What do you think?
Rate this book
Hate You to Love You
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26A heartwarming queer romance debut about two exes forced to work together on a whirlwind book tour, from a beloved bookseller and influencer – for fans of Cara Bastone, B.K. Borison and Alexis Hall.
Carlos Reyes is having a quarter life crisis. Once a hopeless romantic who believed in the power of the romantic comedy, Carlos is struggling to find anything about his life romantic or comedic. Maybe it’s because he lost his dad recently. Or because the love of his life broke his heart.
But then he gets the professional opportunity of a follow blockbuster author and recent recluse Claudia Leighton on her upcoming book tour and write the tell-all piece her fans have been dying for. Carlos wants to jump at the opportunity, but there’s a problem – Claudia’s publicist, Elliot Simpson. He’s arrogant, insufferable and the man who broke his heart. And if he takes this job, Carlos will be stuck with him for weeks.
Spanning Sydney, Dublin, Edinburgh and London, Hate You to Love You is a moving love story about nostalgia and yearning for what once was, and what it means to lose yourself in order to find yourself.
Carlos Reyes is having a quarter life crisis. Once a hopeless romantic who believed in the power of the romantic comedy, Carlos is struggling to find anything about his life romantic or comedic. Maybe it’s because he lost his dad recently. Or because the love of his life broke his heart.
But then he gets the professional opportunity of a follow blockbuster author and recent recluse Claudia Leighton on her upcoming book tour and write the tell-all piece her fans have been dying for. Carlos wants to jump at the opportunity, but there’s a problem – Claudia’s publicist, Elliot Simpson. He’s arrogant, insufferable and the man who broke his heart. And if he takes this job, Carlos will be stuck with him for weeks.
Spanning Sydney, Dublin, Edinburgh and London, Hate You to Love You is a moving love story about nostalgia and yearning for what once was, and what it means to lose yourself in order to find yourself.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 14, 2026
Such a well written, cosy romance! My heart feels so warm reading Carlos and Elliot’s story. Full thoughts to come once published, but you need to pre-order this now!
April 27, 2026
As a book lover obsessed with movies and a movie lover obsessed with books, this novel absolutely fed my soul.
I’ve been anticipating Josh’s novel for a long time, and it delivered exactly what I wanted. It’s the perfect combo of fun and breezy while still having just the right amount of depth and seriousness. Truly the BEEEEEST OF BOTH WORLDS.
I think what I loved most wasn’t even all the movie talk (though I did love that), but the Sydney references. There’s something so fun about recognising places you know, it adds an extra layer of enjoyment as a reader.
I’ve been anticipating Josh’s novel for a long time, and it delivered exactly what I wanted. It’s the perfect combo of fun and breezy while still having just the right amount of depth and seriousness. Truly the BEEEEEST OF BOTH WORLDS.
I think what I loved most wasn’t even all the movie talk (though I did love that), but the Sydney references. There’s something so fun about recognising places you know, it adds an extra layer of enjoyment as a reader.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An absolute love letter to rom-com movies and books. I am so incredibly proud of Josh in getting this out and f-ing around with my poor heart. LOVE!!!
Thank you so much to Josh and Atria/Simon for this beautiful ARC.
Thank you so much to Josh and Atria/Simon for this beautiful ARC.
April 26, 2026
Lovers of rom coms LOCK IN I have the BOOK for YOU
Such a lovely reflection on the importance yet also the difficulty of nostalgia, and wanting to hold onto things in life that inevitably will change! Friendships in particular are touched on so well
As a publicist some of this was too real lol I love it
The love story was gorgeous!!! Carlos and Elliot!! I am not a fan of second chance romance so trust me when I say this ate
And it’s also such a love letter to Sydney as well, I loved all the references to bookstores/bars I know and love!!!
So anyway everyone read this because obviously!
Such a lovely reflection on the importance yet also the difficulty of nostalgia, and wanting to hold onto things in life that inevitably will change! Friendships in particular are touched on so well
As a publicist some of this was too real lol I love it
The love story was gorgeous!!! Carlos and Elliot!! I am not a fan of second chance romance so trust me when I say this ate
And it’s also such a love letter to Sydney as well, I loved all the references to bookstores/bars I know and love!!!
So anyway everyone read this because obviously!
August 6, 2026
ARC Review: Hate You To Love You by @joshhortinelawriter published by @atriabooksaus @simonschusterau and supplied by @netgalley
Release date: 1 September 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Damn you Josh for making me cry! In saying that this was a beautifully written queer romance that had my millennial heart in the palm of its hands with all the 90s and 00s romcom references and Easter eggs.
This is a dual timeline story told from the POV of our MMC Carlos who is struggling to reignite his love of writing after losing his father as well as the love of his life Elliot dumping him 3 years ago. When Carlos is given the chance to interview a famous author on her comeback tour, Carlos is thrown back into the orbit of Elliot, the author’s publicist.
This book handled complex themes of grief and anxiety so well, while also showing that moving forward with your life does not mean you are forgetting your past.
Congrats to Josh on a fabulous debut, I’ll be sending you my therapy bill.
Release date: 1 September 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Damn you Josh for making me cry! In saying that this was a beautifully written queer romance that had my millennial heart in the palm of its hands with all the 90s and 00s romcom references and Easter eggs.
This is a dual timeline story told from the POV of our MMC Carlos who is struggling to reignite his love of writing after losing his father as well as the love of his life Elliot dumping him 3 years ago. When Carlos is given the chance to interview a famous author on her comeback tour, Carlos is thrown back into the orbit of Elliot, the author’s publicist.
This book handled complex themes of grief and anxiety so well, while also showing that moving forward with your life does not mean you are forgetting your past.
Congrats to Josh on a fabulous debut, I’ll be sending you my therapy bill.
June 6, 2026
This is THE RomComs read of 2026. You can tell that Hortinela put his love and passion of early 2000s RomComs into this one and I loved all the movie, song and book references of my childhood and teenage years. I could not put this down and could literally imagine every scene as it happened. This has made me want to rewatch so many RomComs and start new ones too!
May 7, 2026
The day has finally come where I can share my review of this stunning debut novel. Joshua Hortinela is a reader, bookseller and friend known to many, and if anyone has the pleasure of following him, you’ll know that he is the perfect person to write such a feel-good love story.
Hate You to Love You is what it feels like to rush to your bed and under the covers on a freezing cold night, it’s a warm embrace that even a guy like me who only watched most of the classic rom coms in the last year can get around.
Carlos and Elliot are the perfect characters for this memorable love story. They are complex yet familiar and the way they interact with the world around them has a charm that is hard to come by these days. There’s a reason why so many people rewatch all the classic rom coms, and Josh has delivered that same magic with Hate You to Love You.
I can’t wait for this to become a bestseller and then for the blockbuster film to be announced with a star-studded cast.
Hate You to Love You is what it feels like to rush to your bed and under the covers on a freezing cold night, it’s a warm embrace that even a guy like me who only watched most of the classic rom coms in the last year can get around.
Carlos and Elliot are the perfect characters for this memorable love story. They are complex yet familiar and the way they interact with the world around them has a charm that is hard to come by these days. There’s a reason why so many people rewatch all the classic rom coms, and Josh has delivered that same magic with Hate You to Love You.
I can’t wait for this to become a bestseller and then for the blockbuster film to be announced with a star-studded cast.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
I don't read a lot of romance, so I went into Hate You to Love You a little unsure. I shouldn't have worried because I absolutely loved it.
This book leans into the classic romcom formula, and I mean that as a huge compliment. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. It knows exactly what readers are looking for and delivers it so well. Reading it felt like a forehead kiss. It was comforting, nostalgic, funny, and just a genuinely lovely book to spend time with.
I also really appreciated that the romance was closed door. That's very much my personal preference, and it meant I could just sit back and enjoy the characters and their relationships.
Speaking of the characters, they were easily my favourite part of the book. Addie absolutely stole the show for me and was probably my favourite character. I also loved Elliot and Carlos equally. They all felt like real people, and I became so invested in their lives. The only thing I struggled with was the way Carlos treated his mum at times. It made sense for where he was in life, but I still found myself wanting him to do better.
I loved the dual timeline as well. It never felt confusing or overdone, and I always looked forward to finding out another piece of the story.
One thing I wasn't expecting was how bittersweet this book would be.
Yes, Elliot and Carlos get their happy ending, but underneath the romance there's this really relatable story about being in your mid-to-late twenties and watching life change around you. Friends get married, move interstate, settle into careers, and suddenly the group you've always known starts to look different. Carlos especially really hit me. While everyone else seems to be moving forward, he's still trying to figure out where he fits, and I found that surprisingly emotional. He was very Ted Mosby-coded from How I Met Your Mother, and if you've seen the show, you'll probably know exactly what I mean.
I also don't think I've ever highlighted so much in a romance novel before. There were so many little moments and lines that I wanted to come back to, which is always a good sign.
This was such a pleasant surprise. Even though romance isn't a genre I reach for very often, I flew through this book and finished it with a huge smile on my face. If you're looking for a feel-good romcom with plenty of heart, memorable characters, and a story that might make you laugh one minute and feel a little emotional the next, I'd absolutely recommend picking this one up.
I don't read a lot of romance, so I went into Hate You to Love You a little unsure. I shouldn't have worried because I absolutely loved it.
This book leans into the classic romcom formula, and I mean that as a huge compliment. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. It knows exactly what readers are looking for and delivers it so well. Reading it felt like a forehead kiss. It was comforting, nostalgic, funny, and just a genuinely lovely book to spend time with.
I also really appreciated that the romance was closed door. That's very much my personal preference, and it meant I could just sit back and enjoy the characters and their relationships.
Speaking of the characters, they were easily my favourite part of the book. Addie absolutely stole the show for me and was probably my favourite character. I also loved Elliot and Carlos equally. They all felt like real people, and I became so invested in their lives. The only thing I struggled with was the way Carlos treated his mum at times. It made sense for where he was in life, but I still found myself wanting him to do better.
I loved the dual timeline as well. It never felt confusing or overdone, and I always looked forward to finding out another piece of the story.
One thing I wasn't expecting was how bittersweet this book would be.
Yes, Elliot and Carlos get their happy ending, but underneath the romance there's this really relatable story about being in your mid-to-late twenties and watching life change around you. Friends get married, move interstate, settle into careers, and suddenly the group you've always known starts to look different. Carlos especially really hit me. While everyone else seems to be moving forward, he's still trying to figure out where he fits, and I found that surprisingly emotional. He was very Ted Mosby-coded from How I Met Your Mother, and if you've seen the show, you'll probably know exactly what I mean.
I also don't think I've ever highlighted so much in a romance novel before. There were so many little moments and lines that I wanted to come back to, which is always a good sign.
This was such a pleasant surprise. Even though romance isn't a genre I reach for very often, I flew through this book and finished it with a huge smile on my face. If you're looking for a feel-good romcom with plenty of heart, memorable characters, and a story that might make you laugh one minute and feel a little emotional the next, I'd absolutely recommend picking this one up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2026
“if my younger self had been able to find books that represented me and so many others like me, maybe i wouldn’t have been so scared of love”
Firstly I want to give my flowers to Joshua, as a filipino reader, with parents who immigrated to Australia from the Philippines before they had me, reading a book by a filipino author is always extra special to me especially when the main character is filipino themselves. Secondly oh this book was EVERYTHING.
The vibes of this book is rom com. It genuinely felt like I was watching a rom com. It gives you that feeling of warmth and giggling when you see the characters do something romantic but also makes you want to throw a cushion into the tv when they do something stupid even if you understand it. Carlos was such a funny character, his internal monologue actually had me cracking up so much because he's so unserious but he's also just like me. Him comparing every single moment to every single tv show and film couple felt like he was pulling scenes from my brain, LIKE WHAT DO YOU MEAN DAWSON'S CREEK MENTION IN THE YEAR OF 2026 ?! His relationship with his mum was so beautiful, I feel like the book handled grief so well alongside the really specific relationship filipino mums have with their kids. I will say I had to almost turn off my brain when the things about losing his dad were on the page because my dad is really the parent I am close too and even the thought of losing my dad made me feel sick. But back to grief I feel like the way Carlos handled it with the people around him was really accurate (both good and bad) and just made him a much more real character. To me the underrated star of the book was Elliot, because though Carlos's internal monologue was like me, Elliot definitely is more similar to me in terms of my beliefs and actions. Someone who wants to love, and does fall in love, but at the same time my career is just too important to let go and sometimes it frustrates me that I feel like the most important thing in my life is my career and if that fails well life has failed. Yes I know there is more to life but also no.
ANYWAY fantastic debut, I cannot wait for more from Josh, and I am so so happy to see more queer, filipino romances in the literary world !
Firstly I want to give my flowers to Joshua, as a filipino reader, with parents who immigrated to Australia from the Philippines before they had me, reading a book by a filipino author is always extra special to me especially when the main character is filipino themselves. Secondly oh this book was EVERYTHING.
The vibes of this book is rom com. It genuinely felt like I was watching a rom com. It gives you that feeling of warmth and giggling when you see the characters do something romantic but also makes you want to throw a cushion into the tv when they do something stupid even if you understand it. Carlos was such a funny character, his internal monologue actually had me cracking up so much because he's so unserious but he's also just like me. Him comparing every single moment to every single tv show and film couple felt like he was pulling scenes from my brain, LIKE WHAT DO YOU MEAN DAWSON'S CREEK MENTION IN THE YEAR OF 2026 ?! His relationship with his mum was so beautiful, I feel like the book handled grief so well alongside the really specific relationship filipino mums have with their kids. I will say I had to almost turn off my brain when the things about losing his dad were on the page because my dad is really the parent I am close too and even the thought of losing my dad made me feel sick. But back to grief I feel like the way Carlos handled it with the people around him was really accurate (both good and bad) and just made him a much more real character. To me the underrated star of the book was Elliot, because though Carlos's internal monologue was like me, Elliot definitely is more similar to me in terms of my beliefs and actions. Someone who wants to love, and does fall in love, but at the same time my career is just too important to let go and sometimes it frustrates me that I feel like the most important thing in my life is my career and if that fails well life has failed. Yes I know there is more to life but also no.
ANYWAY fantastic debut, I cannot wait for more from Josh, and I am so so happy to see more queer, filipino romances in the literary world !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Where do I even begin? I don't think I've felt this way about a romance book in a very long time, a romance that has made me laugh and made me cry. I've become an annotator too, apparently.
"No one looks down on science fiction or fantasy like they do rom-coms."
As a lover of all things romance books, this felt like a love letter to those who love the genre.
'Elliot?'
'I'm here.'
'You didn't say anything.'
'I was listening.'
Carlos, my sweet Carlos. Can I hug you? This boy had me crying by page 63. Everything he went through with his father and the constant need for nostalgia. Change is scary; it's scary watching the people in your life moving forward while you feel stuck and lost. Watching Carlos try to chase how it used to be was so real and vulnerable, and I saw myself in his character.
And Elliot, my budget Hugh Grant. Putting up a brave face, throwing yourself into your work, because it's what you want, until you realise, is that all you have? I just, I have no words. How can these two amazing, complicated characters be such beautiful representations of what it feels like to be in your 20s?
I loved the emphasis on friendship and the complexities of maintaining relationships when things change. Life is complicated and messy, and it doesn't always work out how you planned. And sometimes it feels like you're watching from the outside, even when you're included, which was so strongly shown through Carlos' character. Jones, Addie, Sal, Laney, and even Patrick, I love you guys. Group hug?
'So, what happens next?'
'We're happy.'
'Forever?'
'Forever.'
Safe to say, I need Josh to write 10 more books so I always have one to read.
Thank you so much, Josh and Simon and Schuster for letting me read this wonderful book that I will cherish with all my heart <3
"No one looks down on science fiction or fantasy like they do rom-coms."
As a lover of all things romance books, this felt like a love letter to those who love the genre.
'Elliot?'
'I'm here.'
'You didn't say anything.'
'I was listening.'
Carlos, my sweet Carlos. Can I hug you? This boy had me crying by page 63. Everything he went through with his father and the constant need for nostalgia. Change is scary; it's scary watching the people in your life moving forward while you feel stuck and lost. Watching Carlos try to chase how it used to be was so real and vulnerable, and I saw myself in his character.
And Elliot, my budget Hugh Grant. Putting up a brave face, throwing yourself into your work, because it's what you want, until you realise, is that all you have? I just, I have no words. How can these two amazing, complicated characters be such beautiful representations of what it feels like to be in your 20s?
I loved the emphasis on friendship and the complexities of maintaining relationships when things change. Life is complicated and messy, and it doesn't always work out how you planned. And sometimes it feels like you're watching from the outside, even when you're included, which was so strongly shown through Carlos' character. Jones, Addie, Sal, Laney, and even Patrick, I love you guys. Group hug?
'So, what happens next?'
'We're happy.'
'Forever?'
'Forever.'
Safe to say, I need Josh to write 10 more books so I always have one to read.
Thank you so much, Josh and Simon and Schuster for letting me read this wonderful book that I will cherish with all my heart <3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have been looking forward to this book from the moment I knew it was getting written and it did not disappoint! It had everything I love in a book… romance, books and publishing, bookstores and book tours, travel.. ahh it ticked every box!
This book is wholesome goodness. It’s pure, it’s nostalgic, it’s a lot of fun and there’s so much love, my heart is so happy.
Carlos is our main character and I just love him. He’s grieving the loss of his dad and I shed so many tears, I really felt his pain. On top of this, his close friends have new life changes coming, his job is a little flat, but he lands an incredible interview that could help his job more than anything!
But you won’t believe who he has to deal with, his ex, Elliot!! What follows is many uncomfortable situations, embarrassing moments, some laughs and some beautiful moments. During this time, Carlos learns to believe in himself more and starts to find himself again and it’s just wonderful to see.
I could feel the love on the pages. The yearning. Not just their history but their trust and seeing the best in things in each other. Ahhh my heart!!
I loved the past and present timelines, the past made me so giddy with excitement and the present made me a little sad but full of hope. There were so many heartbreaks, I really felt for Carlos. The world around him was changing and he wasn’t coping.
I can’t tell you how many times I cried throughout this story, it was just beautiful in so many ways. The love story itself, the friends, the parents…. Ah Josh, you’re an amazing storyteller, just like I knew you would be.
I highly recommend this book and my early review is up so that you’ll all go and preorder it!
Josh, I cannot wait to read more of your books, you’re truly amazing!
Thank you so much @atriabooksaus @simonandschuster and @netgalley for the early copy!
This book is wholesome goodness. It’s pure, it’s nostalgic, it’s a lot of fun and there’s so much love, my heart is so happy.
Carlos is our main character and I just love him. He’s grieving the loss of his dad and I shed so many tears, I really felt his pain. On top of this, his close friends have new life changes coming, his job is a little flat, but he lands an incredible interview that could help his job more than anything!
But you won’t believe who he has to deal with, his ex, Elliot!! What follows is many uncomfortable situations, embarrassing moments, some laughs and some beautiful moments. During this time, Carlos learns to believe in himself more and starts to find himself again and it’s just wonderful to see.
I could feel the love on the pages. The yearning. Not just their history but their trust and seeing the best in things in each other. Ahhh my heart!!
I loved the past and present timelines, the past made me so giddy with excitement and the present made me a little sad but full of hope. There were so many heartbreaks, I really felt for Carlos. The world around him was changing and he wasn’t coping.
I can’t tell you how many times I cried throughout this story, it was just beautiful in so many ways. The love story itself, the friends, the parents…. Ah Josh, you’re an amazing storyteller, just like I knew you would be.
I highly recommend this book and my early review is up so that you’ll all go and preorder it!
Josh, I cannot wait to read more of your books, you’re truly amazing!
Thank you so much @atriabooksaus @simonandschuster and @netgalley for the early copy!
August 3, 2026
3.25
Hate You to Love You is truly an ode to the romance genre - both in books and film. I appreciated Carlos’ optimistic view of the world in his belief that there’s magic to be found in the everyday. His ability to share this with people and change their mindsets was really powerful. Sadly though I don’t think this one met my expectations. I disagreed with quite a lot of Carlos’ decisions and unfortunately never became the biggest fan of Elliot. Like, Carlos was so close to not taking the advice that his Dad had given him his entire life and he only did so because his friends initiated it. And while at first I liked being able to relate to the movie and book references, I think there were a few too many in the end. Notting Hill is my second favourite movie in the world but even that got brought up too many times for me.
But there are some lovely and important messages in this book and it’s a very hopeful little novel. I enjoyed Claudia’s character and getting to hear her story! It was nice that there was a second plot line as well as the romance. I think that so many people are going to love this book - it just wasn’t totally for me.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
Hate You to Love You is truly an ode to the romance genre - both in books and film. I appreciated Carlos’ optimistic view of the world in his belief that there’s magic to be found in the everyday. His ability to share this with people and change their mindsets was really powerful. Sadly though I don’t think this one met my expectations. I disagreed with quite a lot of Carlos’ decisions and unfortunately never became the biggest fan of Elliot. Like, Carlos was so close to not taking the advice that his Dad had given him his entire life and he only did so because his friends initiated it. And while at first I liked being able to relate to the movie and book references, I think there were a few too many in the end. Notting Hill is my second favourite movie in the world but even that got brought up too many times for me.
But there are some lovely and important messages in this book and it’s a very hopeful little novel. I enjoyed Claudia’s character and getting to hear her story! It was nice that there was a second plot line as well as the romance. I think that so many people are going to love this book - it just wasn’t totally for me.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“You understand me. You Saw me. You are my dream”
What a story! This encompasses so many adult life experiences in a way that makes you feel nostalgic, emotional and you connect with on such a deep level. A story filled with loss, love, grief, trials & tribulations of adulthood, a deeply relatable sense of self discovery through all those life changes.
Carlos & Elliot were made for each other in a way that isn’t quite traditional but makes perfect sense. Both lost, trying to navigate through a life they are struggling with but in their own ways.
It was incredibly nostalgic for me! SO many movie, TV Show and book references - I absolutely loved all the references and how those nostalgic things make you see and feel the world different. How they can shape you as an adult and how you carrying those lessons into adulthood. The strong importance of memories, how Carlos really attached himself to those with his Dad, it was beautiful. Carlos’ journey, especially with what he learnt from Claudia, opened his eyes that you can still romanticise life and be a little broken at the same time.
4 ⭐️
Close Door (No Spice)
Thank you so much Atria for the ARC!
What a story! This encompasses so many adult life experiences in a way that makes you feel nostalgic, emotional and you connect with on such a deep level. A story filled with loss, love, grief, trials & tribulations of adulthood, a deeply relatable sense of self discovery through all those life changes.
Carlos & Elliot were made for each other in a way that isn’t quite traditional but makes perfect sense. Both lost, trying to navigate through a life they are struggling with but in their own ways.
It was incredibly nostalgic for me! SO many movie, TV Show and book references - I absolutely loved all the references and how those nostalgic things make you see and feel the world different. How they can shape you as an adult and how you carrying those lessons into adulthood. The strong importance of memories, how Carlos really attached himself to those with his Dad, it was beautiful. Carlos’ journey, especially with what he learnt from Claudia, opened his eyes that you can still romanticise life and be a little broken at the same time.
4 ⭐️
Close Door (No Spice)
Thank you so much Atria for the ARC!
July 27, 2026
On the surface, this book is a cute tribute to the early 2000s rom-coms. It’s funny, it’s lighthearted while still having the conflict that drives the story along.
But, for me, I didn’t connect. At least not with the main characters; Carlos and Elliot. I couldn’t find a way to like them, even though I can see how they fit into the rom-comm tropes and how for other readers they are loveable and worth cheering for - it didn’t land for me and I love a good rom-com moment!
The main thing that kept me reading this book was Claudia. She is there to move the story along, to bring Carlos and Elliot back together, but I found myself wanting to spend more time with her, to get deeper into her story. My favourite part of this book was her speech in Edinburgh, and I wish it was longer 😅
I get that it sounds like I hated this, I didn’t, I just think I expected to enjoy it more than I did. Maybe it wasn’t the time for me to read it, or maybe I’m not the intended audience. But I am glad I read it through and didn’t abandon it part way through.
But, for me, I didn’t connect. At least not with the main characters; Carlos and Elliot. I couldn’t find a way to like them, even though I can see how they fit into the rom-comm tropes and how for other readers they are loveable and worth cheering for - it didn’t land for me and I love a good rom-com moment!
The main thing that kept me reading this book was Claudia. She is there to move the story along, to bring Carlos and Elliot back together, but I found myself wanting to spend more time with her, to get deeper into her story. My favourite part of this book was her speech in Edinburgh, and I wish it was longer 😅
I get that it sounds like I hated this, I didn’t, I just think I expected to enjoy it more than I did. Maybe it wasn’t the time for me to read it, or maybe I’m not the intended audience. But I am glad I read it through and didn’t abandon it part way through.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Atria Books for an arc of Hate You to Love You.
Hate You to Love You is the ultimate heartwarming and heartbreaking romance novel. A love letter to 2000s rom coms and Sydney, this was a particular niche missing in my life that I never knew I needed. This book is about so many things, growing and moving through grief, change and moving on. HYTLY was easy and effortless to read, it was pure escapism that tugged at my heart strings. One of my favourite things about this book were that the characters felt vibrant but believable, all with their own struggles and aspirations, I feel like I could drop into a bar in Newtown and find everyone around a bar table. I often find enemies to lovers unbelievable but the trajectory of Carlos and Elliot's relationship felt authentic, they both have things that they are struggling with.
I loved this book, just pick it up please when it comes out in September, I think you will see it everywhere.
Hate You to Love You is the ultimate heartwarming and heartbreaking romance novel. A love letter to 2000s rom coms and Sydney, this was a particular niche missing in my life that I never knew I needed. This book is about so many things, growing and moving through grief, change and moving on. HYTLY was easy and effortless to read, it was pure escapism that tugged at my heart strings. One of my favourite things about this book were that the characters felt vibrant but believable, all with their own struggles and aspirations, I feel like I could drop into a bar in Newtown and find everyone around a bar table. I often find enemies to lovers unbelievable but the trajectory of Carlos and Elliot's relationship felt authentic, they both have things that they are struggling with.
I loved this book, just pick it up please when it comes out in September, I think you will see it everywhere.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t read a lot of romance but I knew I wanted to pick this up, even with my little knowledge of the genre Josh’s passion for it shines through and really makes the book.
I was periodically crying through most of the second half of the book. Carlos and Elliot trying to meet each other where they’re at now and finding their way back to each other is just so heart warming.
This is just such a beautiful book, truly so entrenched in love, both platonic and romantic. It also touches on the loneliness in feeling like all of your friends are moving ahead without you and wondering how you could possibly fit into their new lives. Wanting to stay in the past with the nostalgia but knowing you’re somewhat stagnant and pushing past that.
Anyways! you should all read this, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry but most of all you’ll love it (and that’s a threat).
I was periodically crying through most of the second half of the book. Carlos and Elliot trying to meet each other where they’re at now and finding their way back to each other is just so heart warming.
This is just such a beautiful book, truly so entrenched in love, both platonic and romantic. It also touches on the loneliness in feeling like all of your friends are moving ahead without you and wondering how you could possibly fit into their new lives. Wanting to stay in the past with the nostalgia but knowing you’re somewhat stagnant and pushing past that.
Anyways! you should all read this, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry but most of all you’ll love it (and that’s a threat).
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
So, what happens next?
We’re happy.
Forever?
Forever.
💌
This second-chance romance left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. It follows Elliot and Carlos; two people who hold so much love for each other, yet find themselves on very different paths.
When the very thing that pulled them apart brings them back together, they’re forced to navigate the ever-changing tides of life and confront the lingering hurt they thought they’d left behind.
Elliot, the realist, stole my heart. It’s so often the strong ones who carry the heaviest weight; and hide it the best.
This story is filled with nostalgia for all the things we loved growing up (and still do), and reads like a love letter to Sydney, Edinburgh, London, and Dublin.
You made me believe in magic.
Congratulations, Josh, on your beautiful debut. You’re a star. ⭐
We’re happy.
Forever?
Forever.
💌
This second-chance romance left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. It follows Elliot and Carlos; two people who hold so much love for each other, yet find themselves on very different paths.
When the very thing that pulled them apart brings them back together, they’re forced to navigate the ever-changing tides of life and confront the lingering hurt they thought they’d left behind.
Elliot, the realist, stole my heart. It’s so often the strong ones who carry the heaviest weight; and hide it the best.
This story is filled with nostalgia for all the things we loved growing up (and still do), and reads like a love letter to Sydney, Edinburgh, London, and Dublin.
You made me believe in magic.
Congratulations, Josh, on your beautiful debut. You’re a star. ⭐
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"Hate You to Love You" is, technically, a romance novel—but to describe it simply as a love story would be doing it a disservice.
At its core, this is a story about loss, grief, growth, and rediscovery. It explores the challenges of moving beyond a carefree young adulthood and navigating the often-unexpected transitions that come with the next stages of life.
While the romance is beautifully woven throughout the story, it is the emotional depth of the characters and their journeys that truly stand out. The novel captures the complexities of change, healing, and finding your way forward when life doesn't unfold as expected.
More than a romance, Hate You to Love You is a heartfelt and relatable story about growing up, letting go, and learning to embrace new beginnings
At its core, this is a story about loss, grief, growth, and rediscovery. It explores the challenges of moving beyond a carefree young adulthood and navigating the often-unexpected transitions that come with the next stages of life.
While the romance is beautifully woven throughout the story, it is the emotional depth of the characters and their journeys that truly stand out. The novel captures the complexities of change, healing, and finding your way forward when life doesn't unfold as expected.
More than a romance, Hate You to Love You is a heartfelt and relatable story about growing up, letting go, and learning to embrace new beginnings
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A beautifully written novel about love, grief, friendship and managing change. As someone who hates change this book reminded me that change is necessary and can sometimes bring happiness. I loved how complex and interesting the characters were and how attached I felt to them. Also, as a lover of romcoms I greatly appreciated all the references and romantic moments that left me giggling! AND THE FOREHEAD KISS??!!?! Don’t even get me started!
I truly cannot recommend this book enough! If you love romcoms and romances that are actually funny then do yourself a favour and pick up this gem! You can thank me later!
Thank you so much to Simon and Josh for the arc. I loved it!!!
I truly cannot recommend this book enough! If you love romcoms and romances that are actually funny then do yourself a favour and pick up this gem! You can thank me later!
Thank you so much to Simon and Josh for the arc. I loved it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
did i finish this book or did this book finish me? this book is so beautiful & so moving - the different kind of love stories (platonic, romantic etc) carried through are done so well, and i was so invested in every one !!! i did cry multiple times, but i also laughed, had my heart warmed, was shocked and enraptured the whole time. soooo many amazing references, and despite not having seen most classic rom coms, i could feel their meaning and understand the significance. as a (largely) non romance reader, this was such a hit for me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Poor Carlos was really down on his luck! I really felt for the guy, even though some of it was self-inflected. This was a sweet, easy read and I loved the Australian and Filipino references and the rom-com vibes.
I did feel it was a little too predictable and writing was not for me stylistically. I also felt like this should almost be YA even though they were older characters? Plus I was frustrated by some of the big plot points probably not receiving enough emotional unpacking than I'd like.
Regardless, I see this being a cute, beach read!
I did feel it was a little too predictable and writing was not for me stylistically. I also felt like this should almost be YA even though they were older characters? Plus I was frustrated by some of the big plot points probably not receiving enough emotional unpacking than I'd like.
Regardless, I see this being a cute, beach read!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’m going to review fully once released, BUT what I will say in the meantime is this…
You know those easy rom-com movies that bring so much reassurance, comfort and wrap you up when the world is too much and it feels like coming home so you’ve watched them a million times over and will never get sick of them?
Yeah.
THAT feeling is inside this book.
I will never not love this book.
You know those easy rom-com movies that bring so much reassurance, comfort and wrap you up when the world is too much and it feels like coming home so you’ve watched them a million times over and will never get sick of them?
Yeah.
THAT feeling is inside this book.
I will never not love this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Books, bars, travel, pop culture and PLENTY of heart. This queer rom-com is everything you'd expect from full-time romantic, best human and beloved bookseller, Josh Hortinela and SO much more. A truly magic debut.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of Advanced Copy from Netgalley
I was so so excited when I heard Josh was writing a book. The excitement doubled when I found out @netgalley and @simonschusterau gave me early access to dive into Elliott and Carlos’ story.
Fun, tense and a whole lotta love doesn’t even begin to describe this book.
Told from Carlos’ perspective with past and present tenses, we see the kind of person he is. He’s grieving the loss of his dad, the fear of so much change, the unease of another broken heart and the potential disappointment at work.
But when he’s given an opportunity to follow Claudia - an absolute Sass Queen of an author - on her latest book tour to promote her newest release, he takes it in his stride to do his boss and editor proud.
However, what he doesn’t expect? Elliott, his former flame to be the publicist on the tour. And despite their shaky history, Carlos knows he needs to do this.
I loved seeing these two characters face their own individual challenges and find a way to make things work on tour… until history is about to repeat itself. Then what? Well, only time will tell…
A huge well done Josh! This was epic and I cannot wait for the day we see THAT letter shared with the world 🙈❤️
I was so so excited when I heard Josh was writing a book. The excitement doubled when I found out @netgalley and @simonschusterau gave me early access to dive into Elliott and Carlos’ story.
Fun, tense and a whole lotta love doesn’t even begin to describe this book.
Told from Carlos’ perspective with past and present tenses, we see the kind of person he is. He’s grieving the loss of his dad, the fear of so much change, the unease of another broken heart and the potential disappointment at work.
But when he’s given an opportunity to follow Claudia - an absolute Sass Queen of an author - on her latest book tour to promote her newest release, he takes it in his stride to do his boss and editor proud.
However, what he doesn’t expect? Elliott, his former flame to be the publicist on the tour. And despite their shaky history, Carlos knows he needs to do this.
I loved seeing these two characters face their own individual challenges and find a way to make things work on tour… until history is about to repeat itself. Then what? Well, only time will tell…
A huge well done Josh! This was epic and I cannot wait for the day we see THAT letter shared with the world 🙈❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was the perfect nod to romantic comedy. 🥰
- second chance romance, queer & found family.
- This novel was oh so sweet, perfectly encapsulating romantic comedies and why they’re the best genre. This book is a warm hug, a forehead kiss, a chilled cocktail on a summers evening, a tote bag full of romance novels and large romantic gesture.
- second chance romance, queer & found family.
- This novel was oh so sweet, perfectly encapsulating romantic comedies and why they’re the best genre. This book is a warm hug, a forehead kiss, a chilled cocktail on a summers evening, a tote bag full of romance novels and large romantic gesture.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews