I love what he does when he is around Whit. I love how sweet and romantic he is and how he fights for what he wants.
People say to live like you're dying. She would have said to love like you are."
This book is beautiful--the writing is great and the storyline is gripping! A story about Blane, Whitney, and Franny.. 3 very close friends who look out for the each other and bring out the best in one another. This book is told in Whitney's eyes and the story starts in the high school setting. Blane will weave his way into your heart. He will make you laugh and feel like you are there with them having their heart to hearts. Whitney is witty and sarcastic. She is confident and strong and I love that about her.
Whitney's Gram lives at home with her and you will just FALL IN LOVE with her. She is incredibly blunt and I love it!
"No bottle is big enough for human emotion. Love, hate, anger, happiness, and deep melancholy. Each one exists for a reason. Emotion is real. It's meant to be released. It's meant to be lived."
Life gets in the way. Things happen that changes life as they all know it. and Whitney is left alone without her friends for over 10 years until one day, on an airplane home.. her life turns upside down. At this point Whitney is working two successful jobs, one of which a grief counselor.. considering her past, this is spot on. Her parents call her and tell her that her grandma won't eat unless she comes back home so Whit decides to go to Tampa to get her Gram and bring her back to live with her.
"DON'T LOOK FOR WHAT IF. Embrace what is."
I love Blane and I love what he does when he is around Whit. I love how sweet and romantic he is and how he fights for what he wants.
People say to live like you're dying. She would have said to love like you are."
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