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The Road Trip #1
The Boy I Hate
Samantha Smiles and Renee Montgomery have been best friends for over a decade. They’ve shared laughs, secrets, and a mutual hatred for one person: Tristan Montgomery, Renee's older brother. He was the guy every girl wanted, and every guy wanted to be, and it wasn't uncommon they'd befriend his little sister just to get closer to him. Which was exactly how Samantha became Renee’s saving grace. She was the only girl Renee could trust not to fall in love with her older brother.
Until the one night Samantha spent with him alone, leaving her questioning everything she’d ever known about the blond headed heart-throb.
Years later, Renee asks Samantha to be her maid of honor. With no other option, Samantha is forced to drive cross-country with the focus of their teenage ire.
He was her first kiss.
Her only secret.
Can Samantha survive the trip cross-country with the reckless Tristan Montgomery? The guy who did what he wanted, whenever he wanted, without worry for tomorrow? Or will she discover a different side of him. One that’s sweet, funny, and maybe a little bit vulnerable. And fall completely and helplessly in love for the first time in her adult life with the one man who could cause her to lose her best friend forever?
Until the one night Samantha spent with him alone, leaving her questioning everything she’d ever known about the blond headed heart-throb.
Years later, Renee asks Samantha to be her maid of honor. With no other option, Samantha is forced to drive cross-country with the focus of their teenage ire.
He was her first kiss.
Her only secret.
Can Samantha survive the trip cross-country with the reckless Tristan Montgomery? The guy who did what he wanted, whenever he wanted, without worry for tomorrow? Or will she discover a different side of him. One that’s sweet, funny, and maybe a little bit vulnerable. And fall completely and helplessly in love for the first time in her adult life with the one man who could cause her to lose her best friend forever?
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 12, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
December 26, 2023
***re-read in 2023 - still as breathtaking***
Deserves 10 stars!
“Because somewhere in the darkest moments, beauty lives. Waiting for you to take hold of it and run.”
I feel the need to thank the author for writing such a magical story. I fell in love with the story, with characters, and the writing style is so beautiful. Every word matters.
Unique, Addictive, Romantic, Intense, Captivating, Amazing, Breathtaking, Intoxicating, Astounding, Memorable, Mesmerizing.
This is one of my books of the year and it's a story you shouldn't miss.
Deserves 10 stars!
“Because somewhere in the darkest moments, beauty lives. Waiting for you to take hold of it and run.”
I feel the need to thank the author for writing such a magical story. I fell in love with the story, with characters, and the writing style is so beautiful. Every word matters.
Unique, Addictive, Romantic, Intense, Captivating, Amazing, Breathtaking, Intoxicating, Astounding, Memorable, Mesmerizing.
This is one of my books of the year and it's a story you shouldn't miss.
nope
August 14, 2017https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My notes is a "thank you " for this reviewer. I was planning on reading this book but based in her little but helpful info, I won't.
I can't write on her review "cause we're not friends.
"Really?? She has a bf? Thanks for the info.
And I honestly think this @hate" being carried on from childhood to adulthood very immature. But I was planning on reading it. Your info about female mc being immature and a brat was a huge help. Hate those kind of girls who never grow up. " (quoting myself lol)
My notes is a "thank you " for this reviewer. I was planning on reading this book but based in her little but helpful info, I won't.
I can't write on her review "cause we're not friends.
"Really?? She has a bf? Thanks for the info.
And I honestly think this @hate" being carried on from childhood to adulthood very immature. But I was planning on reading it. Your info about female mc being immature and a brat was a huge help. Hate those kind of girls who never grow up. " (quoting myself lol)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2017
After reading a spoiler review which stated the heroine was with her boyfriend up until 57%, I dreaded reading this book thinking *unsafe/tstl*. Well, no she was not necessarily with her boyfriend, but she was kind of stupid.
Essentially Samantha (23) is on a road trip on her way to her best friend's wedding with her best friend's brother - the hero, Tristan (24). Steven, her boyfriend, bailed on her due to work complications, but said he would come directly to the wedding. Circumstances force her to drive with the hero across the course of a week where they begin to reignite old flames. Other than brief texts, voicemails and a single call she isn't with her boyfriend. Their relationship has its own set of problems, and when he prioritises his work over her once again, unable to attend the wedding they have a falling out and she texts him with a break up message (*problems/drama follows). But the point is only then does she become physically intimate with the hero (24 hours later. It's the thought that counts 😂). So no I wouldn't say there's cheating physically but emotionally the hero is someone she's felt suppressed feelings for, for a long time.
They have history from 6 years ago. He was a jock, popular and essentially a known "womaniser" (rumours with some basis but not much) as a teenager. She hated him until they shared a kiss. I think he liked her for a while, but she was quite anti towards him. Steven (the boyfriend) kissed Samantha and Tristan saw, but didn't see her push Steven away. Likewise she doesn't know Tristan saw, and in a jealous retaliation he starts flirting with girls in front of her. They end before they could begin. There's unsettled feelings and business until they see each other again.
Safety: obviously this is a kind of a second chance, and from my review above - she has/had a boyfriend for part of the book. They both obviously moved on in the separation but held some part of each other for a long time. I would even go so far as to say his feelings for her are far deeper. Misunderstandings meant their timing wasn't right. Despite that there's more push from him than her.
P.s. The heroine is soooo weird though. She writes letters to her best friend which she doesn't send, but writes out of comfort and seems to seek so much approval from her. Honestly wondered whether she had a thing for her.
Essentially Samantha (23) is on a road trip on her way to her best friend's wedding with her best friend's brother - the hero, Tristan (24). Steven, her boyfriend, bailed on her due to work complications, but said he would come directly to the wedding. Circumstances force her to drive with the hero across the course of a week where they begin to reignite old flames. Other than brief texts, voicemails and a single call she isn't with her boyfriend. Their relationship has its own set of problems, and when he prioritises his work over her once again, unable to attend the wedding they have a falling out and she texts him with a break up message (*problems/drama follows). But the point is only then does she become physically intimate with the hero (24 hours later. It's the thought that counts 😂). So no I wouldn't say there's cheating physically but emotionally the hero is someone she's felt suppressed feelings for, for a long time.
They have history from 6 years ago. He was a jock, popular and essentially a known "womaniser" (rumours with some basis but not much) as a teenager. She hated him until they shared a kiss. I think he liked her for a while, but she was quite anti towards him. Steven (the boyfriend) kissed Samantha and Tristan saw, but didn't see her push Steven away. Likewise she doesn't know Tristan saw, and in a jealous retaliation he starts flirting with girls in front of her. They end before they could begin. There's unsettled feelings and business until they see each other again.
Safety: obviously this is a kind of a second chance, and from my review above - she has/had a boyfriend for part of the book. They both obviously moved on in the separation but held some part of each other for a long time. I would even go so far as to say his feelings for her are far deeper. Misunderstandings meant their timing wasn't right. Despite that there's more push from him than her.
P.s. The heroine is soooo weird though. She writes letters to her best friend which she doesn't send, but writes out of comfort and seems to seek so much approval from her. Honestly wondered whether she had a thing for her.
July 28, 2018
This book is confusing. So confusing that it contains no story line.
Why samantha hates tristan? Tristan done nothing wrong. He is not mean. For me tristan does not have significant character. What happen between tristan and samantha is misunderstanding.
Why samantha wants to keep her relationship with tristan a secret? Why samantha worries so much reene witll hate her? The fact reene is the one who nudge samantha to hook up with tristan.
Those questions not answered on the book.
But the writing is good. The wording is good. This author have promise but lack of story line.
Why samantha hates tristan? Tristan done nothing wrong. He is not mean. For me tristan does not have significant character. What happen between tristan and samantha is misunderstanding.
Why samantha wants to keep her relationship with tristan a secret? Why samantha worries so much reene witll hate her? The fact reene is the one who nudge samantha to hook up with tristan.
Those questions not answered on the book.
But the writing is good. The wording is good. This author have promise but lack of story line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2017
The writing style is great, I’ve read TS book before an have liked them......I just unfortunately didn’t love this one!
She ( Samantha ) stays with a man for 6 years because they were best friends.....but they didn’t seem like best friends or even passing acquaintances from what little you read about them!
I also struggled with how fast Samantha jumps into Tristan’s bed after text dumping the man she’s been with for 6 years (bit of a cringe moment)
It was slightly immature at times although I did really like Tristan!
This was read on KU, which was awesome! Not one I’ll buy but I still sat up until 2pm to finish it (so it can’t be massively bad either)
Check out a cheeky download and judge for yourself my lovelies....
Happy reading!
She ( Samantha ) stays with a man for 6 years because they were best friends.....but they didn’t seem like best friends or even passing acquaintances from what little you read about them!
I also struggled with how fast Samantha jumps into Tristan’s bed after text dumping the man she’s been with for 6 years (bit of a cringe moment)
It was slightly immature at times although I did really like Tristan!
This was read on KU, which was awesome! Not one I’ll buy but I still sat up until 2pm to finish it (so it can’t be massively bad either)
Check out a cheeky download and judge for yourself my lovelies....
Happy reading!
October 1, 2017
41/2 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
wow I have to say that first off this book was not what I expected I mean at first I don't know what actually drew me to this story. I've read the excerpt or the blurb and I liked it, whereas the cover image wasn't grasping enough for me (lol fussy much). Anyways, I opened this book not realising that it's a story about two people that is sweet but so different and connected to each other by family (hmm I hope I'm not too confusing lol) but Samantha is Renee's best friend and Tristan is the older brother. Done. I won't lie, it's amazingly a good read.
-"You make me feel things, Tristan. Things I’ve never felt before with anyone .”
-“Love is about being vulnerable. It’s about doing things that scare you. Like giving your heart to someone after a few weeks, or a few days. When you find the right person, time stops.”
So, their storyline is a little predictable but oh so fun and the curiosity about how they feel towards one another made me not stop for a breather and I actually read three straight hours for this one, but it is a story about friendship, love, trust, breakups and happily ever afters.
-"I tried it with you, but for some reason you’ve always looked at me differently. You see me, even through all the walls I put up around myself. It scared the crap out of me."
wow I have to say that first off this book was not what I expected I mean at first I don't know what actually drew me to this story. I've read the excerpt or the blurb and I liked it, whereas the cover image wasn't grasping enough for me (lol fussy much). Anyways, I opened this book not realising that it's a story about two people that is sweet but so different and connected to each other by family (hmm I hope I'm not too confusing lol) but Samantha is Renee's best friend and Tristan is the older brother. Done. I won't lie, it's amazingly a good read.
-"You make me feel things, Tristan. Things I’ve never felt before with anyone .”
-“Love is about being vulnerable. It’s about doing things that scare you. Like giving your heart to someone after a few weeks, or a few days. When you find the right person, time stops.”
So, their storyline is a little predictable but oh so fun and the curiosity about how they feel towards one another made me not stop for a breather and I actually read three straight hours for this one, but it is a story about friendship, love, trust, breakups and happily ever afters.
-"I tried it with you, but for some reason you’ve always looked at me differently. You see me, even through all the walls I put up around myself. It scared the crap out of me."
February 5, 2025
Love Taylor's books! She has a way of writing characters that are so natural, believable, and uninfuriating! Let me explain. In a typical book, there's a huge misunderstanding between two characters and 400 pages of angst and drama ensue before someone gets the guts to talk to each other. In Taylor's books, that space is about 5 pages. Because when life is crashing around you, normal people speak up.
Great dialog, great story about being true to yourself, and an awesome read. Taylor has done it again!
Great dialog, great story about being true to yourself, and an awesome read. Taylor has done it again!
Want to read
September 13, 2017**I was kindly given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
June 24, 2020
I was quite surprised with this book–I wasn’t expecting that much depth and emotions. Tristan, especially, is an interesting character, well developped and kind of relatable in some ways. And we don’t even see his point of view.
This story is written through Samantha’s eyes, and yet, we can see what the other characters feel–even when she’s herself quite blind and clueless. I really loved reading about Tristan’s blossoming love and attraction while Samantha doesn’t understand anything. It was like witnessing the school’s cool guy flirting with your best friend when she thinks nobody likes her–you know what I mean. Of course, the downside is that he has to explain himself plainly through dialogs so she can realize the depth of his feelings. But it’s still beautiful.
Not the book of the year, but quite delightful. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Tristan too!
Quickie
- Series: standalone
- Hashtags: #second chance romance #best friend’s brother #enemies-to-lovers #jock #artist #forced cohabitation
- Triggers: technically, cheating, but real cheating for a side character anyway
- Main couple: Samantha Smiles & Tristan Montgomery
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + the rude jock is actually a vulnerable and tender man *swoon*
- – one bad decision after the other…
This story is written through Samantha’s eyes, and yet, we can see what the other characters feel–even when she’s herself quite blind and clueless. I really loved reading about Tristan’s blossoming love and attraction while Samantha doesn’t understand anything. It was like witnessing the school’s cool guy flirting with your best friend when she thinks nobody likes her–you know what I mean. Of course, the downside is that he has to explain himself plainly through dialogs so she can realize the depth of his feelings. But it’s still beautiful.
Not the book of the year, but quite delightful. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Tristan too!
Quickie
- Series: standalone
- Hashtags: #second chance romance #best friend’s brother #enemies-to-lovers #jock #artist #forced cohabitation
- Triggers: technically, cheating, but real cheating for a side character anyway
- Main couple: Samantha Smiles & Tristan Montgomery
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + the rude jock is actually a vulnerable and tender man *swoon*
- – one bad decision after the other…
February 8, 2018
“What is this?”
He gestured for her to open it, and she pulled out a long narrow box from inside. She glanced up, wrinkling her nose with amusement. “A cell phone?”
He grinned back at her and snatched the box from her hand. “If we’re going to pretend nothing is happening, I’m going to need some way to get hold of you.” He took the phone out of the box and began reading the instructions for set up.
“True,” she said, biting her lip as she watched him do his thing.
He handed the phone back to her a short time later, satisfied with his handiwork as he lifted his chin. “There. Call me. Then I’ll have your number in my phone.”
She glanced down to the cell, instantly grinning at the name in the title bar. “Wild Stallion?” she asked, barely able to contain her laughter.
He only grinned. “It’s a code name,” he said shyly. But then he lifted his eyebrows and grinned wider. “I bet you can’t guess what yours is?”
She giggled, amused by the fact that he’d given her a code name. “Oh God. What?”
“Mona.”
He gestured for her to open it, and she pulled out a long narrow box from inside. She glanced up, wrinkling her nose with amusement. “A cell phone?”
He grinned back at her and snatched the box from her hand. “If we’re going to pretend nothing is happening, I’m going to need some way to get hold of you.” He took the phone out of the box and began reading the instructions for set up.
“True,” she said, biting her lip as she watched him do his thing.
He handed the phone back to her a short time later, satisfied with his handiwork as he lifted his chin. “There. Call me. Then I’ll have your number in my phone.”
She glanced down to the cell, instantly grinning at the name in the title bar. “Wild Stallion?” she asked, barely able to contain her laughter.
He only grinned. “It’s a code name,” he said shyly. But then he lifted his eyebrows and grinned wider. “I bet you can’t guess what yours is?”
She giggled, amused by the fact that he’d given her a code name. “Oh God. What?”
“Mona.”
August 12, 2017
Dnf - 57%. Samantha is immature and a brat. Too much inner dialogue. She's with OM for over half the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2017
This is the first book I have read from this author and now I am a fan. This book is a contemporary romance with a second chance feel. I fell in love with all of the characters instantly and you will too. The characters drew me in the story so much I could not put this book down. This book will have you laughing and then crying. I love books that make me feel. It only took me a few hours to devour this book.
Samantha Smiles has been best friends with Renee since they were kids. She is so excited to see her bestie get married to the love of her life. Samantha had to take a road trip to get to the wedding. It is three thousand miles and she is going to take her long term boyfriend Steven. She is so ready for this trip and then her plans change. Steven is now not going with her due to a huge opportunity he can not pass up. She is set to take the ride by herself until Renee finds out. Renee tells Samantha that her brother will travel with her. Samantha had a very complicated past with Tristan. This is the boy that broke her heart and for that she hates him. When she sees Tristan for the first time in years her heart stops. He is just as gorgeous as she remembered. He is also full of himself and very arrogant. Samantha is dreading this road trip with the man she hates until he starts to open up to her. She then starts to have feelings towards him she can't explain. They have a past together that only the two of them know. Samantha always wanted to tell her bestie what happened but she never had the perfect chance to. She then starts to question her own relationship with a Steven on how she is always second to his job. Does she even love Steven or is he just a crutch she holds on to? The more time Samantha and Tristan spend time together secrets start to come out. Can hate turn into love with time? Will her new relationship with Tristan cost her a best friend?
This book had me glued to my seat. I loved every minute of it. This has it all romance, lies, friendship, and forgiveness. You will fall for Samantha right away. She is a sweetheart and she loves what she does. The only thing is she is going through so problems that is questioning herself. In the beginning I did not like Tristan. He is very arrogant and self absorbed. When he starts letting his true self out that is when you understand him better. The chemistry between Samantha and Tristan is out of this world. There are some very steamy scenes that will make you blush. My favorite part of the book is the flashbacks. You find out why Samantha hates Tristan but was it all just a misunderstanding? I can not wait to see what this talented author has for us next. I’m now off you buy more of her books.
Samantha Smiles has been best friends with Renee since they were kids. She is so excited to see her bestie get married to the love of her life. Samantha had to take a road trip to get to the wedding. It is three thousand miles and she is going to take her long term boyfriend Steven. She is so ready for this trip and then her plans change. Steven is now not going with her due to a huge opportunity he can not pass up. She is set to take the ride by herself until Renee finds out. Renee tells Samantha that her brother will travel with her. Samantha had a very complicated past with Tristan. This is the boy that broke her heart and for that she hates him. When she sees Tristan for the first time in years her heart stops. He is just as gorgeous as she remembered. He is also full of himself and very arrogant. Samantha is dreading this road trip with the man she hates until he starts to open up to her. She then starts to have feelings towards him she can't explain. They have a past together that only the two of them know. Samantha always wanted to tell her bestie what happened but she never had the perfect chance to. She then starts to question her own relationship with a Steven on how she is always second to his job. Does she even love Steven or is he just a crutch she holds on to? The more time Samantha and Tristan spend time together secrets start to come out. Can hate turn into love with time? Will her new relationship with Tristan cost her a best friend?
This book had me glued to my seat. I loved every minute of it. This has it all romance, lies, friendship, and forgiveness. You will fall for Samantha right away. She is a sweetheart and she loves what she does. The only thing is she is going through so problems that is questioning herself. In the beginning I did not like Tristan. He is very arrogant and self absorbed. When he starts letting his true self out that is when you understand him better. The chemistry between Samantha and Tristan is out of this world. There are some very steamy scenes that will make you blush. My favorite part of the book is the flashbacks. You find out why Samantha hates Tristan but was it all just a misunderstanding? I can not wait to see what this talented author has for us next. I’m now off you buy more of her books.
May 28, 2018
This was slow and boring and really didn't amount to much..
I didn't like any of the characters, maybe Renee and she was barely in it
Samantha was boring and her reason for being and staying with Steven for so long was stupid, Tristan was terrible, he was moody for most of it
She was supposed to be the Maid of honor yet she didn't arrive at the wedding until 3 days before it and had no participation in it, I get that it was supposed to focus more on the journey there, bring with the boy she "hated" but the car ride was so uneventful it was stupid. Literally nothing happened until they got to the wedding.
This wasn't for me, I skimmed 70% of this and wish I hadn't bothered at all.
I didn't like any of the characters, maybe Renee and she was barely in it
Samantha was boring and her reason for being and staying with Steven for so long was stupid, Tristan was terrible, he was moody for most of it
She was supposed to be the Maid of honor yet she didn't arrive at the wedding until 3 days before it and had no participation in it, I get that it was supposed to focus more on the journey there, bring with the boy she "hated" but the car ride was so uneventful it was stupid. Literally nothing happened until they got to the wedding.
This wasn't for me, I skimmed 70% of this and wish I hadn't bothered at all.
January 21, 2019
2.5 stars. This book made me feel old as fuck. I know for a fact I did stupid shit at 22 (thank god social media was still in its infancy) but these two were both so immature. The heroine made it all about her when the hero had family stuff to deal with. Their hot and cold made me want to slap them both.
Can we talk logistics for a second? There ain't no way a man over six feet tall has missionary sex in the back of a '67 Mustang convertible. I owned two Mustangs - not possible.
Can we talk logistics for a second? There ain't no way a man over six feet tall has missionary sex in the back of a '67 Mustang convertible. I owned two Mustangs - not possible.
August 29, 2017
Rate: 4 / 5 ★
Two of my favorite tropes!! Roadtrips and bff's brother romance, yassss.
Okay, starting this book the first few chapters threw me off a bit, they were a bit boring and at the first glimpse of the characters (Samantha and Steven) I didn't like either of them or their relationship. I hated how weak Sam was with him and they way she couldn't tell him no on anything just so she didn't hurt him, meanwhile she was wasting her life away with him. And she did nothing about the way he treated her, ugh everything was wrong with these two!!
But then there was mention of Tristan and of course I was very curious to what happened between them. I wanted to know what happened between them in the past, I was dying to see what was going to happen between them in the present, so all those 6 years ago bits that just kept on popping up annoyed me because I just wanted to see some action!!! Of course those bits were essential to the story and to the reader's understanding of Tristan and Samantha's relationship, and also to her friendship with Renee, Tristan's sister and Sam's bff.
The roadtrip part, now that was good!! I loved reading about them opening up to each other and talking about their past and what they had missed in the last 6 years, just enjoying each other's presence and having so much fun together. I loved them together.
Once they arrived to their destination, New York and Renee's wedding, things got a bit messy with all the secrets they were carrying and soon came out. There was a bit of drama, lots of tears and very sweet sweet moments. I enjoyed reading this a lot. Absolutely recommend.
⌲ ARC generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
⌲ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
⌲ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook
Two of my favorite tropes!! Roadtrips and bff's brother romance, yassss.
Okay, starting this book the first few chapters threw me off a bit, they were a bit boring and at the first glimpse of the characters (Samantha and Steven) I didn't like either of them or their relationship. I hated how weak Sam was with him and they way she couldn't tell him no on anything just so she didn't hurt him, meanwhile she was wasting her life away with him. And she did nothing about the way he treated her, ugh everything was wrong with these two!!
But then there was mention of Tristan and of course I was very curious to what happened between them. I wanted to know what happened between them in the past, I was dying to see what was going to happen between them in the present, so all those 6 years ago bits that just kept on popping up annoyed me because I just wanted to see some action!!! Of course those bits were essential to the story and to the reader's understanding of Tristan and Samantha's relationship, and also to her friendship with Renee, Tristan's sister and Sam's bff.
The roadtrip part, now that was good!! I loved reading about them opening up to each other and talking about their past and what they had missed in the last 6 years, just enjoying each other's presence and having so much fun together. I loved them together.
Once they arrived to their destination, New York and Renee's wedding, things got a bit messy with all the secrets they were carrying and soon came out. There was a bit of drama, lots of tears and very sweet sweet moments. I enjoyed reading this a lot. Absolutely recommend.
⌲ ARC generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
⌲ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
⌲ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook
September 12, 2017
The Boy I Hate by Taylor Sullivan is a standalone and the first book by this author that I've read.
“Because somewhere in the darkest moments, beauty lives. Waiting for you to take hold of it and run.” - Tristan
I've just finished this book and what a way to be introduced to a new author! I couldn't put it down and was nearly late collecting my son from school as I lost track of time. It was so hard having to put my Kindle down but I dived straight back in once home. I couldn't get enough of this amazing story about Samantha and Tristan who melted my heart and have me believing in finding your way back to the one person you belong with.
I love love love this book and am currently fighting off the urge to read it all over again because my son (unfortunately) needs feeding lol. Taylor Sullivan is a brilliant author whose words pull you right in and allow you to experience what her characters are feeling. I forgot about the world around me and I was right there in the story along with Samantha as she shared one of her firsts with the boy she hated. The scenes from 6 years ago seemed almost magical and I loved how Taylor Sullivan incorporated them with what was happening in the present. At no point did the story feel disjointed or unrealistic.
I could go on and on about this book but I don't want to risk ruining the journey you'll take with this book when you read it. I can't recommend enough that you get this book TODAY!
I’m heading off now to go download the two books available in Taylor Sullivan’s Suspicious Hearts series because I'm already addicted to her books.
“Because somewhere in the darkest moments, beauty lives. Waiting for you to take hold of it and run.” - Tristan
I've just finished this book and what a way to be introduced to a new author! I couldn't put it down and was nearly late collecting my son from school as I lost track of time. It was so hard having to put my Kindle down but I dived straight back in once home. I couldn't get enough of this amazing story about Samantha and Tristan who melted my heart and have me believing in finding your way back to the one person you belong with.
I love love love this book and am currently fighting off the urge to read it all over again because my son (unfortunately) needs feeding lol. Taylor Sullivan is a brilliant author whose words pull you right in and allow you to experience what her characters are feeling. I forgot about the world around me and I was right there in the story along with Samantha as she shared one of her firsts with the boy she hated. The scenes from 6 years ago seemed almost magical and I loved how Taylor Sullivan incorporated them with what was happening in the present. At no point did the story feel disjointed or unrealistic.
I could go on and on about this book but I don't want to risk ruining the journey you'll take with this book when you read it. I can't recommend enough that you get this book TODAY!
I’m heading off now to go download the two books available in Taylor Sullivan’s Suspicious Hearts series because I'm already addicted to her books.
August 11, 2020
Audible listen - good listening experience with narrator. The story was cute, fun, made miss road trips, and it has a nice ending
September 14, 2017
Really liked this one. An easy romance on one of those days you want something a bit lighter and more contemporary.
August 19, 2017
Capa bonita, blurb atrativo e... nada mais.
Não vi nada de especial, que me cativasse, que fizesse eu querer ficar lendo até o final ou suspirar pelo casal... achei bem comunzinho e esquecivel. O fato gerador do conflito é ruinzinho, fraquinho. Não senti a paixão nem vi justificativa para que ela viesse da infância. Tristan não é nada de mais e a Samanta é uma heroína volúvel, meio covarde, pois aceita se submeter para não desagradar a bff ou o carinha que é amigo dela e apaixonado por ela... enfim,esse livro não fez nada por mim.
Não vi nada de especial, que me cativasse, que fizesse eu querer ficar lendo até o final ou suspirar pelo casal... achei bem comunzinho e esquecivel. O fato gerador do conflito é ruinzinho, fraquinho. Não senti a paixão nem vi justificativa para que ela viesse da infância. Tristan não é nada de mais e a Samanta é uma heroína volúvel, meio covarde, pois aceita se submeter para não desagradar a bff ou o carinha que é amigo dela e apaixonado por ela... enfim,esse livro não fez nada por mim.
July 30, 2017
Love Taylor's books! She hits them out of the ballpark everytime! This book when I started reading I couldn't put it down!!!! We meet Samantha also known as Sammie who has her best friends wedding she is traveling to which is across country! The catch she is traveling with her best friends brother! On this trip feelings are exposed and lies are exposed! The question though is will they be enemies after the road trip is said and done! You need to read this book!
September 6, 2018
Here is the problem I have with these types of stories. the reason for "hating" someone are soooo STUPID!
Half the time I find myself rolling my eyes because the reason behind the hating is so lame and immature it takes away from the story. I mean really.
I finished it but wasn't impressed, I love hate-to-love troupes but I'm finding more and more that the reason behind hating someone is often times so juvenile it's annoying.
Half the time I find myself rolling my eyes because the reason behind the hating is so lame and immature it takes away from the story. I mean really.
I finished it but wasn't impressed, I love hate-to-love troupes but I'm finding more and more that the reason behind hating someone is often times so juvenile it's annoying.
October 15, 2018
easy read. very cliche, cringey and mediocre. that’s not to say it was a bad book, just nothing special. however !!! I did like the dynamic between the main character and her best friend. It was very sweet and genuine, and the few glimpses we got of them, reminded me of my own relationship with my best friend. So obviously brownie points for that😋
August 13, 2017
Read it in one sitting. Great from start to finish
September 2, 2017
Loved it!
It was a great book, could feel the emotion from the pages, happy, funny,sad, heartbreaking, happy ever after with a twist. Great read!
It was a great book, could feel the emotion from the pages, happy, funny,sad, heartbreaking, happy ever after with a twist. Great read!
November 20, 2019
This is a new adult romance that follows Samantha, a sculptor on the verge of needing to get a traditional job as she comes into contact again with her best friend's brother Tristan. The two have a history from when they were teenagers and being thrown together on a cross-country road trip is a fraught situation.
The story is told alternating with the current day road trip and Samantha and Tristan's current circumstances and their history as teenagers. It's a clever way to do it and works well, but personally speaking, very much not for me. Probably because these people are so far away from my own experience and age that whether the protagonists are 15 or 22, they all feel like infants to me. I haven't read many books in this sub-genre, so I'll have to see if that's an issue with the whole thing or whether this particular instance was egregious.
The story is told alternating with the current day road trip and Samantha and Tristan's current circumstances and their history as teenagers. It's a clever way to do it and works well, but personally speaking, very much not for me. Probably because these people are so far away from my own experience and age that whether the protagonists are 15 or 22, they all feel like infants to me. I haven't read many books in this sub-genre, so I'll have to see if that's an issue with the whole thing or whether this particular instance was egregious.
January 12, 2018
To read my full review for "The Boy I Hate," visit my book blog, So Few Books at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2017/...!
Oh. My. Gosh. This book was SO good! The interaction between Samantha and Tristan was so spot-on...
While I generally don’t like narratives that shift time perspectives, this one really worked. The author structured it in such a way as to slowly advance the plot from both the past and the present alongside each other...
The journey that Samantha and Tristan take together cross-country becomes so much more than just getting from point A to point B...
This is an author of whom I will be reading more, and definitely a book that I recommend for anyone who enjoys a delightful contemporary romance.
I received a free eBook copy of this novel from Expresso Book Tours, and have willingly provided an honest review.
Oh. My. Gosh. This book was SO good! The interaction between Samantha and Tristan was so spot-on...
While I generally don’t like narratives that shift time perspectives, this one really worked. The author structured it in such a way as to slowly advance the plot from both the past and the present alongside each other...
The journey that Samantha and Tristan take together cross-country becomes so much more than just getting from point A to point B...
This is an author of whom I will be reading more, and definitely a book that I recommend for anyone who enjoys a delightful contemporary romance.
I received a free eBook copy of this novel from Expresso Book Tours, and have willingly provided an honest review.
May 7, 2019
Dnf'd at 60% because I couldn't take it anymore, it was too boring and the heroine was incredibly annoying, dull and unlikable. I actually preferred her boyfriend (not the H) to her. The H at this point was still very vague.
October 24, 2017
Oh I didn’t like this at all. I don’t know who Samantha tries to convince she hasn’t had the hots for her BFF’s brother since the dawn of time but it was very annoying.
September 13, 2017
The Boy I Hate by Taylor Sullivan 5 STARS!!!
Oh.My.Goodness! The feels this book has is off the chart!!! I was an emotional wreck the whole time I was reading this book! It had me laughing, crying, and angry in the matter of a page turn. Taylor Sullivan's descriptions of the relationships between Samantha and her best friend Renee, Samantha and her boyfriend Steven, and Samantha and the boy she hates (Renee's older brother) Tristan were so real! I feel the same emotions in my real life relationships. Sam and Renee have been best friends since elementary school and the emotions went straight to my heart. Renee moved out of their shared apartment in LA and across the country to New York to join a ballet company there. Samantha took it hard! Especially after Renee met a guy and got engaged within six months of leaving. Sam felt like she was missing everything in her best friends life. Now it was time to drive to New York to be her maid of honor and Steven broke their plans because of a once in a lifetime career opportunity. He seemed to always put his career first over Samantha during their whole six year relationship. Now, Renee asked Tristan to take Sam with him so she wouldn't have to worry about Sam driving 3000 miles by herself. There is one problem with the plan. Six years Go he was her first kiss and only secret. She hated him more as time passes. She compared everything Steven did on that one kiss. Samantha never felt the same butterflies or tingles as she did with Tristan. She can't get him out of her heart or off her mind even after he shattered her completely the day after the kiss. Tristan is hot and she watched girls fall for him over and over again only to be heartbroken in the end. Sam hated herself for being just another girl. But was that the real Tristan or someone he portrayed on the outside? Everything will change on the drive across the country. This is a must read book about a hot Alpha male, his real self, and a girl whose life was about to turn upside down. I highly recommend this book!!!
Oh.My.Goodness! The feels this book has is off the chart!!! I was an emotional wreck the whole time I was reading this book! It had me laughing, crying, and angry in the matter of a page turn. Taylor Sullivan's descriptions of the relationships between Samantha and her best friend Renee, Samantha and her boyfriend Steven, and Samantha and the boy she hates (Renee's older brother) Tristan were so real! I feel the same emotions in my real life relationships. Sam and Renee have been best friends since elementary school and the emotions went straight to my heart. Renee moved out of their shared apartment in LA and across the country to New York to join a ballet company there. Samantha took it hard! Especially after Renee met a guy and got engaged within six months of leaving. Sam felt like she was missing everything in her best friends life. Now it was time to drive to New York to be her maid of honor and Steven broke their plans because of a once in a lifetime career opportunity. He seemed to always put his career first over Samantha during their whole six year relationship. Now, Renee asked Tristan to take Sam with him so she wouldn't have to worry about Sam driving 3000 miles by herself. There is one problem with the plan. Six years Go he was her first kiss and only secret. She hated him more as time passes. She compared everything Steven did on that one kiss. Samantha never felt the same butterflies or tingles as she did with Tristan. She can't get him out of her heart or off her mind even after he shattered her completely the day after the kiss. Tristan is hot and she watched girls fall for him over and over again only to be heartbroken in the end. Sam hated herself for being just another girl. But was that the real Tristan or someone he portrayed on the outside? Everything will change on the drive across the country. This is a must read book about a hot Alpha male, his real self, and a girl whose life was about to turn upside down. I highly recommend this book!!!
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