Between Hate and Desire

Between Us Trilogy #1

by Brooke Fox, Brooke Montgomery

I saw her first.
Blonde. Gorgeous. Feisty.
I was captivated.

But it doesn’t matter because hours later, she walks out of my roommate’s bedroom half naked, and I know I’ve lost my chance.

Now, we’re forced to live together and constantly bicker about everything. Though I purposely get under her skin, I can’t stop thinking about her in all the wrong ways. I should move out so I can get over my feelings, but the selfish part of me can’t let go.

When her boyfriend and my best friend tragically dies, we’re left to grieve together. Instead of pushing her away, I pull her closer.

Just as we come to terms with our new reality, she finds out she’s expecting.

Her religious parents will never accept a pregnancy out of wedlock, so to avoid disappointing them, I offer to be her fake husband. Touching, kissing, sharing a bed—it’s torture on my heart, but I ignore the guilt and play along.

As the lines blur between real and fake, I finally confess I’m not pretending.
But she’s not ready to admit the same.

I’m in love with my best friend’s girlfriend, but she can never be mine.



Between Hate and Desire is book one in the Between Us trilogy and must be read in order. This is intended for mature audiences only. The contents deal with loss, grief, and have adult themes. This is a slow burn romance and ends in an HEA.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Friends To Lovers, He Falls First, Fake Dating, Slow Burn

572 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2025

About the author

Brooke Fox is the alternate pen name for Brooke Montgomery. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, teenage daughter, and four dogs. She survives on iced coffee and afternoon naps.

Reviews

[Carla Bulian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5.
It’s a nice read about healing and love! I think this situation it’s comfortable for the fmc to fall in love with him.
It’s worth reading.

[Megan Coggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me all the tension and angst!!

Our girl Lennons boyfriend dies and she finds out she’s pregnant.
And I’m over here cheering for our boy Hunter to get his chance.
Give me every book that makes me say, it feels too right to be wrong 🤣

Grief & love after loss
Roommates & forced proximity
Enemies vibes
He fell first and hard
His friends girl
It’s not his baby
Fake marriage
Drama

It was like a buffet of everything I like.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
▪️potential spoilers▪️
Tropes:
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
❤️‍🔥 Frenemies to Lovers
🤰🏼 Surprise pregnancy but it’s not his
💍 Fake marriage
🛏️ Only one (small) bed
🧔🏻‍♂️ Bearded & Tatted MMC
🍆 Reformed playboy
💐 He falls first
🏠 Found family
🔥 Angsty slow burn
Between Hate and Desire ruined me in the best way possible! From the first page to the last, it was a deliciously slow-burning, angst-filled masterpiece that had me clutching my Kindle and squealing at 2 a.m. You feel the chemistry right away between the MFC and MMC but there’s a wrench thrown in…in the form of the best friend. Tragedy strikes and Hunter and Lennon and forced to rely on each other through their darkest times.
Hunter is everything I love in a tortured male lead—tattooed, bearded, emotionally repressed, and silently selfless. He falls first, no question, and the way he shows up for Lennon through acts of service, gentle comfort, and unwavering loyalty despite the messy circumstances? I swooned, cried, and yelled at my Kindle more than once. Watching this reformed playboy break his own heart trying to protect hers gutted me.
"What's my favorite color?" I ask randomly, though it wasn't written down in the cards. He's so on top of his game, I want to throw a wrench his way.
"Yellow," he answers, not as con-
fident as before.
"Why do you say that?" It's a trick question anyway since I don't have one.
Hunter shrugs one shoulder.
"You remind me of sunshine, so I thought yellow suited you best." 😍
Lennon is the kind of heroine who stays with you long after the final page. She's not perfect, she’s guarded, grieving, and carrying the weight of guilt and secrets that would break most people. But that’s what makes her so compelling. She’s trying to do the right thing in a world that’s been flipped upside down, and even when her choices are messy or heartbreaking to read, you understand her. Watching her navigate the chaos of her emotions, all while protecting her heart and trying to remain strong for everyone else, made me root for her even harder.
If you love forbidden love, heartbreak, longing, and a payoff that will leave your soul floating, Between Hate and Desires your next obsession. I can’t wait for book 2!!

[Amber Stanford · Rating 1 out of 5]

Its not a slow burn because he was in love with her from the start. She never really love her boyfriend because she fell in love with his best friend before the baby was born. The love of your life and her child father dies and a couple months later you in love with his best friend. She was pregnant and engaged before her daughter turn 6 months. She was lonely and he had an obsession with her. He really didn’t know her but he was in love with her. She moved on so fast. I don’t believe in their love story.

[Thorunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's raining stars and chilis on this book! Just... all the stars, all the chilis.

Literal goosebumps. Crocodile tears. Heartbreak and ugly-cry-sobbing. Butterflies and woodpeckers in my stomach.... those are the emotions that I alternated between while reading this book. Because... this book!!! You guysssssss!!!!!! This story is without a doubt one of the top 5 books that I've read - ever - in my entire life!

Let me back up. "Between Hate and Desire" is now a re-release by Brooke Fox (Montgomery) and was formerly published as a trilogy under Brooke's previous pen-collaboration-name Kennedy Fox. When I began reading some years ago, I was so fortunate to discover Kennedy Fox and their ENTIRE back log and this book knocked me on my assssss! It has been over 3 years since I first read this book and it has stayed with me, and just lived rent-free in my head for over 3 years. This book was the first book to utterly and completely crush me - nay, destroy me. And in the best possible way. I have never in my life sobbed over a story... until I met Lennon and Hunter (and Brandon). When I first read this story, it was kind of like the gateway-drug for me to this genre of books and to all of Kennedy Fox's books. No joke. I loooooooved this story - I loved this world and these characters. This story... ugh!!!! My heart.

I know I'm rambling but I had to give that (personal) back story to put into context this review. So now Brooke has re-released this book and re-packaged this book, all delicious 600 or so pages and OMG!! It took me 3 years to be able to read this story again... because.... just.... my aching heart. "Between Hate and Desire" is Hunter and Lennon's story and even though it's a whopper at 600 pages, I flew through it in like 2 days. For me, that's a speed read! But I couldn't put this down, literally. I was even reading while I was supposed to be working and I may or may not have started ugly-cry-sobbing at work. Well, that was a mistake. Apparently sobbing whilst "in the wild" and not in your private reading nook at home is frowned upon... Ooops. Sorry not sorry.

There is a reason that I rate this story in the top 5 of my favorite stories that I have EVER read - like, in my life! This book will forever hang in that top 5, proudly it does. And it is so deserving.

So back to the story. I never give any specifics away in my reviews and I refuse to do anything of the sort with this story because this is one of those stories that truly needs to be experienced. Fortunately for me, long enough had passed that I had forgotten a lot of the details and so it was like I was almost - almost - reading this for the first time. Except... well, I knew when a few things were coming and the anticipatory anxiety I had was so big. To say that I may have DM'd Brooke during those moments... well, I did. She talked me through it. Thank you Brooke.

But this story, if you look at the tropes, is a love-at-first sight, he falls first, frenemies to lovers, fake marriage, accidental pregnancy (but it's not his)... I almost hate that the tropes give away part of the story and surprises, but these are all out there so it's neither here nor there really. That said, the initial meet cute and attraction between Lennon and Hunter is literally palpable. What ensues, the frenemies part, OMG it is the most delicious hate - like - ever! For me, this hate between them has set the standard for every book I have read since I first read this story. The way Hunter treats Lennon and her reciprocated reactions, pure gold. But then, when he lets us in and explains the reasons for his reactions towards her... my heart. It's ok Hunter, come here - there, there - I'll comfort you! What then ensues has literally crushed me - twice now. My heart has cracks in it from this story, and I wear them proudly because this story is so beautiful. Truly. The chemistry between Hunter and Lennon is literal gold. Their journey is the most incredible one, hence the reason that this story is firmly planted in my top 5 favorite books of all time. Their rollercoaster of emotions and push and pull is the gold standard. And may I just add that Hunter... ugh, Hunter. I thought I fell hard for him the first time I read this book, but re-reading it, I fell so hard in lust and love for this MMC! Just.... oh Hunter. He's going to be one of my favorite MMC of 2025.... is it hot in here? No?! It's just me? Oh, well... thoughts of Hunter will do that to you. Hey Brooke, you might want to put a warning on the book: beware that MMC might cause combustion and incineration of panties... I'm sure Brooke's not sorry at all though.

Anyway, I'll wrap up my gush-fest. Bottom line is this: this is one of my favorite books of all times. It will utterly gut you but then it'll put you back together again because the ending.... gah!!!! Just fudge me sideways and every which way til Sunday because the ending.... 10/10. Just all the stars! I'm just raining the stars in Brooke's direction like dollar bills at a strip club. This book deserves them all - the stars, the chilis, the hot emoji guys as well as the melting emoji and heart-eyes emoji... yup, this book gets them all. And if you want to talk particulars about this book, DM me - I'd be thrilled to gush about this book further, but just don't even think about staking any claims on Hunter. He's all mine.

[Beka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I WAS NOWHERE NEAR EMOTIONALLY READY FOR THIS ROLLERCOASTER and I wanted to get off but was trapped because I NEEDED TO KNOW HOW THEY GET THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!
I feel like if I yap too hard I'll give things away and I'm not about to do that, so I'll keep things short. I loved watching both these leads, Hunter and Lennon because the relationship dynamic between them was raw and real. Everything they went thru and had had to heal in order to fight for the happy ending they both deserved.
Watching Hunter go thru the agonizing challenge of putting away and burying all his feelings for his best friend's girl while living with her? Yeah you could feel everything he went thru just jump off the pages. Then watching him step up and ultimately getting a second chance was worth it! The slow burn and angst was top notch and his sassy banter toward Lennon had me giggling.
There were times with Lennon that she had me shaking my head like 'girl...you cain't see that Hunter is doing all the things to get under your skin because he likes you?' It was like watching a little boy pull the little girl's pigtails on the playground She's one of those characters that's going to live rent free in my head. She was guarded and grieving and you can feel the guilt just seeping into you.
I am thoroughly convinced Brooke Fox /montgomery/cumberland can do no wrong with anything that she writes, re-edits and re-releases. This one ranks up there with Wilder and Delilah, on the emotional damage scale and watching them grow together was pure perfection. I also loved that they both had those no secrets, call at any time of day/night to be talked off ledges relationships with their siblings. If you're looking for the most realest of real relationship journeys, READ THIS. It is in no way perfect. They go thru the ringer, sometimes there's downright hatred between them, and they still fight thru it all and get the happiness and love that the world owes them, they deserve.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

These two characters frustrated the shit out of me

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good and slowest slow burn.
Hunter and Lennon meet one night at the bar he works at and have an instant connection. Hunter asks her to come back at the end of his shift but she never does.
Imagine his surprise when he finds her in his kitchen later that night after she went home with his best friend and roommate Brennan.

Lennon and Brennan are loves young dream but it’s hell for Hunter seeing the girl he likes happy with his best friend so he does what any man would do, he makes it his mission to be a d!ck to her. These two wind each other up something crazy over the next 2 years when she moves in with them.

But when tragedy strikes Lennon and Hunter lean on each other to get through their grief and actually become really great friends.
When Lennon finds out she’s pregnant with Brennans baby Hunter steps in to be her fake husband when she tells her very religious parents.

But faking a relationship blurs the lines in their relationship and true feelings are revealed.

I’m excited for book 2 after that ending!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

This book surprised me in all the best ways … I completely understood how hard it was for Hunter to be around Brandon and Lennon from the start. He had real feelings for her and while some of his behaviour was less than ideal (okay all of it was super sh***y at times), it made sense given the situation. Then the unspeakable happens and suddenly everything shifts.

The grief they both go through is so raw and real. It was honestly heartbreaking watching them navigate it all while trying to protect each other. I thought it was beautifully written though - the emotional depth, the complexity, the slow unraveling of their feelings. It took forever for them to finally admit what they meant to each other (especially Lennon) but it also made total sense. She was trying to respect the past while figuring out her future and that tension was really well done.

If you love angsty, emotional slow burns with a side of a fake arrangement and found-family feels, then definitely give this one a go.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be warned, you will need a LOT of tissues with this read. I kid you not, not only did I go through a ton of tissues but I also almost wound up in the ER because I happened to be eating at one point and what happened had me gasping and food went and got caught in my throat, it was a thing but I'm fine but my g0d I was a sobbing mess.

This story will have you feeling all types of emotions, from happiness to grief to joy to despair. I can guarantee you will end on a happy note, but it's a long road to getting there. Hunter and Lennon's story isn't easy, especially with Brandon being Hunter's best friend and Lennon's boyfriend, but they somehow manage to be there for one another after their devastating loss.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewBHaD



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links

[Amy O · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

4.5 stars

I’m sure you have seen the reviews by now but I will reiterate - MAKE SURE YOU HAVE TISSUES!!! This one had me almost sobbing. It’s an emotional roller coaster so make sure you’re ready.

Apart from knowing the tropes, I didn’t really know what to expect with this book. Originally a duet, it’s now rolled into a long stand alone book but I think it works really well.

Hunter meets Lennon and shares a moment with her he will never forget. When he finds out she’s getting together with his best friend Brandon, let’s say he decides to play the jerk to cover any feelings he has for her. When they both lose Brandon, they have to learn to rely on each other to move through the grief and start a life on the other side.

Lennon you sweet girl. I just wanted to wrap her up in a big big. She was so insanely strong and has such an emotional journey through her grief and into her story with Hunter.

Hunter, I didn’t love you at first (some jerk moves in the beginning) but it was all to cover his feelings and how he was struggling. He really stepped up and supported Lennon after the loss of Brandon.

Their HEA takes a lot of work, a lot of emotions and a slowwwww burn ( sad and happy - don’t worry there’s some laughs in here too!!) but gosh it’s worth it!

[Doom Sunshine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The MC's are so very immature, especially the first 20% of the book. The reason for the MMC being abusive towards the FMC is so paper thin and frankly juvenile that it was surprising the characters were in their mid 20's.

FMC just left a traumatic and abusive relationship, so she allows the MMC to treat her terribly.

After the death of her boyfriend, she just forgives?

This book DRAGGED so much and it detailed a lot of things that weren't important.

At one point the FMC goes to visit the grave of her BF and she says "I'm so heavy with survivors guilt..." Like, what? At no point did WE get that from her actions or inner monologue.

Plus, the fake marriage/MOC plot was just too far fetched and didn't work at all.

I should have DNF'd, but instead I skimmed the last 25%. And I don't feel like I missed anything vital.

[Tsu Mu · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf at 3%. he talks to her for five minutes and suddenly she’s living rent-free in his head like they’ve had some life-altering connection? please. it read like a parody of insta-love. zero buildup, zero logic. if this is the emotional depth we're starting with, i don’t want to know where it’s going.

[Chelsea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was worried when I read the author's note at the beginning that this was originally published as two books and been edited down and republished as one that this story would drag and unfortunately I was right

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Made it 25% and the best friend/bf is still alive and the FMC is still happily in love with him planning and going dates, sex, a planned proposal etc. The MMC is such a child and honestly, a bully.

[Simona · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf at 200 pages

[Alecia (The Staircase Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Hate and Desire by Brooke Fox was originally released as a duet: Baby Mine and Baby Yours by Kennedy Fox. This has been re-edited & re-covered for a re-release under Brooke Fox.I had read and reviewed Baby Mine and Baby Yours by Kennedy Fox. So I’ll be taking my reviews. I had originally written for this duet and edited it for this novel! Be warned, there will be a few slight spoilers in this review.

Between Hate and Desire was not at all what I was expecting! I love Brooke Fox that much more for giving me a twist after every turn with this read.

Throughout the novel, I grew to love Lennon and Hunter’s back and forth banter. These two argued like brother and sister, I felt a little sorry for Brandon because at times, he was often pulled in the middle of their disagreements. And when you’re in the middle of a disagreement between your best friend and your girlfriend, that rock and a hard place can be a little tricky to maneuver around and come out on top in the end.

It takes a lot to hide your true feelings and step aside to make someone else happy. I loved Hunter for this. This man clearly saw the girl first. She flirted with him and gave him ‘I’m interested’ vibes, which he picked up on right away. But then hours later when he heads home alone with thoughts of the girl still in his head, he walks in his door only to find his best friend and the girl of his dreams completely and utterly in love. If that isn’t heartbreaking, then I don’t know what is. My heart broke for this man throughout the whole novel.

Now, on the other hand, Lennon kind of pissed me off for not having consideration for Hunter’s feelings. She felt the vibes, too. She even admitted to knowing they had a connection. But then she tries to act all fragile with her hurt feelings for the way he’s treating her. Hmm. Interesting concept, for once I’m siding with the man on this one.

But then that twist happens, and all my thoughts and feelings completely get thrown out the window. I mean…. what the everloving hell!! Picture me at three a.m. sitting on the couch in the dark with an empty box on tissues on the coffee table and crumpled up tear soaked tissues all over my lap as i’m uncontrollably sobbing while reading my kindle. That is a picture of pure heartbreak. I didn’t see this heartbreak coming…. Not for one second.

AND…. Finally, my heart can rest easy knowing two people have found a happily ever after within each other. It has to be said, I am HOOKED on the Between Us Trilogy by Brooke Fox! I read this book in one day! That’s how addicting her writing style is! So many emotions, so much drama, all the feels! I couldn’t get enough!

I loved how Hunter and Lennon’s feelings grew for one another throughout the timespan of this novel. My heart was happy too, not only, but I saw Lennon finally laugh and let herself feel love again, but it was also happy to see Hunter finally get his happily ever after. He’s such a swoon worthy man. You can’t help but not fall for this man! he’s the epitome of what a book boyfriend means.

I actually loved Lennon throughout this second half more than I loved her throughout the first. I loved watching her slowly get through the tragedy of losing the love of her life and slowly gain her spark back. My heart broke time and time again for this woman, and the heartbreak life threw in her path. I legit cried so hard for her. I’m not even kidding. There were tears of all kinds running down my face from completely ugly crocodile tears to happy giggly tears. I’m in need of a bottle of jack and another box of tissues.

This was such a great read! But that Epilogue…. HOLY HELL! I can not get over that epilogue and my sudden need for Sophia and Mason’s story!! There are so many answers I need to all the questions floating around in my head! Brooke Fox knows how to keep her reader’s intrigued. That’s for damn sure!

_________



Find me here:
The Staircase Reader
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Bookbub

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Hate and Desire is a masterclass in emotional romance. Lennon and Brandon and Hunter are a story written in the stars, a heartwrenching of hope and life after loss.

I’m gonna be so for real- this book restored my love for angsty slow burns I KNOW I KNOW. Those who know me understand the weight of this proclamation. Where I tend to gravitate towards higher heat and medium burns, the yearning and palpable tension between Lennon and Hunter had me kicking my lil fuzzy sock covered feet.

The blurb acknowledges the loss in this book, and it being such a pivotal part of the plot I really want to applaud Brooke for how she portrays grief. She honors the reality of grief in that it’s anything but linear.

And the plot twists??? No spoilers but this book had me HOOKED!

Yall know I gotta mention the spice. IT. PAYS. OFF. That’s all hehe.

Brooke’s writing is so seamless and the pacing was so smooth. I absolutely devoured this book and cannot WAIT to jump into book 2 because HOT DAMN WHAT THE EPILOGUE.

Overall as someone who is very picky with her emotional romances, I think everyone should go get this book, their comfiest pjs, a yummy snack and a YouTube scenescape for ambience. Oh and a box of tissues, you’re gonna need it. Enjoy!!

Read if you enjoy:

•marriage of convenience
•surprise pregnancy
•slow burn
•angsssssstttttt
•”oh mah gawww they were roommates”
•frenemies to lovers
•grief rep
•a character you want to k!ll with kindness*
*kindness being the name of my machete

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When we met almost two years ago, I knew she was special. Call it instinct or maybe fate— I don’t know what it was— but I felt it right down to my bones that Lennon Corrigan was meant to be in my life.”

Between Hate and Desire | Brooke Fox | Between Us #1

Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

“You’d think my heart would stop racing each time she’s near. You’d think after hearing them having s*x and her screaming his name, I would stop obsessing over my best friend’s girlfriend. But no. I’m f*cking broken. Nothing in my head works right when it comes to her, and even screwing random girls to erase the thoughts that haunt me hasn’t worked so far. Though it doesn’t stop me from trying.”

Read this if you love: frenemies to lovers | surprise pregnancy but it’s not his | unwanted roommate | forced proximity | forbidden unrequited love | fake marriage | only one (small) bed | bearded and tatted MMC | hurt/comfort (grief & loss) | reformed playboy | acts of service | he falls first | found family | angsty slow burn | dual POV | HEA

“I need to let go of my feelings and stop torturing myself with what I’ll never have. I need to wake the fuck up and pull myself together. Even if it seems impossible right now.”

This book is an emotional rollercoaster, but worth every twist, dip, and turn. It has the right amount of tension and angst that you'll want to devour it in one sitting. You can feel all the emotions of Lennon and Hunter that lead to that slow burn pay off. I'm excited to read the rest of this trilogy (cause OMG).

Thank you @brookewritesromance for the eARC. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

mmm so this hurt and i loved them. Good lord have tissues ready and just buckle up for an emotional roller coaster. I’m not exaggerating when I say I cried multiple times off and on bc i just felt SO MUCH. Hunter and Lennon do not have an easy road but my gosh do they feel like soulmates

There’s missed chances, pining, loss, grief & healing, hidden feelings, will they / won’t they, accidental pregnancy (but not his), angst, he saw her first, fake marriage, undeniable chemistry, hair pulling moments where I wanted to throw up or throw my kindle and a SLOW burn. I highly recommend checking your triggers but trying to go in as blind as you can

what to expect:
❤️‍🔥 Frenemies to Lovers
🤰🏼 Surprise pregnancy but it’s not his
👩🏼‍🤝‍👨🏽 Unwanted roommate
💔 Forbidden unrequited love
💍 Fake marriage
🛏️ Only one (small) bed
🧔🏻‍♂️ Bearded & Tatted MMC
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/Comfort (Grief & loss)
🍆 Reformed playboy
🫶🏻 Acts of service
💐 He falls first
🏠 Found family
🔥 Angsty slow burn

Thank you Brooke and team 🫶🏻

[Rombookfanlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what a heartbreaker of a book, one that really takes you on a journey.

This is an angsty S L O W burn story. Grief/love after death is a big theme if that gives you a hint to the tone. Breaks your heart but mends it up all warm and fuzzy too.

This is an older book by Brooke re-edited and re-released and is a duet turned into a single book (which will be part of a trilogy of books) so it is a big one, but you really dig down deep into their story. There’s so much that goes on in this book - many tropes but they all fit so well!

I just really liked that it was two people leaning on each other but also in such an awkward position for their feelings. They were just making my heart really ache at some points. The whole thing is like some form of slow but heartwarming torture 😂

That said, there are happy moments and make you feel so warm moments. They’re both complex characters who make it enjoyable to read.

Overall, can recommend this book for something that squeezes your heart both happy and sad - but ultimately happy!

4/5 ⭐️

I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review

[Kait · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in an emotional chokehold. I loved Hunter and Lennon's characters. They both flourished in this book and came together so wonderfully.Lennon was fierce and beyond kind. Hunter was full of love and knew what he wanted. I cried, I smiled, I laughed. They learned to love again outside of their grief and loss. Their story isn't easy but it was pure and heartfelt. This series has me in a hold and I cannot wait for the next book ✨

🖤Enemies to Lovers
✨Unwanted Roommates
🖤Fake Marriage
✨Grief and Loss
🖤Forced Proximity
✨She's Pregnant But It's Not His
🖤 Secret Pining
✨He Falls First and Hard

Thank you Brooke for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc! I'm forever grateful💓

[Sydney 🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘪𝘮, 𝘴𝘰 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘪𝘮.”

4.5/⭐️
2/🌶️

This book has me in a chokehold!! Wow, I went through so many emotions reading their story — it really put me through it! I could not put it down though. Pretty sure Hunter and Lennon will forever live in my mind.

I really loved that we got so much in the beginning with Brandon. We saw the dynamic between Hunter and Lennon then compared to how it changed throughout the story. God I just wanted to hug them all and I probably needed a hug too. If you’re looking for an angsty emotional read, look no further.

I really can’t say much without feeling like I might spoil something… so just know this one is a must read! It’s a hefty story because it’s two books in one, but don’t let that scare you away from reading it. It’s truly a heartbreakingly beautiful story.

And that ending??? I’m ready to cry some more bring on book two!!

❤️‍🔥 Frenemies to Lovers
🤰🏼 Surprise pregnancy but it’s not his
💔 Forbidden unrequited love
💍 Fake marriage
🛏️ Only one (small) bed
🧔🏻‍♂️ Bearded & Tatted MMC
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/Comfort (Grief & loss)
🔥 Angsty slow burn

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Between Hate and Desire (Between Us Trilogy #1) by Brooke Fox

What an emotional roller coaster of a read Between Hate and Desire and is Hunter and Lennon’s friend’s to lovers story.

After her boyfriend dies, Lennon is at a loss and Hunter steps in to help. He has been in love with his best friends girlfriend since he first saw her.

Both are grieving and depend on one another and lines are eventually crossed.

When Lennon finds out she is pregnant, Hunter steps up and offers to be her fake husband.

What happens when fake becomes real? Will it be the beginning or the end?

[Madison_renee2415 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word! This book had my emotions all over the place. I don’t cry in a lot of books, but Brooke had me crying.
Hunter fell for Lennon at first site only of his best friend to end up with her. Hunter kept his feelings hidden because he wasn’t going to ruin their relationship.
I absolutely loved this book! Can’t say too much because I’m no spoiler lol. This story was fantastic and I can’t wait for the next one.
Read the warnings/triggers before you start this book.
Love your work Brooke!!!

[Rebecca Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 (2.5/5)

Well if you fancy a SLOWWWWW burn emotional roller coaster you’ve come to the right place! This is the first non-cowboy book by Brooke that I’ve read and she’s SMASHED it out of the park yet again! 😍

Being pregnant while I read this definitely elevated the experience for me as I could put myself in Lennon’s shoes but also I feel like all the themes wouldn’t as hard even if I wasn’t pregnant. Poor gal goes THROUGH it in this one 😭

And Hunter, oh you absolutely sweetie 🫶🏻 he’s the definition of ‘if he wanted to, he would’ and the whirlwind these two go through is just something else 🥹

This book covers some heavy topics that may be triggering to some people, so please check content warnings before going ahead! I definitely had to take a couple breaks to compose myself through some parts ❤️

Overall this is just a wonderful book, another stunning couple with brilliant side characters and gracefully handled themes throughout 🫶🏻

Also I’m now desperate to know what happens after the epilogue for the next book, I had to sit staring at the last page for about 5 minutes thinking NONONO TELL ME MORE!! 🫶🏻

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Hate and Desire

What an intense, exciting and full of unexpected events story. Love comes to us in so many ways, some suddenly, surprisingly, and then there's the unexpected things that brings you to the most unlikely. You think you have your life going so well, a boyfriend, job and a brooding Boyfriends roommate. Until fate throws a wrench into everything. Beautifully written story ❤️.

[Rachel Feliciano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished Between Hate and Desire by Brooke Fox in just two days. The writing style is engaging, easy to follow, descriptive, and packed with emotional ups and downs. While I pretty much guessed the outcome early on (and, spoiler, I was right), I still found myself curious enough to keep reading.

That said, the story did feel drawn out at times, longer than it really needed to be. I get that the author wanted us deeply invested in the characters and their emotions, but some parts came across as filler. Overall, I’m giving it a 3.5 out of 5 stars because I was invested enough to see how it all unfolded, but the pacing made it a bit of a slow burn, but not in that cutesy way.

I’m undecided about continuing the series. One of my favorite parts was the relationship between the sisters and the guy best friends. Their banter was cute, and the way they supported each other through everything was heartwarming. Honestly, we could all use a squad like that, minus the grief they were going through.

As for Hunter, he started off in a really tough spot and handled his feelings the best way he knew how. Did I agree with his choices? Not really, but it felt authentic to his character.

[Kaelyn Hassey · Rating 4 out of 5]

really corny but I couldn’t put it down