Beyond Love and Hate

Wardham #4

by Zoe York

The latest in the sexy small town Wardham series!
First comes love, then comes marriage...
Beth Stewart is ready to find a nice guy and settle down. But the only man who makes her tingle also drives her crazy in the non-sexy, work-related way. When her bosses hire Finn Howard as a marketing consultant for their growing winery, Beth is sure working together is going to be a complete disaster.

Or maybe just a single night of passion, no strings attached. (Yeah, right!)
Finn knows he can't give Beth what she wants--and a nice guy would walk away. But when a long day of work turns into a private night, fueled by wine and pent-up desire, he gives in to his baser instincts. Damn the consequences.

Catch up with the rest of the Wardham series:
Between Then and Now - Carrie & Ian (Novella #0.5)
What Once Was Perfect - Laney & Kyle (Book #1)
Where Their Hearts Collide - Karen & Paul (Book #2)
When They Weren't Looking - Evie & Liam (Book #3)
Beyond Love and Hate - Beth & Finn (Novella #3.5)
No Time Like Forever - Chase & Mari (Book #4, coming Fall 2014)
More Than They Know - Ty & Stella (Book #5, coming Fall/Winter 2014)
All That They Need - Evan, Jess & Brent (Book #6, coming Spring 2015)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Enemies To Lovers, Audiobook, Amazon

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2014

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Zoe York is a busy working mom of two young boys, wife to a very understanding soldier, and creator of modern, sexy, small town contemporary romances.

She lives in London, Ontario and is currently chugging Americanos, wiping sticky fingers, and dreaming of heroes in and out of uniform.

Reviews

[Zoe]

coming June 2 to your Kindle/Kobo/Nook/phone/tablet!

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope. Especially when I can't really see why the hero and heroine dislike each other so much. Also, personally, I have a hard time understanding how a person can go from "I hate your guts and I'm so angry with you" to "I want you so bad."



And there was a lot of that in this book.

I also didn't feel like I really understood why the hero was so anti-relationship.

I think part of my "problem" with this series is that I've read SO MANY of Zoe York's newer books, and this series doesn't have as much charm and maturity as her Pine Harbour and Kincaids of Pine Harbour series have...

**read as part of the Second Chances: Welcome to Wardham boxed set

[Derna · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for honest review*

"There are some things in life we can plan for. And there are others that just need to be a leap of faith."

Beyond Love and Hate is the latest in the Wardham series by Zoe York. This little sweet novella is Beth Stewart and Finn Howard story.

Beth and Finn have always had a love hate relationship. They have always driven each other crazy, and they are forever butting heads, but at the same Beth has always lusted over Finn, she is forever thinking about all the things she would like to do to him. Finn has always lusted over Beth, and is always thinking about all the things he would like to do to her.

“She was pathetic, lusting after a man she didn’t like. Could barely stand to be in the same room as, yet wanted desperately to get naked with. Because Finn Howard naked? That would impress her”.

“The woman drove him mental, and it wasn’t a mystery why. She was gorgeous, lush, and curvy with full pink lips that drove him to distraction”

When Beth bosses hire Finn as a marketing consultant Go West Winery, it means they will be working closely together, and one late night the feelings/ passion they have for each other soon become pretty apparent.

“Attraction is just one factor, and all others indicate this is a terrible idea”

I enjoyed this story it was a quick, easy sexy heartwarming read. I liked Beth and Finn, and the chemistry and banter that they shared. I did feel for Beth she is sweet she wants a good guy, and know that could be Finn, but Finn has issues and thinks he is not that man, he was always honest with Beth, but I did at one point want to give him a clip around his ear and say stop being a stubborn Muppet, and open your eyes.

Overall Beyond Love and Hate was another well-written fun addition by Zoe to the “Wardham series." The ending was sweet, and left me with a smile on my face. Love the little snippets from old, and possible future characters, and how Zoe intertwines then into the story. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. “No Time Like Forever” which will be Layney’s brother Chase’ story.

As always I recommend this sweet romantic heartwarming series for the times when you want something that is low on the angst and drama.

[djdavis~*Sivad* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more of this review and others @
The Book Wranglers
Genre: Contemporary
Published: Zo Yo Press
Heat: Hot
Rating: **** 4 out of 5 stars
Provided by: NetGalley


The perfect love story for those that have begun to doubt if it still exists!

Synopsis:
Beth Stewart has landed the perfect job, with the best bosses. She has the best friends and a perfect family unit in her parents and cousins. Now, Beth is ready to find a nice, sexy, man who is ready to settle down. Unfortunately, the only man that seems to capture her attention and pump her blood, is the same man to drives her insane and ticks her off. It isn't until her walks into her office that she's faced with the dilemma of throwing caution to the wind and taking his body for her own pleasure.

Finn Howard is intelligent, confident, and sexy. He's a man's man and most women will drop whatever they are doing to do him. He works hard and plays harder... usually with the next sexy available woman around the corner. But a year ago Finn met Beth and couldn't believe the fire she set to his skin. Her wittiness, intelligence, and aggression towards him has his mind spinning and heart racing. He'll do just about anything to have a chance at Beth, anything except settle down and become a monogamist.

Knowing she should leave Finn alone, but can't deny the chemistry between them, Beth sets out to play with fire. Finn on the other hand is struggling to be the good guy and stay away as long as Beth doesn't ask for the one thing he can give her–a night of hot passion. Once the line is crossed all bets are off and both, Beth and Finn can't believe the magic they make when they come together.

This cute love story blooms into a story of promise and devotion.

The Best Thing:
From the beginning I loved how this story unfolded! I love the characters, including the banter the shared, and the chemistry they exhibited. I loved the overall storyline of taking a chance on love even when all the signs point to disaster.

The Worst Thing:
I wish it was a little longer, but overall it was a great read.

I guess I'll just have to read more from this series! Can't wait.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, touching, shocking...All in the name of love..One moment will catch your breath.

The love and hate between Beth Stewart and Finn Howard is putting it mildly. When Beth finds out Finn
will be working side by side with her at Go West Winery she is shocked to say the least. Beth is the Director of Operations and Guest Services and Finn is brought on to be there consultant. The feelings she
has for Finn are loathing, and a little lust, but become more love later..She's not too sure, but it will break her heart to just have a one night stand with him. Beth wants a good guy. It's just not Finn. He has made it pretty clear.

It's understood there could never be anything between them..Finn knows he might never be able to give what Beth wants, but what if? He has issues with relationships. It's just he can't get Beth out of his mind. He has to try and make the best of there working situation.
His sisters bring some light to his issues. It's pretty interesting to see what happens.

One of my favorite lines..
"There are some things in life we can plan for. And there are others that just need to be a leap of faith."

[Molly McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how she does it, but with each new Wardham book, Zoe creates a hero I end up loving even more than the last. Finn is absolutely fabulous, and Beth is the just the woman to rein himin. What I loved most about this book was the honestly between the characters. They didn't mince words about what they wanted and didn't want. Their confidence was refreshing, as is Zoe's storytelling. Another must-read!

[Lindsey Domokur · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a cute short romance in the enemies to lovers trope with the H scared of committment, like they always are hah. I loved the length of the book and it was just enough. It was a bit over the top sweet for me, but I really did enjoy this one.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet quick read

Beth is looking for forever but Finn is only interested in right now! Very exciting to see their love grow. Will 1 night be enough?

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title and blurb definitely pulled me in. Sometimes a snarky work romance is just the thing. This novella is part of the Wardham series, but it read well as a standalone. The small town setting with the winery at the fore with all the close-knit friends and family felt good. I read this one as part of the Red Hot Lovers box set and enjoyed sampling a new to me author and series.

This one started out where the two mistook unwanted attraction for hate. Beth thinks she can't stand the sight of Finn even though she secretly lusts for him and she believes he deliberately tries to put snares into her marketing ideas. But underneath it all, when she wants to be truthful, she knows that the truth is that she could really care for him except he is not a guy who wants a real relationship and a family so she puts up walls and uses her snark to keep him at a distance. Only that won't work so well now that her bosses hired him to be a consultant for the winery.

Finn is convinced that long-term relationships are nothing but trouble as evidenced by what he saw growing up and now having to help his sister raise her four kids alone. But Beth is the one woman that temps him and he can't get her off his mind. He loves to provoke her and watch her eyes flash and he is eager to play cat and mouse with her as long as no feelings get involved. Unfortunately, kissing Beth strengthens the attraction and really scares him. He wants to be relieved when she backs away quick and makes plans to find a nice, solid guy who can give her what she wants. One night stranded at the winery changes the game. Which one will give in?

Alright, so this one does indeed deliver on the promise of the fireworks and I enjoyed much of the story. However, I was only mildly into the main characters. Finn drove me nuts and I really had the urge to smack him in the back of the head several times. I had no problem with his honesty about only wanting something temporary or that he might date around and finds Beth attractive. My problem was that he wouldn't respect her goals of wanting a long-term guy and family. He kept trying to seduce her and then would back off when it started to get real. He got cranky when she moved on and really he should have let her. Beth did it unconsciously at first, but her ball-busting routine with Finn wasn't attractive. She was the instigator with the verbal lashing out and it was like watching a kid picking at another one until they responded back, yet that was exactly what she accused Finn of doing. Oys, the pair of them....

All in all, it was enjoyable. I would probably pick up another of this author's books and more than likely one from this series. Fans of office romance or small town contemporary romance with a bit of spice might want to give these a go.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you started this series, yet? What are you waiting for?! Novel after novel, Zoe York creates such a vivid, engaging look at life and love in a small, tight-knit community. I feel like Wardham is a real place, where I can go visit all the places and characters that live there...that's how well-developed her writing is. This was possibly the steamiest addition to the series, with the hottest picnic I've ever read! Beth is such a likable character that you really want Finn to just figure it out already! Despite their constant bickering, there's real chemistry there. As Beth stands her ground that she is looking for a mate instead of a fling, Finn works through his baggage to figure out if he can give her more than the one night they acted on their attraction. While I got whiplash from how quickly Finn went from zero to forever, this is a romance novel after all, and we wouldn't read them if we didn't want to get to that HEA. Besides, what woman doesn't want to be the one that a confirmed bachelor finally gives up his commitment-phobia for? I couldn't put this story down once I started and devoured it in one-sitting. Zoe York also does a great job introducing secondary characters that peak the readers interest. Her bosses are each getting their own books. New-hire Stella also appeared in When They Weren't Looking and is getting her own book. And a new character, Gavin the bartender, is introduced. His twin sister is Mari, whose book is next. Also, If I'm not mistaken, Finn's brother, Ryan, who appears in this book is the character that will star in the spin-off series she is working on. I love how it all weaves together. Can't wait for more Wardham!
***ARC provided for an honest review of the book.***

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest novella in the small town contemporary romance series set in Wardham, Ontario treats us to the story of Finn and Beth. Finn is a confirmed bachelor. He's seen the effects of marriage on his siblings (albeit the more negative ones) and has decided that he is only interested in short term flings. Hired as a consultant to work at the local winery with Beth, he has long denied his attraction to Beth and an antagonistic wall exists between them, both knowing how to push each other's buttons. Beth knows that Finn can't be the man for her - she's looking for commitment, a home, children and someone with whom to share the future. Suddenly in close proximity to each other, their attraction can't be denied - the question is who will be picking up the pieces when their affair is over.

This was a really enjoyable opposites attract story. Finn is a handsome, charming man, used to getting what he wants sexually but remaining emotionally off limits. Beth's character is that of a strong, determined, capable woman, whose only flaw is giving in to her feelings for Finn that have lain beneath the surface of their interactions. The sexual attraction and desire simmering between them and the ensuing love scenes are steamy and well written. As always with Zoe's books, the emotional counterpart of the love scenes is what makes them believable. Secondary characters are an integral part of the story, revealing more about the town and the relationships that exist (some of which have already been written about in earlier books in the series, and some of which have yet to be written). The eventual conflict and resolution leads to a happy ending that will ensure that readers continue to visit Wardham in the future for more of these excellent romances. 4.5 stars!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The gist: Beth works at a winery. She's worked with Finn before on special projects and they have an antagonistic relationship. Her bosses hire Finn as a contractor for a new marketing campaign and they're forced to worked closely together. The sparks fly between them and when a storm traps them alone at the winery one night, those sparks ignite.

This is a novella, so it's very fast-paced. I liked both Beth and Finn very much. Beth is looking for love. She wants the white picket fence and 2.5 kids, the whole shebang. Finn is a sworn bachelor. He avoids even the teensiest of relationships like the plague.

The story was good. I wish it had been longer so I could've gotten to know Beth and Finn a bit better, but thus is the nature of novellas. They often leave us wanting MORE! ;)

I enjoyed it and it was a quick, afternoon read. I'll definitely read more from this author.

[b.andherbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beth and Finn loathe each other, barely keeping their simmering tension under wraps during work meetings. But as it turns out hate is as ever far closer to love than both want to admit, especially since Finn is a confirmed bachelor and Beth is on the hunt for a husband and father to her future children. But as they struggle to keep from kissing each other and they finally succumb to their urges for one wild night, can Finn change?

Lots of great sexual tension in this novella from Zoe York, with a great payoff during the night they are stuck in the winery together. I had not read any of the other books in this series but had no problem following along with the characters

I always struggle a bit when one character is dead set against marriage and babies and ends up changing their mind. Ultimately I believed in this HEA for the most part, but Finn definitely had completely change his wants and needs to be with Beth.

I listened to this on audio from Hoopla!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Kindle Edition for review

Beth Stewart has reaches the point where she would like to find a good guy and settle down. In walks Finn Howard a consultant at the winery where she works. Finn does not want a commitment and he fears children and settling down. Sparks fly when they meet as they try to stay away from each other knowing they want different things.

One unexpected night where they are thrown together by Mother Nature they succumb to their physical desires. Will one night be enough or will they find their way to each other? Will Finn realized that he loves Beth and willing to settle down?

It’s about finding love when you least expect it and willing to fight for it. A happy novella with engaging characters.

[Marlene Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between love and hate is novella, part of the Whardham series, and centres around Beth and Finn.
Since it is a novella the story line between these two develops pretty quickly. Beth and Finn are asked to work together at the winery. Although Finn seems to open to the task Beth is none too happy about it and the story follows this working relationship as it develops into more.
This book was well written but because it is a novella the character development was a little lacking however it did not deter from the story and some background characters helped to tie parts of the story together and I like the support that Evan and Ty gave Beth, it was a very nice touch. I am looking forward to their stories! Overall a good book to add to your collection

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. This was a fun and sexy quick read. I love the small town romances this series brings. I'm enjoy just by getting to know more and more of the characters and revisiting characters from the previous books.

Merged review:

Great Series

I'm really enjoying this series. This was a fun and sexy quick read. I love the small town romances this series brings. I'm enjoy just by getting to know more and more of the characters and revisiting characters from the previous books.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a love/hate relationship turn into a true love. This is a novella from the Wardham series. The focus of this book is about Beth and Finn. Beth wants the happily ever after but Finn fears the lasting ever after. A chance overnight encounter leads to a sizzling night of fun. The sexual chemistry between these two is hot. A fun read for a lazy afternoon. I received this book as a gift from the author for an honest review.

[Nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story of Beth and Finn! I think the entire Wardham series is great though! Their story is short but sweet at least in the end. They love to hate each other, or at least that's what they keep trying to tell themselves. I do wish it was longer but that seems to be my issue with most of the series. I just wish they could go on forever because I enjoy Zoe York's writing so much.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I like this one the best. Funny, sexy, and heartwarming.
Beth works at the winery for the West brothers. She is ready for marriage and children. Finn is in advertising and does not want children or marriage. They are attracted to each other but fight. When they are stranded alone at the winery they decide to have one night together. But Finn soon realizes that he can't live with Beth.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

He fears relationships, she yearns for ever after, they have explosive chemistry. In this wonderfully written novella we find the story of Finn and Beth and discover how wants and desires can change when love is found. This is a great novella that makes for a light afternoon read. Recommended!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing... Zoe does it again with another hot and steamy book about Beth and Finn... This is a must read for all ... Two people who have this love hate between them ... Find out in this book if they have their HAE!

[Charliegirl1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing something

This is another book in this series that I think is missing something. I like the premise and the main characters, but it needs some fleshing out in two areas. One area of the backstory in particular--it mentions that when she was promoted, she was doing two jobs, because he "drove away her replacement". Who? How? What's that story. And the second area is when he had his great "epiphany". I didn't get what changed his mind during a vague conversation with his sisters. There seemed to be more to that story, perhaps in the author's head, but it didn't quite translate to the page. And then he makes a bunch of phone calls and flies somewhere, for what purpose? Was this for his new business, for the new ad campaign? I didn't see the connection. Overall it's a good story, just vague for me in these two areas.

[Night Runner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for me!

My rating range throughout the story... 3.5 - 4 Stars

Scenes with heat.. Once you get to the 70% mark, lots of heat.

The back story... Two work colleagues that misunderstand their feelings and decide they don't like each other. As they work together, they both realize that they actually like each other. He is a bit self-obsessed and anti-relationship and she is smart enough to keep him away... until it was no longer possible.

The Romance... They find they have a lot in common as well as a strong attraction to each other. Slow burn until they finally get together and then the story runs hot.

The drama explosion... Medium... The H has to deal with his aversion to relationships before it is to late.

HEA or HFN? HEA

[Barbara "Cookie" Serfaty Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Love and Hate: Wardham Book 5

The love story of Finn and Beth. When Finn met Beth it was hate at first seen. They had to work together at the winery. He is the best PR man in the wine world and can bring the winery in as the best in the area. Can hate turn to love. Great beach read.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love to hate or hate to love?

Beth and Finn have a love/hate relationship. They either love to hate each other or hate to love each other. Will they ever realize that this is all foreplay to truly loving each other? What will it take for Finn to realize he really does love Beth and want a family with her? Or will Beth walk away because she only sees him as a playboy?

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best thing about enemies to lovers is all that passion between the characters! Beth and Finn definitely have it, and they know it. I loved that Finn knew he was the problem preventing a relationship and was very up front about it. It made when he finally got his head on straight and saw the error in his thinking all that much sweeter!

[Tina Mancari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth and Finn, great read. Enemies to lovers - not really. Tried to be from Beth's perspective. Finn is the commitment-phobe who doe snot want kids and Beth is the exact opposite. Everything flows to the want to be with eachother but can't until Finn has a talking to by his sisters. This turns things around and in the end, Finn gets his woman. Great read.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't quite get it. It was 2 basic... It seems like they r both 2 stubborn 2 take what they want and 2 talk 2 the other person about things so they tried ways 2 use in place of trying 2 figure the other person out.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but very good.

[robert tabora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeless Romantic 🥰

This love ❤️ story of Finn and Beth’s was so different. He was so stupid with his denial. It took him a while to realize how much he loved her.