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Hate You, Maybe: Harvest Hollow Love Stories
When the stakes are win, lose, or fall … and love is not in their lesson plan.
Sayla Kroft has only two goals this
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
Fall for Dex and risk losing the grant … or stop at nothing to win, and risk losing everything.
Sayla Kroft has only two goals this
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
Fall for Dex and risk losing the grant … or stop at nothing to win, and risk losing everything.
- GenresAudiobook
Audible Audio
Published December 11, 2025
4 people want to read
About the author
Julie Christianson
7 books10 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author with this name on GR
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 9, 2025
Hate You Maybe by: Julie Christianson
📖 Sayla and Dex are high school teachers vying for the same grant. When their principal insists they learn to work together, they’re both sent to Camp Reboot.
You'll Find 🔍
-Duet narration
-One cabin
-Workplace rivals
I thought 🗒
This isn't quite enemies to more, since the grudge was one sided.
The HEA timeline felt very short.
I loved ❤️
I enjoyed their time at camp reboot. Sayla's love for clipboards was comical. My favorite part was an unexpected rescue scene.
There were a few times the audio had a playback error but it did not distract from the story. Overall, I enjoyed this sweet story.
📖 Sayla and Dex are high school teachers vying for the same grant. When their principal insists they learn to work together, they’re both sent to Camp Reboot.
You'll Find 🔍
-Duet narration
-One cabin
-Workplace rivals
I thought 🗒
This isn't quite enemies to more, since the grudge was one sided.
The HEA timeline felt very short.
I loved ❤️
I enjoyed their time at camp reboot. Sayla's love for clipboards was comical. My favorite part was an unexpected rescue scene.
There were a few times the audio had a playback error but it did not distract from the story. Overall, I enjoyed this sweet story.
December 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this sweet enemies to lovers, forced proximity, dual POV workplace rivals that has two teachers competing to win the same grant that both their PE and Theatre departments desperately need. Sent to a work retreat to help improve their cooperation skills, the two slowly get to know one another better and learn to appreciate what the other person does for the school. Charming, funny and light-hearted fun. This was good on audio and I liked the return to Harvest Hollow! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2026
Awww! Hate You, Maybe is sooo cute! I was excited for a trip back to Harvest Hollow and it was just so fun!! I absolutely adored reading this book when it came out that was thrilled to have the opportunity to listen to an ALC of it as well! Amanda Friday and Andy Harrington did a great job bringing the story to life!
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.”
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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.”
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 16, 2025
When your competitive nature gets a little intense, it could lead to some humorous moments! At least for Sayla and Dex it sure does! Oh my word, these two! I found myself shaking my head, laughing out loud and wondering when they were going to figure out that they're both great people, doing great things! But until that happens, their fodder makes for some great reading and funny moments for us readers! So sit back and enjoy watching this competitive ride that Sayla and Dex are on! Hahaha!
Pitting two very competitive and successful and good people against each other to win a grant for their department at school is not the best idea. I don't think the principal really thought through his plan very well. *Grimaces and Shake head*
I do love watching these two having to stop and work together and realizing that their thoughts of the other person weren't necessarily right. I loved watching them allow a friendship to grow and to trust each other. That they could work together and help each other to succeed. It was a really fun read. And entertained me a lot!
There are some moments where they made mistakes and had to figure out if it was worth fixing them or not. Take that wording in a positive way, I just don't want to spoil anything.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the duel narration with a male and female narrator. They were fun at bringing these characters and story to life! They had me giggling with how they portrayed some of the scenes. And I loved how they helped the chemistry between these characters shine.
Content: Clean. The characters have to share a cabin at the retreat but they have separate beds and it was written in a clean way. There is a moment of mild peril but nothing too intense. Some sweet kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the audiobook producer, Dreamscape Select, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading/Listening!!!
Pitting two very competitive and successful and good people against each other to win a grant for their department at school is not the best idea. I don't think the principal really thought through his plan very well. *Grimaces and Shake head*
I do love watching these two having to stop and work together and realizing that their thoughts of the other person weren't necessarily right. I loved watching them allow a friendship to grow and to trust each other. That they could work together and help each other to succeed. It was a really fun read. And entertained me a lot!
There are some moments where they made mistakes and had to figure out if it was worth fixing them or not. Take that wording in a positive way, I just don't want to spoil anything.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the duel narration with a male and female narrator. They were fun at bringing these characters and story to life! They had me giggling with how they portrayed some of the scenes. And I loved how they helped the chemistry between these characters shine.
Content: Clean. The characters have to share a cabin at the retreat but they have separate beds and it was written in a clean way. There is a moment of mild peril but nothing too intense. Some sweet kisses but nothing further.
I received a copy from the audiobook producer, Dreamscape Select, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading/Listening!!!
December 20, 2025
“Happiness is a choice.”
Hate You, Maybe was a favorite read this year & listening to the audiobook took it to a whole new level! With two fantastic narrators & duet narration, this swoony romcom became even swoonier! Julie Christianson delivers a heartfelt, romantic, touching, enemies to friends to more workplace romance that checks all the boxes! Sayla & Dex are a couple to cheer for. They’re both teachers who’re dedicated to their students & departments. Their competition for the same grant puts them at odds, but a professional workplace retreat changes everything.
I absolutely loved this heartwarming, swoony romcom! Not only is it a sizzling, closed door, enemies to lovers romance with delightful banter, bubbling undercurrents of attraction, & passionate kisses, but it’s also a touching story with a lot of character growth & depth enhanced by these talented narrators. Sayla & Dex both have difficult things in their pasts which distort their perceptions of the future. Sayla was uprooted frequently as a kid with a mom who was constantly in & out of relationships. Her walls seem unscalable. Dexter experienced a terrible loss which prevents him from having a permanent relationship. Though they start out as workplace rivals, as they get to know each other, the attraction they’ve been pushing down becomes undeniable.
I loved Sayla & Dex finally seeing each other in a whole new light. At first, Sayla feels like Dex is the enemy, & resents the Athletic Director who threatens to take a much needed grant from her Drama Department. When they attend the retreat together & are forced to share a cabin, they begin to see all each others’ amazing qualities. There were so many laugh out loud moments as they have a secret fake relationship which seems a little too real, team building activities, & several fawning camp attendees who bring out the jealousy in both of them. I loved how they’re forced to take on each other’s roles & learn to appreciate each other’s skills. I loved the growth they experience & watching their love bloom.
Highly recommend! While this has ties to Faking the Fall, it’s easily read as a standalone. I received an advanced listener copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
Hate You, Maybe was a favorite read this year & listening to the audiobook took it to a whole new level! With two fantastic narrators & duet narration, this swoony romcom became even swoonier! Julie Christianson delivers a heartfelt, romantic, touching, enemies to friends to more workplace romance that checks all the boxes! Sayla & Dex are a couple to cheer for. They’re both teachers who’re dedicated to their students & departments. Their competition for the same grant puts them at odds, but a professional workplace retreat changes everything.
I absolutely loved this heartwarming, swoony romcom! Not only is it a sizzling, closed door, enemies to lovers romance with delightful banter, bubbling undercurrents of attraction, & passionate kisses, but it’s also a touching story with a lot of character growth & depth enhanced by these talented narrators. Sayla & Dex both have difficult things in their pasts which distort their perceptions of the future. Sayla was uprooted frequently as a kid with a mom who was constantly in & out of relationships. Her walls seem unscalable. Dexter experienced a terrible loss which prevents him from having a permanent relationship. Though they start out as workplace rivals, as they get to know each other, the attraction they’ve been pushing down becomes undeniable.
I loved Sayla & Dex finally seeing each other in a whole new light. At first, Sayla feels like Dex is the enemy, & resents the Athletic Director who threatens to take a much needed grant from her Drama Department. When they attend the retreat together & are forced to share a cabin, they begin to see all each others’ amazing qualities. There were so many laugh out loud moments as they have a secret fake relationship which seems a little too real, team building activities, & several fawning camp attendees who bring out the jealousy in both of them. I loved how they’re forced to take on each other’s roles & learn to appreciate each other’s skills. I loved the growth they experience & watching their love bloom.
Highly recommend! While this has ties to Faking the Fall, it’s easily read as a standalone. I received an advanced listener copy with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.
December 6, 2025
I enjoyed this rivals-to-lovers workplace romance. Sayla is the theatre teacher, and Dex is the gym teacher at the same high school, and they often both go after the same leadership roles. Sayla is pretty salty that Dex usually wins. When they both want the same grant money for their departments, their boss sends them on a retreat to learn to collaborate. They end up having to share a cabin, pretend they're dating and, surprise, work together. Sayla and Dex ended up having a lot in common, and both helped each other to open up and grow. I loved the slowburn tension, the jealousy, and the care for each other that both MCs showed.
I've heard this combination of duet narrators before, which was slightly distracting at first. I also found that the female narrator was a little over dramatic with her expression and this pulled me out of the story sometimes.
What you'll find in this book:
*theatre teacher and gym teacher
*rivals to lovers
*workplace romance
*forced proximity
*only one cabin
*forehead kisses
Content warning: past loss of a child (not offspring), innuendo/coarse jokes
Romance level: 3.5/6 (kisses and makeouts)
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the ALC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I've heard this combination of duet narrators before, which was slightly distracting at first. I also found that the female narrator was a little over dramatic with her expression and this pulled me out of the story sometimes.
What you'll find in this book:
*theatre teacher and gym teacher
*rivals to lovers
*workplace romance
*forced proximity
*only one cabin
*forehead kisses
Content warning: past loss of a child (not offspring), innuendo/coarse jokes
Romance level: 3.5/6 (kisses and makeouts)
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the ALC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 11, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion, my thoughts are my own.
Sayla Kroft is the Theatre Director at Stoney Peak High and i is vying for a grant to fix up the run down theatre. Only one problem, her work nemesis Dexter Michaels is also vying for the same grant. Forced to attend a retreat to see who is a better team player and therefore get the grant, these two will have to get along, open up, and share a cabin.
This book was so fun with Sayla’s and Dex’s witty banter, forced proximity, and potential suitors. The story was also heartwarming and full of emotion. The story was full of unexpected surprises and moments and it was so good. I thought the plot was well thought out and a great twist from the predictable but oh so satisfying stories we know and love while still bringing those elements. I loved this audiobook and the narrators did amazing! They brought emotion and did the sound effects and brought the book to life. This is a great closed-door romance with romance, wit, and heart. I highly recommend this read!
Sayla Kroft is the Theatre Director at Stoney Peak High and i is vying for a grant to fix up the run down theatre. Only one problem, her work nemesis Dexter Michaels is also vying for the same grant. Forced to attend a retreat to see who is a better team player and therefore get the grant, these two will have to get along, open up, and share a cabin.
This book was so fun with Sayla’s and Dex’s witty banter, forced proximity, and potential suitors. The story was also heartwarming and full of emotion. The story was full of unexpected surprises and moments and it was so good. I thought the plot was well thought out and a great twist from the predictable but oh so satisfying stories we know and love while still bringing those elements. I loved this audiobook and the narrators did amazing! They brought emotion and did the sound effects and brought the book to life. This is a great closed-door romance with romance, wit, and heart. I highly recommend this read!
January 11, 2026
This one had a solid concept, but the execution didn’t quite get there for me.
There really wasn’t much angst or buildup. The central conflict resolves quickly into a “we misunderstood each other” situation, and after a fairly short stretch of being forced to actually talk, everything clicks into place. She realizes she was wrong about him, and it turns out he’s basically always cared for her. That arc felt a little too easy for my taste.
The forced retreat setup was a fun idea and could have added real tension, but it felt like a missed opportunity. There was space here to deepen the rivalry, raise the stakes, and let the relationship develop more naturally over time. Instead, the romance moved fast and stayed fairly low-conflict, which made the emotional payoff feel lighter than expected.
It’s not a bad book, just a simpler one. If you’re looking for a low-stress, quick workplace romance with minimal drama, this might work well for you. I was hoping for more depth, more tension, and a little more emotional messiness along the way.
There really wasn’t much angst or buildup. The central conflict resolves quickly into a “we misunderstood each other” situation, and after a fairly short stretch of being forced to actually talk, everything clicks into place. She realizes she was wrong about him, and it turns out he’s basically always cared for her. That arc felt a little too easy for my taste.
The forced retreat setup was a fun idea and could have added real tension, but it felt like a missed opportunity. There was space here to deepen the rivalry, raise the stakes, and let the relationship develop more naturally over time. Instead, the romance moved fast and stayed fairly low-conflict, which made the emotional payoff feel lighter than expected.
It’s not a bad book, just a simpler one. If you’re looking for a low-stress, quick workplace romance with minimal drama, this might work well for you. I was hoping for more depth, more tension, and a little more emotional messiness along the way.
November 30, 2025
I loved reading Hate You, Maybe and jumped at the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version. After listening to this story, I think I love it even more. Narrated in duet fashion by Amanda Friday and Andy Harrington, Sayla and Dex came to life in this audiobook. I liked the duet style and the way the dialogue went back and forth picking up the banter. It’s such a cute and sweet romance and I found it easy to listen to.
Listen to this for:
*Dual POV romance narrated in duet style
*Sayla’s lists
*Enemies to lovers vibes
*High school teachers/work place romance
*Dex…just Dex
*The Teddy Bear
*Forehead kisses and more kisses
If you’re an audiobook reader and have been wanting to read this one, I definitely recommend checking it out. I love this book and recommend it! I received an advance listening copy from Netgalley and Dreamscape. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Listen to this for:
*Dual POV romance narrated in duet style
*Sayla’s lists
*Enemies to lovers vibes
*High school teachers/work place romance
*Dex…just Dex
*The Teddy Bear
*Forehead kisses and more kisses
If you’re an audiobook reader and have been wanting to read this one, I definitely recommend checking it out. I love this book and recommend it! I received an advance listening copy from Netgalley and Dreamscape. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 2, 2025
This was an amazing audio production! The narrators did an amazing job - there is a constant switch between male and female voices during the dialogue and the inner thoughts, which really brings the story to life. The narration also included inflection and changes in voice (i.e., high-pitched, slurring words) whenever appropriate. I highly suggest listening to this book for audiobook lovers.
The story line was also great. Sayla and Dexter are fighting for a single grant ("The FRIG"). Which, by the way, credit to the author for that acronym. Sayla and Dexter have formidable banter in this closed-door romance (kissing only). Just because it is closed door does not mean there isn't chemistry between Sayla and Dexter - it is bubbling over!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ALC. All opinions are my own.
The story line was also great. Sayla and Dexter are fighting for a single grant ("The FRIG"). Which, by the way, credit to the author for that acronym. Sayla and Dexter have formidable banter in this closed-door romance (kissing only). Just because it is closed door does not mean there isn't chemistry between Sayla and Dexter - it is bubbling over!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ALC. All opinions are my own.
December 3, 2025
**Review of *Hate You, Maybe***
by Julie Christianson
Narrated by Amanda Friday; Andy Harrington
**4⭐️**
A fun, well-narrated story with characters who have real depth. Two high school teachers—Sayla, the drama teacher with a chip on her shoulder, and Dexter, the universally liked athletic director—compete for a grant that could transform their programs. A forced professional retreat pushes them to communicate, building respect, friendship, and eventually more.
Their personal struggles felt relatable, and the narrators delivered strong performances. Definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for the ALC.
December 16, 2025
Rivals to lovers is one of my favorite tropes as it fits the contemporary niche for enemies to lovers in a lot of ways. It is hard to make true enemies believable in a contemporary setting but rivals works well. In this case, it was very one-sided and I did struggle with not getting frustrated with Sayla at first. However, I’m good with characters with flaws that need growth and we definitely saw that here. The progression of this relationship was well done and I liked that silly miscommunication didn’t pop up. I really loved Dex’s care for Sayla, understanding where her insecurities originated and letting her grow. The kisses were sweet but also swoony.
The narrators both did a great job bringing these characters to life for me. I love dual point of view stores and multiple narrator books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted audiobook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Content Notes: Kisses
The narrators both did a great job bringing these characters to life for me. I love dual point of view stores and multiple narrator books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted audiobook. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Content Notes: Kisses
November 30, 2025
A beautifully done closed door romance. The chemistry between the main characters is still very much there and easy to feel. I love that the main characters are both teachers and care so deeply about their jobs and students. The forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and workplace romance tropes were so well done and fun. This should appeal to any romance reader. The audiobook narrators were phenomenal and engaging. Definitely recommend! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
December 8, 2025
I really enjoyed the ALC of this book! The narrator’s were great and I liked that it went back and forth between the two characters! I really enjoyed the banter between Dex and Sayla! I also enjoyed how their childhood traumas brought them closer together! They had very different childhoods but both experienced different trauma and ways their family coped with them! This was cute clean romance!
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
December 2, 2025
4⭐️
Absolutely loved this book! Two coworkers forced to go on a retreat. This book is a fun cozy, rom com!
The narrators are fantastic! This book was read as a duet, which makes you feel like you are there for the conversations.
Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Select for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!
Absolutely loved this book! Two coworkers forced to go on a retreat. This book is a fun cozy, rom com!
The narrators are fantastic! This book was read as a duet, which makes you feel like you are there for the conversations.
Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape Select for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!
December 3, 2025
Loved this one- it was so fun!
The characters were likable and the plot was sweet.
I loved that they were both competing for the same thing but they didn’t get vindictive and mean about it.
I was worried that it would end with one of them unhappy but the author wrapped it up beautifully.
I LOVED the narrators and enjoyed listening to this one on audio.
The characters were likable and the plot was sweet.
I loved that they were both competing for the same thing but they didn’t get vindictive and mean about it.
I was worried that it would end with one of them unhappy but the author wrapped it up beautifully.
I LOVED the narrators and enjoyed listening to this one on audio.
December 5, 2025
This was a cute romance and was enjoyable to listen to. The narrators embodied the vibes of their characters well and overall I enjoyed the story.
I found it dragged on a bit and the characters a little annoying. I understood how their childhoods impacted their actions but I felt like it was drilled home a little too much that it become repetitive.
I found it dragged on a bit and the characters a little annoying. I understood how their childhoods impacted their actions but I felt like it was drilled home a little too much that it become repetitive.
December 2, 2025
Cute story with likable characters ! If you’ve ever been a band/theater parent, be ready to growl in frustration over the sports vs. arts funding battle. I enjoyed the audiobook, which was performed excellently in duet. Well done indeed !!!
December 10, 2025
Terrible narrators.
December 13, 2025
I received the audio as an arc
The narrators were awful. I felt the story just really dragged on
The narrators were awful. I felt the story just really dragged on
December 23, 2025
The book was fabulous, the audio matches it perfectly. Sayla in audio form is incredible.
Now I just need a book for Maddie Porter and one for Bridger and Lauren.
Now I just need a book for Maddie Porter and one for Bridger and Lauren.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews