Kiss Me Like You Hate Me: An Enemies-to-Lovers Forbidden Romance

by Rue Wilde

I’m engaged to a man twice my age.
My father’s best friend. His trusted business partner.
The man who wants to own me like a trophy.

But then he shows up—Tristan Thompson.
British. Brooding. Built like sin in a suit.
My new bodyguard.
Hired to protect me.
Sworn to resist me.

We can’t stand each other.
He thinks I’m a spoiled princess.
I think he’s a cold, arrogant bastard.
But the heat between us? It’s a fire neither of us can put out.
And when danger strikes, he’s the only man who can save me.

Now the lines between protection and obsession are blurring.
Secrets are unraveling.
And if we give in to what we want…
It might just destroy us both.


Kiss Me Like You Hate Me is a steamy, forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance full of dark secrets, explosive chemistry, forbidden desire, and emotional devastation.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2025

Reviews

[Catqueen]

I wanted to give this a try, but had to DNF. The writing wasn’t engaging and there was a lot of uninteresting info dumping in the first chapter. I didn’t find the cheaters relatable and the fmc’s reactions and interactions didn’t make a lot of sense.

[Sneha]

Being engaged to your dad’s best friend already sounds complicated enough, but then along comes Tristan, the broody British bodyguard who’s supposed to keep her safe, not steal her sanity. And let’s just say, things don’t exactly stay professional. 👀

The chemistry between these two is instant and impossible to ignore. They bicker, they clash, they drive each other crazy… and underneath it all is this slow-burn tension that makes every page feel electric.

What I liked is that this isn’t only about the romance. There’s danger, secrets unraveling, and a constant edge of suspense that keeps you guessing. It’s not just about stolen moments, it’s about whether they’ll survive the chaos around them.

Rue Wilde’s writing makes the tension feel real, raw, emotional, and so easy to get lost in. It’s angsty, addictive, and one of those reads you don’t want to put down once you start.

Overall, Kiss Me Like You Hate Me is a fiery enemies-to-lovers romance with just the right mix of passion and drama. If you love forbidden tension, protective bodyguards, and stories that keep your heart racing, this one’s for you.

[LJ]

Not for me.

Two pouts in the first chapter, two ‘mates’ for our British stereotype in the second… and our FMC flips from compliant daughter to swearing toddler behaviour running through a house. The arranged marriage is also a little weird. Just didn’t click with these characters at all.

[Sally]

ARC

Kiss me like you hate me broke me apart and put me back together again...and again and again. I am so in love with the way this author writes her characters, the duel POV really let's you see into the minds of the lead female, Angelica, and lead male Tristan. I wouldn't have said no to a sneak into the minds of Bill and Charles too, but it wouldn't have added to the story, it would have simply been to scratch the itch.

I can tell that a lot of work went into developing this story, and the love the author has for this world she has created shines through more and more as the book develops.

At first, I thought the smut started too soon, however it didn't get in the way of the story either (I know, I always ask for smut!), perhaps a few stolen kisses building up to the smut. However, as the story progresses, it is clear that early smut is an essential part of whole book, leading us into each development smoothly. The torment that Angelica and Tristan have, the suspicious Bill (who I hated from the get go), and the devoted Father who would make an excellent Alpha is this was a shifter book. This is all needed for the twist.

I loved reading every last bit of this book. I have already recommended it to friends.

Story=Smut
5⭐️
Lots of🌶

p.s. The authors note at the end had me screaming "FASTER" the way that Angelica does for Tristan!! (Im)patiently awaiting book 2 🥰🥰

[Kayla Chavez]

A MUST READ!!!

This book is SEXY. But it’s also smart, suspenseful, and surprisingly emotional. Angelica is the kind of heroine you root for—strong but vulnerable, trapped in a gilded cage—and Tristan? Don’t even get me started. He’s the grumpy, tortured bodyguard fantasy come to life. Every look, every line of dialogue crackles with tension. By the time things explode between them (and trust me, they do), you’ll be breathless. This is the kind of dark romance that ruins you for all others. Instant favorite. I couldn’t put this book down. The writing is RICH and atmospheric, the kind that pulls you into the scene so deeply you forget where you are. The author knows how to write characters who ache, and that ache becomes yours! It’s brutal, it’s beautiful, it’s unforgettable. Can’t wait for the next books in this series!!! FIVE STARS!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rachel Watkinson]

Wowza!! There was so much happening in this one. But it was written so well I could keep up and understand everything.
It's for sure a rollercoaster of emotion, and will they won't they and the ending is just so perfectly for them!
I absolutely loved this one and can not wait for book 2


Angelica and Tristian are such a good couple!
The enemies to lovers forbidden romance really hit hard in this one. The sneeking around 🌶🌶 scenes are 💯 but the love they build for each other is so perfect and so needed for both of them

Bill deserves his ending and so much more. I didn't expect any of that coming.
I felt so bad for Charles. He didn't see any of that coming and for his best friend to betray him.

[Courtney Whitcomb]

From the very first page of this book, I was hooked. I could feel every emotion throughout the book. I felt love, fear, anger, worry, and there’s not many books that I can get fully absorbed in like that. Angelica finally found someone that made her feel all the things, and she went through some traumatic experiences, but Tristan was her lifeline. I loved this book, and I finished it in one sitting. I really couldn’t put it down at all. This book was extremely well-written, and I’m adding it to my list of books I’ll be reading again eventually!

[Jenny]

Oh boy…where do I begin?

First off all, I got this book for free for an honest review in return. I am grateful for the opportunity to try this story. However, this is an honest review, and I have alot of thoughts.

For starters, this is falsely advertised as a slow-burn, enemies to lovers story. That couldn’t be further from the truth. This book was purely instalust with half-assed attempts to break the two MC’s apart (only for them to give up after literally 1-3 sentences and then they’re f-cking AGAIN, which btw happened by chapter 8/23% mark of the book). To me that’s just bizarre behaviour 🫠

Also saw a review that said this person clearly hasn’t met/talked to any British person in their life and I have to fully agree. I actually made a how-many-times-are-we-gonna-drink-tea-cuz-I’m-British trope counter. The answer is 3, btw. (Also negative points for the line where Angelica giggles that Tristan says “ass” like “arse”…please stop.)

The story only got decent around chapters 18-21 and I think it’s because I didn’t have to deal with Angelica. What an insufferable FMC, jesus christ.

Also the amount of times I had to read “He kissed me like he hated me” “He f-cked me like he hated me” “I kissed her hard, like I hate her for being there. Like I hated myself for being so weak” AS IF I’M GONNA FORGET THE BOOK TITLE OR SOMETHING??? It genuinely pissed me off and pulled me out of the story HARD. I “hated” it. Get it? 😵‍💫🤦🏻‍♀️

I almost DNF’ed this book everytime I picked it up again which is disappointing because the premise sounded right up my alley but the writing was just inconsistent and a let-down. It took me way longer than I expected to read this book because it just started to feel like a chore, which I know I fully signed up for but I thought I was signing up for a VERY different story. There’s also alot of grammatical errors and extra/misplaced words as well but I won’t add those in because this review’s already longer than I expected.

All in all, sorry to the author but if I’m being completely honest, the writing was chaotic and the characters were all over the place and inconsistent with their beliefs/growth. I hated the FMC and a slow-burn enemies to lovers (my fave trope btw) book should not have 5-6 sex scenes by the 14th chapter in a 219 page story.

Sorry. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Again, I’m grateful to receive this copy for free but it’s a no from me.

[Casey]

I will never be able to think of or see dog tags the same after this book. This book pulled me in from the very beginning and I was hating that I couldn't just sit down in one sitting to continue reading it.

Angelica Crane is the daughter of a billionaire who is set to marry her father's best friend Bill. She isn't exactly thrilled with this arrangement as she has always dreamed about marrying someone she loved. But she will do as her Daddy asks. After the engagement was announced a lot of eyes have been on her and there was attempt to kidnap her. Enter Tristan Thompson.

Tristan works for a security company based in London and was wanted for this job because he saved the life of the Prime Minister of England. That day still haunts him though. Reluctantly he take this job in the US. What he didn't realize, was the person he would be protecting was going to be this young 20 something who in time change his life.

Tristan is to not allow Angelica out of his site outside the confines of the house. Due to this proximity the tension between them didn't last and it was only a matter of keep everything a secret. He tried to convince himself he was just the body guard.

One day everything changes and their worlds are turned upside down. The way this was written was amazing and how it all came together, ugh, I couldn't stop!

If you like forbidden romance, forced proximity, spice, age gap, dual pov and throw some darkness in there, then definitely add this to your reading list!!! Can't wait for book 2.

[ASHLEY TOTH]

Book Review:

I was privileged to get this book as an ARC from Rue. And let me just tell you... it was unputdownable. The storyline was so good! It kept me hooked every single page I turned on. There was always something pulling me in. I was totally rooting for Angelica and Tristan from the very beginning. The thought of Angelica and Bill (totally blaaaaah) made me want to barf. He didn't even sound appealing. lol. But the chemistry, the explosive sex scenes... I couldn't have enjoyed it anymore than I did. If you're looking for enemies to lovers, forbidden romance with a good storyline that's going to keep you hooked, making you fall in love with the body guard, LOOK NO FURTHER. You need to read this one. ♡

Book overview:
I’m engaged to a man twice my age.
My father’s best friend. His trusted business partner.
The man who wants to own me like a trophy.

But then he shows up—Tristan Thompson.
British. Brooding. Built like sin in a suit.
My new bodyguard.
Hired to protect me.
Sworn to resist me.

We can’t stand each other.
He thinks I’m a spoiled princess.
I think he’s a cold, arrogant bastard.
But the heat between us? It’s a fire neither of us can put out.
And when danger strikes, he’s the only man who can save me.

Now, the lines between protection and obsession are blurring.
Secrets are unraveling.
And if we give in to what we want…
It might just destroy us both.

[MJ Hitchener]

Wow, that was amazing! I came across this on a group and after seeing the description I knew I had to read it. Enemies to lovers, the ‘I hate yous’ to the ‘I love yous’ melted me. The passion between Angelica and Tristan left me hot and bothered.

Tristan as a sexy, gorgeous bodyguard who would say no really? The man who is there to protect you and jump in the way of danger I can’t blame Angelica for wanting him. Then there’s Angelica herself, a spoilt princess! But let’s be honestly she’s actually a strong, loving woman who just wants to keep her dad happy.

This definitely wasn’t a slow burn, it hit very quick and some may think that it’s maybe too quick but I loved it. It was packed with romance, smut, action, even violence in some parts. It left me on the edge of my seat and at some points left me shocked by the turn it takes but it was so good. From start to finish I was hooked and I became that person that sat up at 2am saying ‘just one more chapter!’

I was excited to see that the author is planning a book 2 so I am excited to see what more the couple could go through but at the same time it ended on a beautiful note so I wouldn’t have been sad if it ended there.

[Josee Langlais]

This is such a quick and fun read! If you read for the pleasure of escaping into a fantasy world that makes you dream of forbidden desires, secrets and the kind of spice that makes your toes curl? This is for you. This book was a quick read and, honestly, made me want more!
The plot was good and even though it’s a plot that has been used countless times (bodyguard romance) it was executed well with it’s own original spin. And to whoever says is predictable… what did you think would happen?! SMH
Read this to escape reality in a world that most of us would never dream of! Because I for sure ain’t a billionaire’s daughter and I am not important enough to have someone try to kidnap me ;)
The spice be spicing in this one! Have fun, because that is what reading should be right?

[ReaderRANN23]

SOOOOO GOOOD

OMG where do I start?? This book ate. I seriously couldn’t stop reading and I didn’t want it to end. The setting was so good and the way it was described I could picture everything. I wanted to be friends with the characters they were so well written. There was lots of steam but it was also a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was laughing, crying fist pumping. Ughhh it was so good. It’s like super dark, sexy, and kind of emotional in a way I wasn’t expecting. If you’re into forbidden romance, bodyguard vibes, and major slow burn payoff, trust me—read this.

[TomiAnn]

This book had me on the edge of my seat. The tension, the heat, the twists...whew!!!
Angel is an heiress who is engaged to her fathers best friend but she doesn't want to be she doesn't love him and but feels obligated to her father.
Tristan is a experienced bodyguard from London who was hired to protect Angel bc there has been things happening around her. He has his own guarded past tht still haunts him.
She tries to get him to notice her....he "doesnt" see her....the tension you could cut with a knife. The passion/spice was HOTTT. Definitely a good enemies to loves and forbidden romance. I cant say too much more without giving spoilers lol. But def read this book.

[Nancy]

Favorite quote: You don’t have to love him, you just have to marry him.

From the beginning of the book Rue sucks you into Angelica’s world. Her father is making her marry his best friend. Her father hires Tristan as her bodyguard and the rest was history.

The chemistry between Angelica and Tristan was intense. It’s a true enemies-to-lovers forbidden romance and I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!

[Meg 🌹🖤]

Engaging Story with a Stunning Twist

The story was engaging, and the plot twist was fantastic, it completely caught me by surprise! Some parts, especially the beginning, felt a bit forced. Overall though, it’s a strong read a great palette cleanser and I’m excited to see what this author writes next!

[Jaune Farrar]

Angsty Tumultuous Love that lasts forever

Wow this book was soo good! The way Rue weaved the characters stories, emotions and feelings drew you in. You could feel the connection and chemistry in the words and story. I think we’ve all dreamed of an epic love where the passion is so real and raw and all consuming. Their story is that in spades.

[Lana Humphress]

Amazingly fabulous

This book is dark, exciting, and totally addictive—in a fun, forbidden kind of way! The sparks between the characters are huge, and I couldn’t stop reading. If you enjoy fiery feelings, lots of drama, and sassy back-and-forths, you’ll really love this one!

[Ariel- ✨💗Riri is Reading]

yes!!!!

Really enjoyed reading this steamy enemies to lovers, hot bodyguard falling for the spoiled princess with some danger mixed in. Really fun read would love to see more of their story, was nice and quick!

[EJ]

Loved this book. Short snappy chapters which I love, feels like you are getting into the storyline quicker.
Writing was easy and not having to overthink as you read, just being there with the book and enjoying the plot unfold.

[Lou Ann]

From the beginning, the book held my interest. Although the storyline may seem familiar the mix of spice and straight forwardness of the book make it exciting! No spoilers here, but if you like hot body guards and spice, it's a must read!

[Leanne Y]

great

Great storyline to get you sucked in and all the spice you could ever want! The only thing is I wouldn’t call it slow-burn.

[Julie]

Tristan and Angelica have chemistry that is off the charts. this book has something for almost, love story, mystery, spice and so much more.

[Jessica Tomlinson]

Tristan and Angelica

For a first time author, I really enjoyed this book. Their dynamic was fun and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!

[Lauren]

What. Did. I. Just. Read?! This book grabbed me from the very first page and refused to let me go. It was wild, addictive, and packed with so much happening that I genuinely could not look away. Whenever I finished a chapter, I needed more immediately.

The tension, the chemistry, the pining - the build up was unreal, and then when they finally gave in to everything simmering between them, it landed perfectly. And when the dynamic shifted afterwards, it somehow got even better. Angelica and Tristan were exactly what each other needed, and watching that connection unfold made every moment hit even harder.

But the character dynamics and growth were what truly made this story shine. I found myself absolutely loving some characters and hating others - and honestly, that’s when you know the writing is good. When a book can make you feel that strongly, it’s doing something right.

The nonstop shocks, reveals, and emotional punches kept me completely hooked. Just when I thought I had it figured out, it threw something unexpected at me in the best way.

Spicy, twisty, explosive, emotional, and ridiculously addictive. I devoured it. Zero regrets. A solid 5 stars from me. 📚✨🔥

[Phyl]

A young girl finds herself in a trapped situation. I can't recall ever encountering a story where a father is genuinely pleased about his daughter marrying his best friend. When a gorgeous bodyguard arrives on the scene, she decides to leverage her feminine charms to entice him. Caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, he struggles to balance his professionalism with his growing desire. The chemistry between Angelica and Tristan is palpable. The fiancé is dangerously unstable, and the father is naive and unaware of the chaos unfolding around him.

[Cristina Hait]

I liked the book, but her dad and Bill pissed me off. How can you be so blind to how unhappy the FMC was? Loved the banter between Angelica and Tristan.

[Sasha Davies]

this is certainly no enemies to lovers, she was on him within hours of meeting, the 2 stars I did give were for chapter 18 through to 20 something then it fell apart again, MFC was so annoying, the situationship was not believable, he kept saying it can't happen again? and then blow me down their knocking boots again, the storyline had holes in it and it took me an age to finish it.

[BedRot.Books]

Woah! I am so shocked to see the mixed reviews for this one. It seems like people either loved it or hated it.
I LOVED IT!
Forbidden love is one of my favorite tropes. Throw in a good enemies to lovers and I'm hooked!
This book definitely hit a home run with the plot twist! Even after the plot twist the book does not end the way you anticipate. I love a book that not only keeps my attention but also keep me guessing.
This was a fun easy read for me and I will definitely be reading book two!

[Jo Cooper]

KISS ME LIKE YOU HATE ME by RUE WILDE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kiss Me Like You Hate Me is the first (#1) book in Rue Wilde’s ANGELICA CRANE series


Heiress Angelica Crane is stuck in a life she detests. Engaged to a much older man she doesn’t love - her father’s business partner, nothing more than a trophy wheeled out for show.
After a failed abduction attempt Angelica is forced to endure Protection, in the shape of Tristan Thompson, broody, British, cold and closed off bodyguard. They instantly detest each other. Tristan thinks she’s a spoilt Princess (a fact she has no intention of correcting) and she sees him as cold, arrogant and annoying.
The burning chemistry between them can’t be denied though, even as both fight not only their attraction but their own personal demons. As the pair spend time together they succumb to the attraction, whilst trying to keep their relationship on the down low, but when Angelica’s life is threatened nothing will stop Tristan from burning the world down to save her….

—————————————
This was my first read by Rue Wilde and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read a revised edition and I think the rework improved this story no end.

At first I really detested the character of Angelina. She was SUCH a spoilt brat and I couldn’t see any redeeming qualities, to the point where I didn’t think I’d enjoy this book, but as the story progressed and we start to see the reasons behind some of her behaviour, I started to understand her behaviour and I slowly started to respect her.

As a Brit, I found Tristan’s English accent, speech etc to be reasonably good. I always like to see British heroes. I liked his protective character and his
demons brought an interesting facet to his actions. I hope we’ll get more insight into that event in book 2!

There were a few too many spicy scenes in it for my personal taste but it fit well in the storyline showing their growing connection and relationship progression.

I got quite engaged in this well paced, interesting storyline and the threat event was gripping. I got invested enough that I read it in under 24 hours. I’m very much looking forward to book two in the Angelica Crane series.

I read an ebook copy of this book at about 370 pages long, with a steamy couple cover I recommend this book.

With thanks to Rue Wilde for a chance to read, all comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.

❤️‍🔥 Enemies to Lovers
❤️‍🔥 Super Spicy 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
❤️‍🔥 Forbidden Love
❤️‍🔥 Billionaire romance (Her)