Hate You, Maybe

Harvest Hollow Love Stories

by Julie Christianson

When the stakes are win, lose, or fall … and love is not in their lesson plan.

Sayla Kroft has only two goals this year:

Score the big district grant to rebuild her high school’s dilapidated theater.
Avoid Dexter Michaels, the flirty-flirt athletic director who wants those same funds for the gym.
Losing to her workplace enemy—again—is not on Sayla's never-ending to-do list. Neither is being trapped with her maddening coworker at a professional retreat.

Or noticing his relentlessly crooked smile is actually kind of ... hot.

But just as she’s beginning to believe Dex might not be the devil himself, the two are forced to switch job titles to prove their collaborative spirit. That’s when Sayla realizes her competition is fiercer than she imagined, which leaves her with an impossible choice:

Fall for Dex and risk losing the grant … or stop at nothing to win, and risk losing everything.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Forced Proximity, Rom Com, Audiobook, Fake Dating, Contemporary Romance

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2025

About the author

Julie Christianson writes sweet romantic comedies—but only when she’s not reading them. Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, she loves her hilarious family, her three crazy rescue dogs, and laughing at her own jokes.

Julie dreamed of being an author the first time she held a crayon, and after the library where she worked closed in 2020, she decided to try her hand at penning her own small-town romcoms.

She’s a former high school English teacher and lapsed marathon runner, the mother of two great kids, and the wife of one very funny man. Her goal is to write books that make you laugh out loud, fall in love, and live happily ever after.

To connect with Julie, follow her on instagram (@juliechristiansonauthor), Facebook (@juliechristiansonauthor) or visit her website, juliechristianson.com.!

Reviews

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a blast! Honestly, all of Julie’s books feel like Hallmark movies playing in your head, but this one really stood out. The tension between Dex and Sayla was actually sizzling. The jealousy, the banter, the slow burn… pure perfection. I was literally giggling every time Dex got jealous when another guy talked to Sayla 🤭

Also, Sayla and her clipboards?! 😂 I swear that’s gonna live rent-free in my mind. The setup is classic enemies-to-lovers. She’s the theater teacher, he’s the gym teacher, and they’re always competing. When both their programs are up for the same grant, their boss sends them on a retreat to “learn to collaborate.” Translation: forced proximity heaven. Cue the one cabin (sadly, not one bed… but close enough 😏) There’s even a little fake dating sprinkled in, and it worked perfectly.

I loved watching them slowly drop their walls and open up. The way they started seeing each other differently was so sweet. And Dex… whew. That man knows how to flirt. Like, sir, calm down, I’m blushing. The tattoos were a surprise (in the best way), the banter was top tier, and that office scene... yeah, I had to fan myself a bit 😳

Overall, this was a fun, flirty, banter-filled romance with just the right amount of angst. Julie did it again!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
❤️‍🔥 Enemies to Lovers
❤️‍🔥 Workplace Rivals
❤️‍🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥 Only One Cabin
❤️‍🔥 Secret Tattoos
❤️‍🔥 Forehead Kisses

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, no-spice, enemies to friends/lovers rom-com!

Sayla and Dex work together ata HS.
She is a theater/arts teacher. He is a gym teacher/coach. She’s worked there for a couple of years. He’s worked there for much longer. They know each other from when they were younger… and have been competitive too. Somehow, he always wins. And that makes her crazy! (He got the job first. He gets all the awards. He gets all the glory.)

She is organized. Thorough. Kind. Sweet. And so much more! She is also armed with MULTIPLE clip boards that help to keep her organized! And she carries them with her everywhere!

He is more of a fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy! He works hard, but everything seems to come easy to him. (At least in Sayla’s eyes!)

So now they are both fighting for ONE GRANT that will help the to EITHER fix the gym and all the stuff needed for sports, OR… fix the theater, and all the stuff needed for that. One or the other. Definitely NOT both.

The school supervisor asks them to also WORK TOGETHER to help them get the approval for another four years of reprieve from the upper echelons of the school system! And in order to do this, they must present as a UNITED FRONT!

And so,with this in mind they’re shipped off to a workshop/conference…. And this is where all the trouble begins! 🤣😂🤣

As they work together to try to make the school a better place, they are forced to be very close to each other… for an extended period! And what comes from this will make you LOL!

Sweet. Solid. Star-crossed. Friends. Family. Love. Life. Balance!!

#HateYouMaybe by @JulieChristianson and narrated nicely by @AmandaFriday and @AndyHarrington.

4 big, bright, shiny, loving stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*** This one has NOT been released as yet, so please LOOK FOR IT on 12/11/25!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeSelect for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Charity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julie Christianson is one of my favorite authors. I have all her books and I've had the opportunity to meet her a couple times. I LOVE her.

So it kind of breaks my heart to leave this review. I'm not even sure how to rate the book.

First, the story was great. I really did love it. The banter, the chemistry, the enemies to lovers. Loved it all. That in and of itself would be an EASY 5 stars.

My dilemma comes from the coarse jokes. There were a few that kind of came out of nowhere. They didn't fit the story, and nothing like them have been in any other of her books. They caught me completely off guard. I could definitely see guys talking like that in a locker room, but they didn't fit in the context of this story. And I have no desire to hear what a men's locker room sounds like. But those jokes just left a sour taste in my mouth, even after smiling big at the ending.

There were very heavy makeouts, which honestly felt organic to the story, so I didn't have a problem with those. Just wanted to give a heads-up.

There was one use of the word "hell."

I have no problem with my teenage daughters reading any of Julie's other books, but I would not let them read this one because of the jokes.

Again, I LOVE Julie, and this won't stop me from reading future books. I just REALLY hope there aren't any more jokes like that. It would break my heart.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the type of romcom that speaks to my heart and soul, and I’m fully obsessed with Sayla and Dex.

Julie Christianson sends us back to Harvest Hollow to a high school with two teachers who are completely opposite. Dex loves to tease and rile Sayla up and she loves to hate him. Until they are forced to work together.

Dating a coworker is out of the question, but this enemies to love, forced proximity romance even has forehead kisses. Swoon! I couldn’t get over every single ounce of swoon. Dex is absolute perfection and Sayla is relatable.

The lists, the retreat, the vulnerability, the magnetic chemistry, the friends, the family, the storm, and allllll the banter had me devouring this one.

This author has a charismatic writing style and a way of saying things that brings every word to life.

I couldn’t get enough and I’m full on consumed with every single thing about it.

Content: talk of unstable childhood and death (off page); mild romance; mild moments of peril

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Hannah Leutzinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers + forced proximity + fake dating = win.
Two colleagues constantly competing are sent to a collaboration retreat where they end up having to share a cabin for 3 days. Recipe for romance.
Sayla and Dexter face a lot of relatable issues in their relationship like learning how to trust and being vulnerable. But in the end the love and safety they find is ❤️.

Looking forward to Loren and Bridger’s book

[Angie Miale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely elite banter/dialogue. I loved Sayla and Dexter. These two crazy kids are gonna make it. I cried during the epilogue (automatic 5 stars)

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in Harvest Hollow for enemies to more with a healthy dose of forced proximity at its peak! These two teachers are constantly in competition or at odds, and though it is mostly one-sided, the banter and chemistry is not. 🔥 I loved seeing these two truly get to know one other layered with the depth of processing their own struggles, while accidentally falling for and learning to trust each other.

CW: Mild Sexual Innuendo & Swearing (One H*ll)
TW: Past loss of close family member (processing grief), Difficult Parental Relationship (Current)

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Dexter & Sayla's heartbreaking, list making, caring, hopeful, loving, sweet n swoony happily ever after!!

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just wish that books with kind, emotionally intelligent MMC’s wouldn’t have trauma driven, unnecessarily angry FMC’s in the same book. No mature, attractive man is going to put up with a woman being passive aggressive toward him for years for no reason (I mean, he’s better at some things than she is, how dare he?) Sayla pulls him in, then pushes him away because “My mom makes bad choices with men….” I just could not root for these two beyond rooting that Dex finds someone else. Sorry. I’m glad other people really seem to like it though.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these two characters so much! Sayla and Dex both have things that have hurt them in the past and those things have also played a big part in the occupations they chose and the way they approach life, as well.

What appears at first to be an enemies to more story is really so much more than that. Sayla and Dex discover quite a bit about each other when they are forced to work together at a professional development camp. But they also must both face their own reasons that they have pushed each other away for years. And, yep...it's because they are so very attracted to each other!

This story was packed full of fun and quirky moments, but also delved into fears and grief and the actions people take to protect themselves emotionally. I loved this book from start to finish, including the sweet bonus epilogue!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but also purchased a print copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww! Hate You, Maybe is sooo cute! I was excited for a trip back to Harvest Hollow and it was just so fun!!

Sayla (the high school theater teacher) cannot stand Dex (the high school athletic director)! Everything he does annoys her and every time they are up against each other he wins! So, when they are both vying for a grant to improve the theatre and/or gym, their principal sends them on a retreat to learn to work together. Add in a shared cabin and some fake dating and these two might just find out that the other one isn’t quite so bad!

I loved Sayla and Dex so much! Their story had me hooked from the beginning! Their love-to-hate you moments were great and their banter was so fun! I loved both of their commitment to their students and trying to improve things for them! I loved how Dex liked to tease Sayla, yet he was still so protective of her! I loved Sayla’s sassy side and how getting to know Dex really changed her view of who he really was!! These two were a dream!!

Favorite quotes:

“You didn’t have to do that on my account, Kroft.” “Do what?” I huff. “Your button’s undone.” His eyes dip to my blouse, the one I’m wearing under my second-luckiest cardigan. “But you already had my attention.” Wow. Loren’s right. I freaking hate this man.”

“And here’s where I admit the other reason I sometimes mess with Sayla: The woman is undeniably beautiful. And her brain plus her feistiness only makes her more attractive.”

“Water drips off his towel-ruffled hair onto the wall of his bare torso, glistening in fat droplets. I’ve never been jealous of water before, but can you blame me? He’s all pine-scented and broad, his tanned skin rippling and flexing. Instead of a clingy workout shirt drenched with sweat, I’m getting an inventory of every single muscle that has ever existed on a human being.”

[Nicky W. (Bookstacks_and_Coffeecups) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!

Shayla and Dex’s story was so good and I really enjoyed that this setting felt different. I love rom-coms and don’t mind that so many of them have similarities since I’m here for the feels and the HEA’s but it’s also nice to have a unique setting. This also had some of my favourite tropes;(one sided) enemies to love, competing coworkers, forced proximity & brief fake dating.

I enjoyed that both had complicated personal histories that they had to grow around together and the side characters were fantastic. Plus I absolutely adore being back in Harvest Hollow (the same fictional town as the multi-author Sweater Weather series)

This one had lots of laughs, lots of feels and lots of lists on clipboards!
The chemistry and banter in this one will leave you more then satisfied.

Thank you to the Author and Booked With The Emily’s for an advance review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Reagan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED this book 🥳 The banter between these two is flammable 🔥 and the deep layers had me tearing up so much 🥹

Sayla. This girl and her clipboard against the world 🌎 but truly, after moving around so much, Sayla clings to stability like a lifeline ❤️‍🩹 I loved watching her confront her feelings through this book and let people in 🥹 also her competitiveness was EVERYTHING 👏🏻

Dexter. While he puts on a front to the world, Dex has been guarding his heart for as long as he can remember 🔐 But somehow the walls he’s built are unable to keep Sayla out 🤭 Watching him fall in love, however begrudgingly, was AMAZING 🥰

These two characters have got to be some of my favorite ❤️ I was laughing, crying, and gasping my way through the entire book 🥹

I could NOT put this book down 📕 like seriously it was addictive. And when it came to an end I was so sad! I NEED more and I can’t wait for book two 🤭

⚠️ CW: two minor swears, death of loved one (before book), some issues with parent that are discussed a lot ⚠️

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saylor and Dexter are rivals who may or may not have chemistry. Who knows, really, especially when they're pitted against each other in pursuit of the same grant for their individual programs at the local high school. Forced to team up at a retreat, they just might see the value of the other's opinions and have the chance to get to know the other.
I loved the forced proximity and rivals turned lovers is a trope that just works for me. Both characters push each other to be better people and I loved how their back stories bring them together and give an opportunity for growth. This sweet romance is tender with fun banter. Julie's writing continues to grow and I'm excited to see what she writes next!
Loved the DUET narration from Amanda Friday and Andy Harrington. It's very well done and was a happy surprise!
Thank you to Dreamscape, the author, and Netgalley for the alc. All thoughts are my own.

[Madeleine Berges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to booked with the Emily’s and the author for this eARC!!

I absolutely adore this book! It was an easy, five stars for me. I’m perfect to fly through! Absolutely love the teaching aspect of this book!!! it had the right amount of lightheartedness and cheese and joy and tension and I just ate it upppp!!!!!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. I think it’s safe to say that this book is a must read for the fall. It’s such a fun story- rival teachers with seemingly opposite positions having to work together to achieve a common goal WHILE competing for a grant to restore their respective venues? So clever! Sayla’s type-A personality seems like one that would class with Dexter’s more laidback and easygoing one, but they compliment each other well. I was a big fan of the forced proximity, the backstories for both MCs that lead them to be reluctant to let others in, and the growth both characters showed throughout the story. If you’re looking for a cozy fall vibe romcom, visit Harvest Hollow. I’m looking forward to what Julie has in store for this small town next!

[Jeanine Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hate You, Maybe a new favorite romcom from Julie Christianson!!

Sayla Kroft and Dexter Michaels will steal your heart in this quirky enemies/rivals to lovers, with loads of forced proximity, fake dating, and just the right amount of tenderness, vulnerability, and melt-your-face-off kisses!

This story was so much fun. I laughed a lot and sighed a lot! I don’t want to give anything away but I think you will adore everything about these two characters. They are both determined, cautious, witty, and driven. Love their jobs and do it for the kids.

Many thanks to the author for my advanced copy! All opinions are my own.

[Sarah Bowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Sayla and her clipboards! 🤣 I will forever have this stamped in my brain thinking of this book.

Sayla has always lost to Dex in things in the school where they both teach and this is the set up for the enemies to lovers trope. So when both her theater and his gym are up for a "fix it up" grant and only one will get it, their boss sends them to a retreat to help them learn to collaborate. Cue the one cabin (but not one bed 😟 lol).

I love the small fake dating we got and the reason for it. I love how this retreat forces them to both look at each other differently and that it allows them to open up to each other slowly about their pasts and heartaches.

This was a great banter filled story with two MCs that I just couldn't help but love!

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hate you maybe was such a great escape. I love a good historical fiction or deep harrowing book, but when life feels heavy, what I really need is a lighter book. This one hit the spot. The fun banter and happily ever after lifted my spirits and made me smile.

I loved each character and how at first they fit into these distinct stereotypical roles, but then as the story progressed their complexity is revealed. I love a story that unites two people in their brokenness and where understanding leads to healing.

If you love a forced proximity, enemies to lovers, or just fun banter between a gym teacher and drama teacher, this one is for you.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment that I saw this title, I just knew it was going to be a fun one... and I'm happy to say that Dexter and Sayla's story absolutely did not disappoint! These two were so fun together. One of the things I love most in an enemies-to-lovers romance is the banter, and even though this rivalry may have been one-sided, we still get that great banter just the same. And the chemistry? Well, even if Sayla WANTS to hate Dex, she can't help but admit his attractiveness. When they're forced to attend a retreat together to prove they can collaborate, they learn that there is a lot more to each other than meets the eye. I loved seeing those more tender and vulnerable moments between them. And while the story did touch on a few tougher issues (making me root for these characters to get their happily ever after all that much more), they were perfectly blended with the humor to keep it feeling lighthearted and fun overall. The side characters also added so much to the story, and I found myself hoping that we'll get to know some of them better later in the series too. (And as a Julie Christianson fan, I loved seeing some mentions of previous characters too!) If you love workplace/teacher romance with cute pop culture references, this is one you won't want to miss!

Hate You, Maybe is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have very minimal minor language and innuendo.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Berly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains an audiobook review.

This is a standalone contemporary romcom. It may be the first in a new series. It is very lightly connected with Julie's book Faking the Fall that was originally in the multi author Sweater Weather series. It is basically set in the same town, Harvest Hollow and mainly has references to one couple. It is a kisses-only contemporary romcom.

Loved this one so much! That was my first thought after reading it. I was working my way through it and needed to go to sleep, especially since I knew I had an early morning alarm. I put my book away and couldn't go to sleep. I had to get the kindle back out and finish it. So yes, it cost me almost 2 hours of sleep.... But I regret nothing. It is a new favorite of Julie's books for me.

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Edited to add thanks to Dreamscape Select and Netgalley I was also able to listen to an audio copy of this book. I am a huge fan of audiobooks and have listened to over a hundred this year alone. To be very honest, these two narrators have not been my favorites in the past. I've repeatedly mentioned the problems I have with their narration. I wasn't exactly looking forward to listening to this one because of that. But because I loved the book so much the first time reading it, I wanted to listen as well. I am very glad that I did. This narration duo did a great job with this one. Maybe the difference is that it is a duet narration instead of dual. But I was very pleasantly surprised at how I liked listening. I'd give them 4 stars and the book 5.

[Tatum - nuggetybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dexter Micheals & Sayla Kroft
- Dual POV
- Teacher MCs, workplace romance
- Theater and preforming arts director FMC
- Athletic director MMC
- One sided Rivals to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Competing for the same grant
- Work trip, only one cabin
- Set in Fall in NC

✨ a few of my favorite things:
- the forehead kisses 🥹
- How fluster Sayla gets
- How Dex pushes her buttons and Sayla comebacks
- Loren & Sayla 💕
- Their first kiss!!!!!!
- Dex saying what he wants 👏🏻
- The showcase for their accreditation
- How Dex takes care of her 🥹
- Dex and his family 😂
- How she tries to comfy and take care of him too
- Clara 🥲

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Julie has a way with writing heartfelt, human stories that will also make you smile and laugh. Dex and Sayla both felt like real people who had big struggles but always showed up for the people and projects they were passionate about. They are both two very strong willed and opinionated people; so there was a constant battle of wills which was highly entertaining.

The story follows a short week for the first half of the book then a quick couple of weeks and doesn’t span a very long time. There is already history between the characters as they’ve worked together for three years already. So it seems quick how everything plays out but there is already established relationship there even if the relationship rapidly takes a 180.

I SO SO appreciated there wasn’t any dramatics over a situation two thirds in that could have totally be blown out of proportion but Sayla was so adult about it. I can’t tell you how refreshing that was to read 👏🏻. Dex struggled to open up but in the end we see him opening up his heart a little bit and that’s big progress for someone who never ever opens up before. I don’t think that should be glossed over.

Adored the side characters like Dex’s crazy sisters and I’m very invested in Loren. Dex’s whole backstory tugged on my heart and his family’s story really struck me.

This was a fun story with so much teasing, banter, and collaboration 😉 be sure to read it if you need some good hearted rivalry and a very protective MMC.

This is a closed door romcom with low angst, kissing, and no cursing. Author gives content warning at beginning of book.

**Thank you so much to Julie and @bookedwiththeemilys for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hate You, Maybe
by: Julia Christianson
@juliechristiansonauthor

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~When the stakes are win, lose or fall and love is not in their lesson plan...

“I don’t hate you. Maybe.”

-Ok, Hate You, Maybe is such a cute, delightful story blended with such goodness, heart, and depth weaved throughout! You will find sizzling chemistry, crackling tension, and laugh-out-loud humor of an enemies-to-lovers romance, without all the spice, within! I adored this story from cover to cover! I thoroughly enjoyed the fun adventure of Sayla and Dex coming to for each other, despite doing their absolute best not to! I loved seeing bickering that quickly before long turned beautifully into banter, the slow-burn tension, and rivals to more! Watching these dear characters be able to come to know, understand, appreciate, and value each other, makes each one be seen, and find belonging and happiness. When they chose to be all in as a team, the magic of them together was bursting with such goodness! This is simply put, a dear fun story worth reading, my friends!🩷📚💯

“We might be messy, but that doesn’t mean we’re not worthy.So in this moment, without any lists or clipboards to anchor me, I let myself fall for Dexter Michaels.”

•Content: some mild language, mentioning death of loved ones in past-some emotion/grief on page, mentioning of side characters with early on case of dementia, thunder storm damage, some drinking/bar scene/one character gets drunk, secret tattoos, mild moment of terror/emotions on page, a strained family relationship, loss, some kisses (make-outs), mild innuendo. Closed-door!

“Your ink is safe with me.”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#hateyoumaybe

“You can’t prove your worth to anyone else until you believe it yourself.”

#juliechristiansonauthor

“Love is messy. There’s no doubt about that. So there is no loss in the end. There’s only the faith that we’ll all be together again. One way or another.”

#bookedwiththeemilys

“Kroft, I do love nothing in the world so well as you.”

#allaboutthebestreads

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Partner, @bookedwiththeemilys @juliechristiansonauthor for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.

It didn’t take long for me to fall for Sayla and Dex. I love a workplace romance when there isn’t a power imbalance and Julie Christianson writes this one beautifully.

Sayla and Dex are teachers at the same high school who care deeply about students and programs. Unfortunately, they are set up as rivals because the school district forces them to compete for scarce resources. (If you’ve spent any time in education, you’ll recognize this as commonplace.) Things get complicated when they are charged with proving they can cooperate in order to earn accreditation. This requires them to attend a multi day workshop… You can guess where this is going.

Hello forced proximity. Yoga, rock climbing, campfires, and other team building activities lead to - wait for it - communication and communication leads to - wait for it - mutual respect. And guess what mutual respect leads to. Yep. Romance. The story and relationship between the MCs flowed naturally and never felt contrived.

This closed door romance hit all the right notes for me. I loved the way Sayla and Dex worked together to accomplish their shared goals and, in doing so, built a tremendous sense of community.

Don’t sleep on this one.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Dreamscape Select, for this audiobook, and Booked with the Emilys, for the physical book.

Hate You, Maybe by Julie Christianson was such a cute and fun read. It gave me all the theater director x athletic director vibes I was craving. Sayla & Dexter could not be more opposite, so that created the best rivals-to-lovers backdrop. Both of their departments are in desperate need of funding to have the necessary updates. Their principal says they must work together to demonstrate unity for the state evaluation next week. Their boss sends them to attend a reboot camp together to demonstrate they can work together. I loved the banter, character growth, and charm of this book. The narrators, Amanda Friday and Andy Harrington, did a wonderful job voicing Sayla and Dexter. I also love this book cover.

Please consider adding this book to your TBR. You will not be disappointed.

Read this book if you enjoy:
- Workplace rivals
- Dual POV
- Theater x athletic director
- Forced proximity
- Only one cabin
- Closed-door romance
- Secret tattoos
- Forehead kisses
- Supportive MMC

[Sheri Strba-Brozovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hate You, Maybe is a fun, no-spice enemies-to-lovers romance.
When the stakes are win, lose, or fall… and love is not in the lesson plan.
Sayla Kroft needs one thing: the district grant to save her high school theater. The only problem? Dexter Michaels—the charming athletic director who wants the same money for the gym and enjoys pushing every one of her buttons.
After a forced retreat and an even more forced job-swap, Sayla realizes her biggest competition might also be her biggest distraction. Dex isn’t just annoying—he’s competent, charming, and dangerously easy to fall for.
Now Sayla has a choice: win the grant… or risk losing her heart.

This was a sweet, enjoyable story, though I personally would have loved to see more competition between the characters, especially since that’s what the opening led me to expect. I received this ARC in audio format, and the narrator for Sayla was a great fit—her voice matched the character perfectly and really brought her to life. Dex’s narration, however, felt a bit mismatched to me, as he sounded older than I pictured the character, which pulled me out of the story at times.

[Heidy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Team sports ball vs team drama, a tried and true classic. This story had good bones: sparky banter, nostalgic summer camp vibes, and forced proximity/ fake dating trope. Both main characters definitely worked through some emotional skeletons and insecurities, and they were real for that. However, the conflict fell a bit short for me. Sayla’s got a slew of mommy issues, and a product of one is not shitting where eat (very fair). Sayla decides what’s best in her head and just determinately goes rolls with it, not really confirming/communicating with Dex. Her type A personality made me feel like I don’t know if we’d be friends in real life. “On time is late” yaaaa, this household runs on Mexican time that wouldn’t work for me.

This was my first Julie Christianson book and had I know the most action these two would get is a make out, I would not have picked it up. It’s like a step beyond closed door, at least let me pretend someone is getting laid.

Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape Select for the ALC, did enjoy both voice actors!

[jessie_bookmind · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story between two teachers that “hate” each other. Sayla, a determined and driven English teacher, finds herself constantly runner up to the gym teacher and athletics department head, Dex. Sayla also runs the drama department and does not want to lose an upcoming grant to Dex. Love seeing their walls gradually come down as these two are forced by the principal of the school to work together, including a retreat to learn to collaborate. I love the humor, and the banter is great. You really want these two to figure out their stuff and get past their own personal barricades.

I loved the audio version with Amanda Friday and Andy Harrington in duet. They do a great job bringing the characters to life and make the book that much more enjoyable.

In this book:
*Workplace rivals
*forced proximity
*only one cabin
*teachers

Thank you Julie Christianson, Dreamscape Select and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy of this audiobook!

[Mylissa B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is so cute & fun, I didn't want to put it down 😍 Sayla & Dexter could not be more opposite as the theater and athletic director. Their school has an opportunity for a life changing grant but to decide whose department will receive the money the pair are sent to a professional retreat by their boss. I will admit I struggled with this concept but we can't use logic in romance so alas we continued.

"Hate You, Maybe" is a closed door novel that still contains the tension, flirty dialogue and cute moments you want in your romances. This novel is dual POV which I absolutely love in my romances and it really just added to the tension of this novel

Tropes you will find include:
Workplace rivals
Forced proximity
Only one cabin
Secret tattoos
Forehead kisses

Thank you Booked With the Emilys for the ARC

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duet narration - Amanda Friday & Andy Harrington
Loved their performance!

This story presents a charming mix of workplace romance, enemies-to-lovers, and romantic comedy, all centered around love, charming glimpses, and tender kisses. It's a journey characterized by slow-building tension, emotional richness, and heartwarming moments, set in a lively high school where two dedicated educators are striving for success—and maybe discovering love along the way. The story is rich with deep feelings. Although Dex and Sayla's undeniable chemistry is concealed beneath their rivalry, the key question is whether they can overcome the significant obstacles in their path and confess the feelings they've been hiding.

This is a closed door romance with sexual innuendos.

I received a complimentary audiobook copy of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.