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The Hate You Drink
Erik Keston, son of the Keston Real Estate empire, knows what it takes to be successful. Despite his inherent wealth, he holds his own. He works hard, he’s grounded, he’s brilliant. He’s also secretly in love with his best friend.
Monroe Wellman lost his parents three years ago and never grieved, never recovered. Inheriting the family company and wealth means nothing, and his spiral of self-destruction is widespread and spectacular. Dubbed Sydney’s bad boy, he spends more days drunk than sober, and the only person who’s stuck by him through it all is his best mate.
But when Monroe hits rock bottom, Erik gives him an ultimatum, and his entire world comes to a grinding halt. It’s not until the haze lifts that Monroe can truly see what he’s been searching for was never in the bottom of a bottle. It’s been by his side all along.
An 80,000-word friends-to-lovers story about fighting the demons within and trusting in the love that takes its place.
“Because when all you drink is hate, that’s all there is inside you.”
Monroe Wellman lost his parents three years ago and never grieved, never recovered. Inheriting the family company and wealth means nothing, and his spiral of self-destruction is widespread and spectacular. Dubbed Sydney’s bad boy, he spends more days drunk than sober, and the only person who’s stuck by him through it all is his best mate.
But when Monroe hits rock bottom, Erik gives him an ultimatum, and his entire world comes to a grinding halt. It’s not until the haze lifts that Monroe can truly see what he’s been searching for was never in the bottom of a bottle. It’s been by his side all along.
An 80,000-word friends-to-lovers story about fighting the demons within and trusting in the love that takes its place.
“Because when all you drink is hate, that’s all there is inside you.”
232 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2019
448 people are currently reading
1550 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
133 books5,266 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
October 24, 2022
“You are my entire world. Everything revolves around you. You’re like the fucking sun, burning so bright, everything that comes too close gets burnt to fucking hell. I can’t do it anymore. Being with you and not having you love me the way I need you to. You’re killing me, Monroe. You’re killing me.”
I believe if I had been “warned” about how much personal reflection and individual focus this would have, I would have enjoyed it more. This is why I think mentioning the fact that this felt more like a love story than a romance is essential for future readers of this book. The topic is not lighthearted by any means. Addiction, along with sub-topics like grief, anger, denial, control, and more, roams the topic of addiction, making the read pretty angsty, melancholy, and emotional. However, I want to mention that while I appreciate and like the themes this book dealt with, I want to emphasize how little romance plays a role in this book and how it doesn’t become very relevant until around 70%. There’s nothing wrong with this, and I can say that I like the approach N.R. Walker took with this because it reiterates that love doesn’t cure something like addiction, but it also would have helped me more if I had been prepared, per se. So for anyone hoping to read this at some point, please go into it not expecting romance in the beginning and instead until the end is nearing. I would say that most of the book focuses on Monroe's healing journey as he comes to cope, heal, and accept who he is and what he has done.
I’ve mentioned before how NRW is one of my go-to and favorite authors when it comes to cute, sweet, and fluffy. But when she writes angsty, it’s usually an emotional gut punch. And I’m all here for it. I went into this knowing what to expect–a character dealing with addiction. Maybe it’s just because of what I’ve read, but I’m not used to reading angst from Walker, primarily because of how uncommon it is. Still, The Hate You Drink dives into heavy themes and topics, almost giving a feeling like On Davis Row gave me, showing me why and how I love how diverse this author’s writing is. I love how authentic she can be on dark and difficult themes and how distracting her heartwarming reads can also be. There are definitely a lot of dualities, and while not every NRW book has worked for me, I appreciate the effort, dedication, and integrity she puts into her books that allow the reader to have different feelings, emotions, and perspectives.
Luckily, The Hate You Drink doesn’t shy away from what it conveys. Our main character, Monroe, is an ungrateful person. He takes advantage of the people who care about him, doesn’t think about other people's feelings, and uses alcohol and drinking as a coping mechanism to forget everything happening around the world. No matter how concerning his life becomes to others, it’s all numb to himself.
In short, Monroe is selfish, ungrateful, spoiled, rude, and a little ignorant.
And that is precisely why I loved his character.
I think too often, people forget those who are addicted (whether drugs or alcohol) and don’t always realize how they’re acting until they have to confront their own actions. Monroe’s character felt authentic–he was real and emotional, a victim of drowning in his own misery. His character can be seen as punchable, but his story of a complex journey is worth knowing. I like how Walker kept his character going and how many pieces there were to his character that kept appearing as the reader moved on. I appreciate this because it showed how clear Monroe’s character was not going to be “healing” in one day. His spiritual, social, physical, and mental journey took up most of his time.
“It’s a toxic behaviour pattern,” Saul said. “You don’t mean to hurt them and you wish you could stop, but you can’t. Not on your own.”
Monroe’s character was supposed to come off the way he did. Recovery at the Crossroads mentions five stages of addiction: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Here’s how they describe them:
Precontemplation:
This phase is characterized by defensiveness and endless justification of their behavior.
Contemplation:
This means the person is ready to bring about change in the future, but not immediately. Unlike the previous stage, they’re aware of the pros of becoming drug-free.
Preparation:
It’s normal for people in this phase to go for a day or two without turning to drug or alcohol abuse, but it’s also perfectly usual to see people jump back to contemplation or precontemplation in case triggers or difficult emotions arise.
Action:
This stage of change is characterized by prolonged periods of abstinence and the inclination to turn to professionals for help before or after relapse.
Maintenance:
They don’t feel the urge to relapse as frequently as people in the action stage, so their confidence grows and they truly believe in their ability to maintain sobriety long term.
I underlined specific words/statements that I think are important to consider. Addiction/substance abuse is a disease. It isn’t easy for someone to just stop what they’re doing and get better in one day. It’s a whole recovery process for a reason, just like any other type of cognitive and behavioral therapy works. So with that being said, I appreciated seeing how relevant the process of Monroe recovering was. Seeing him go through the different stages made it not only more realistic and believable, but also uplifting and worth rooting for. Seeing his journey slowly unfold is challenging. Seeing him have cravings, withdrawals, tantrums, fits, and more, it just made sense. It showed how alcohol is, was, and will always be a part of him that he’ll carry.
“I’ll show you. I’ll show you what it means to love, and I’ll show you how much you deserve to be loved.”
I know that Erik may come off as a doormat character to some, and understandably so. He even admitted it himself. But I think anyone who considers Erik such fails to understand his point of view and how emotionally vulnerable you become to someone who gets addicted. Erik’s friendship with Monroe was one thing, and his romantic feeling for his best friend was another. He felt like he would let Monroe down by not being there for him because Monroe didn’t have anyone else. It’s common for people to blame themselves for other’s actions, and it's unfortunate but very true. Yet, I love that Erik also had a self-healing journey, one he used to work on for himself because he came to realize how Monroe was slowly draining him as well. I think every concept, idea, and consideration Saul had for the two men was very thought-out, necessary, and essential to seeing how much space really is necessary to see the colors you were too blind to see. Erik’s light were dimmed by Monroe’s actions, and it took the two a faced ultimatum to see how little energy there was left.
The two had a co-dependent relationship, especially from Monroe, and you could say it was blissful. I love co-dependency in books. There is something about two characters not being able to be away from each other; something about depending on one another; something about them feeling like they are going to explode if the other isn’t with them. If they’re faced with an ultimatum, of choosing one thing or them, the way they aren’t hesitant to choose them because they cannot possibly begin to imagine their life without them is reassuring. I know codependent relationships aren’t healthy in real life, but there is something about reading about two characters having such a close attachment that it becomes remotely unhealthy. I read romance for the characters' relationship anyway. Of course I want them to have this necessity for each other. While I’m not saying I wanna know every single little detail about them and the relationship, yes, I do want them to spend too many hours and minutes together. I’m a hopeless romantic, duh!
However, there are a few things I found to impact my overall enjoyment. There’s something mentioned about how Monroe will always be an alcoholic, no matter how sober he gets, and I personally disagree. I don’t think a disease makes you who you are as a person. That’s not to say Monroe’s alcoholism and addiction made up his personality, but I am saying he can be someone else other than an addict. And he did become that person. I do think soberierity can be possible forever if that person fights for it and sets their mind to have that lifestyle of being sober. I think it’s 100% possible for someone to go from relying on drinking to being someone who never has a drink ever again.
“Someone once said to me that if you drank hate, it would get to a point where that’s all there was inside you,” he said. “And that’s very true. But the same can be said for love. If you drink it in, if it’s the only thing you let in, then love is the only thing in your heart. And I owe that to you, Erik. The love you give me is without limit, undiluted, and the only intoxicating thing I will ever need. You gave me purpose and family, and I will spend every day of forever being the man you deserve. That’s my promise to you.”
To be honest, my problem is really how I went into this expecting a little more romance, so that’s really where my disappointment comes from. I see this more of a more mature version of a coming of age story, featuring two souls who need each other in every way but don’t understand how they’re also affecting each other negatively. I think the coming of age part comes through the fact that both characters are finding each other without the help of the other. Monroe is someone always being saved by Erik, and Erik is always saving Monroe. Both end up taking time away and realizing there is, in fact, more than one another. This is great and all, and it can even be quite inspiring, but it wasn’t all I thought I’d get. I think it’s difficult to pull off a romance dealing with something like addiction. Because Monroe and Erik had this obsession with each other, spending time away from each other was one way they could help each other cope and recover. So with that being said, you can say there isn’t that much room for them to even spend time together. So to make up for that, I think something that could have helped was to give us more moments of Monroe and Erik’s past, like in their college years.
This exclusion affected the relationship development. Some of you know the best friends to lovers trope is my all time favorite. Any type of it, really. Childhood friends is even better. While Erik and Monroe met in college, a lot of years have passed between them that make their relationship grow into something bigger. Yet, the chemistry was a little lacking. Some of the tension was UST, which can definitely be a delight, but it didn’t help enough. Understanding how and why the two ended up catching feelings was easy to see and feel, but the feeling of them slowly growing closer and closer romantically wasn’t.
Overall, I think it’s difficult to pull off a relationship dealing with this topic, especially if the couple isn’t established before the healing process of addiction begins. With Monroe and Erik, it starts off as an unrequited love, where Erik is in love with Monroe (a reason why he acts the way he does), but the overall growth and development of the romantic part of the relationship was a little harder to interpret and pull apart. Sometimes the relationship felt off and inconsistent, while other times I was rooting for it. It gave me mixed feelings because of the little understanding I had as to how the relationship was supposed to work.
I do believe if I had known these things beforehand, it would have helped me tremendously. The romance is there in a way (for me at least), but it’s not the biggest or sole focus of the story. We focus more on Monroe’s character and his recovery, with Erik following in second, and then it’s the relationship.
Still, this isn’t a book I don’t exactly not recommend, and I’m glad I finally gave it a chance.
“Not everything will change,” he whispered. “I’ll still be here for you.”
May 28, 2019
~4.5~
This book won't be everyone's cuppa. It deals with alcoholism and doesn't sugarcoat addiction.
Monroe is a mess: selfish, reckless, hanging on my a thin thread of sanity. He drinks to forget. He drinks to escape. He drinks because it's easier than dealing with the grief of losing his parents.
Monroe's only constant is Erik: his best friend, his keeper, his everything.
But Erik has been in love with Monroe for years, and it's killing him to watch Monroe self-destruct. Finally, Erik gives Monroe an ultimatum: stop drinking or lose me.
And Monroe can't lose Erik.
This book is at once complex and simple. Both MCs are wealthy, so Monroe has it easier than most addicts. Erik's family hires a private addiction specialist, and Monroe deals with withdrawal symptoms at a beach villa. He's angry and hurt, but Erik is patient. For Erik, life without Monroe is like life without oxygen.
Some reviewers have mentioned that this book isn't angsty enough, and I don't entirely disagree, but I accepted that Erik and Monroe were simply meant to be. There is little relationship angst, because it's not necessary.
Even though the men are apart through a good chunk of the story, the romance never fades into the background. Monroe always thinks about Erik and vice-versa.
Their reunion is heartwarming, and the epilogue is all the things I wanted and more.
This book won't be everyone's cuppa. It deals with alcoholism and doesn't sugarcoat addiction.
Monroe is a mess: selfish, reckless, hanging on my a thin thread of sanity. He drinks to forget. He drinks to escape. He drinks because it's easier than dealing with the grief of losing his parents.
Monroe's only constant is Erik: his best friend, his keeper, his everything.
But Erik has been in love with Monroe for years, and it's killing him to watch Monroe self-destruct. Finally, Erik gives Monroe an ultimatum: stop drinking or lose me.
And Monroe can't lose Erik.
This book is at once complex and simple. Both MCs are wealthy, so Monroe has it easier than most addicts. Erik's family hires a private addiction specialist, and Monroe deals with withdrawal symptoms at a beach villa. He's angry and hurt, but Erik is patient. For Erik, life without Monroe is like life without oxygen.
Some reviewers have mentioned that this book isn't angsty enough, and I don't entirely disagree, but I accepted that Erik and Monroe were simply meant to be. There is little relationship angst, because it's not necessary.
Even though the men are apart through a good chunk of the story, the romance never fades into the background. Monroe always thinks about Erik and vice-versa.
Their reunion is heartwarming, and the epilogue is all the things I wanted and more.
January 27, 2022
Audiobook - 5 stars
Story - 3 stars
I am for co-dependency and all. Monroe was so dependent on Erik and Erik enabled him.
This was all about Monroe's recovery, I stayed for the therapy sessions. I needed them too.
Anyhoo, the relationship felt unbalanced, I felt like Erik was giving, giving and giving.
Overall, it was okay nothing special. The audiobook was amazing though.
Story - 3 stars
I am for co-dependency and all. Monroe was so dependent on Erik and Erik enabled him.
This was all about Monroe's recovery, I stayed for the therapy sessions. I needed them too.
Anyhoo, the relationship felt unbalanced, I felt like Erik was giving, giving and giving.
Overall, it was okay nothing special. The audiobook was amazing though.
May 28, 2019
3.5 Star
The Hate You Drink is about two addicted guys, Monroe is addicted to alcohol and Erik is addicted to Monroe. Monroe uses drinking to protect himself, to be in control, to be not himself, to escape reality… His addiction is out of control now…
Erik is his best friend (for years) and he is the guy who can’t say no to Monroe or being mad at him, he just wants to be around him… But at some point, he can’t tolerate anymore…
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. It’s a friends-to-lovers story, an emotional read and it’s about serious stuff. It's a bit angsty but not the type T would enjoy. It started off really good but then I started struggling and toward the end it dragged and I skimmed and skipped the last 20%. And I really got tired of the amount of them crying or their tears! Overall, I enjoyed it for the most part and hope you like it as well!
The Hate You Drink is about two addicted guys, Monroe is addicted to alcohol and Erik is addicted to Monroe. Monroe uses drinking to protect himself, to be in control, to be not himself, to escape reality… His addiction is out of control now…
Erik is his best friend (for years) and he is the guy who can’t say no to Monroe or being mad at him, he just wants to be around him… But at some point, he can’t tolerate anymore…
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. It’s a friends-to-lovers story, an emotional read and it’s about serious stuff. It's a bit angsty but not the type T would enjoy. It started off really good but then I started struggling and toward the end it dragged and I skimmed and skipped the last 20%. And I really got tired of the amount of them crying or their tears! Overall, I enjoyed it for the most part and hope you like it as well!
May 21, 2019
-2.75 stars-
I struggled a lot with this one. I have a feeling it's just me, not the book, though, because this is definitely a typical Walker story and I used to love these.
The beginning was very promising. There was angst, intensity, a lot of feels and the promise of a separation period. I was pleased. But then it all went downhill for me when Monroe started a detox and rehab program.
I know that the author had to focus on Monroe working on getting better and I'm glad she did, but it was too much for me. Pages after pages about Monroe's struggles and him fighting his addiction. By the way I'm not sure having sex while being in rehab is such a good idea.
The MCs spent a big chunk of the book apart, which is ok for me most times but here it made things worse. During that period Monroe suddenly realizes that he is in love with Erik. It felt abrupt and out of the blue, and therefore there was no build up as far as the romantic part is concerned.
The ending was all about the romance but it was way too sugary sweet for my tastes. Not a bad thing, just felt a touch too much.
Bottom line, all I can remember after reading this story is endless crying (so much), endless internal monologues and a sugary sweet ending.
Again, I still think that fans of the author will love this story. Just wasn't for me.
I struggled a lot with this one. I have a feeling it's just me, not the book, though, because this is definitely a typical Walker story and I used to love these.
The beginning was very promising. There was angst, intensity, a lot of feels and the promise of a separation period. I was pleased. But then it all went downhill for me when Monroe started a detox and rehab program.
I know that the author had to focus on Monroe working on getting better and I'm glad she did, but it was too much for me. Pages after pages about Monroe's struggles and him fighting his addiction. By the way I'm not sure having sex while being in rehab is such a good idea.
The MCs spent a big chunk of the book apart, which is ok for me most times but here it made things worse. During that period Monroe suddenly realizes that he is in love with Erik. It felt abrupt and out of the blue, and therefore there was no build up as far as the romantic part is concerned.
The ending was all about the romance but it was way too sugary sweet for my tastes. Not a bad thing, just felt a touch too much.
Bottom line, all I can remember after reading this story is endless crying (so much), endless internal monologues and a sugary sweet ending.
Again, I still think that fans of the author will love this story. Just wasn't for me.
May 29, 2021
This book was like having a good cry and then getting wrapped in a warm hug. I love addiction stories, and more generally, I love stories where a character hits rock bottom and fights his way back up. Because sadly, it doesn’t always work this way in real life.
I loved the unconditional support and love that Erik gave Monroe. I loved Monroe’s journey into health. The love between Erik and Monroe was on every page.
Was it overly sweet and sappy? Perhaps. But sometimes a dose of happiness feels much better than a dose of realism.
This had several not so good reviews from my GR friends. So I wasn’t sure. But it was perfect for me and exactly what I needed today.
I loved the unconditional support and love that Erik gave Monroe. I loved Monroe’s journey into health. The love between Erik and Monroe was on every page.
Was it overly sweet and sappy? Perhaps. But sometimes a dose of happiness feels much better than a dose of realism.
This had several not so good reviews from my GR friends. So I wasn’t sure. But it was perfect for me and exactly what I needed today.
dnf
May 25, 2019DNF at 32%
I'd hoped I would want to pick it up after I took a break, but I don't.
N.R. Walker has always been a hit or miss for me. And unfortunately this was a miss.
I just wasn't feeling this. The subject is quite heavy, but somehow it didn't feel heavy (enough) when I was reading this. I never felt as if Monroe really did hit rock bottom. Or that Erik really was at the end of his rope as his best friend/love interest.
Same with the intervention they staged. That felt so forced and even a bit juvenile to be honest. If I had been Monroe that would not have made me see the truth about myself at all.
So I think it's best if I don't continue.
I'd hoped I would want to pick it up after I took a break, but I don't.
N.R. Walker has always been a hit or miss for me. And unfortunately this was a miss.
I just wasn't feeling this. The subject is quite heavy, but somehow it didn't feel heavy (enough) when I was reading this. I never felt as if Monroe really did hit rock bottom. Or that Erik really was at the end of his rope as his best friend/love interest.
Same with the intervention they staged. That felt so forced and even a bit juvenile to be honest. If I had been Monroe that would not have made me see the truth about myself at all.
So I think it's best if I don't continue.
June 1, 2019
Probably the only reason I read a book that deals with alcoholism was because of N.R. Walker. I really like her writing style and I admire that she can write about diverse topics.
But, while I liked some of its parts, I don't think this story was for me. It's main focus is on Monroe's recovery, so Erik and Monroe spend a certain amount of time apart. There's also not much about what their friendship was like before. Maybe that's why I never fully connected to the characters.
But, while I liked some of its parts, I don't think this story was for me. It's main focus is on Monroe's recovery, so Erik and Monroe spend a certain amount of time apart. There's also not much about what their friendship was like before. Maybe that's why I never fully connected to the characters.
June 4, 2019
I'm pretty sure it's me and not the book....
From the very first chapters it was clear that we wouldn't be a good match. I couldn't connect with the characters and I didn't believe in their romance.
Erik and Monroe have been friends for many years, they're both gay but they have never crossed that line. Erik is attracted to Monroe and totally in love with him since they met but he never did anything about it. Monroe on the other hand is totally oblivious about his friend's feelings. He's in a rough place since he lost his parents three years ago. He hasn't really grieved for them and "copes" by drinking his life away.
Erik doesn't know what to do to help him and even though he knows that something has to change soon he could never be too strict with his friend. After a car crash and a near miss with the pool, Erik and his family decide that it's time for an intervention. They sit Monroe down, they bring in a therepist and they give him no choice about where they go from there.
The better part of the book is spent with Monroe in detox in another city and Erik trying to have a life without him. That doesn't last very long though and then it's Monroe in detox and Erik waiting for the chance to visit or talk to him. They go from friends to lovers very quickly, especially considering that Monroe used to think of Erik only as his best friend. Also, the timing for their relationship feels very wrong with Mornoe still in rehab and only just starting to work on letting go of past regrets and guilt.
I did finish the book but I never really cared about what would happen to the characters. I mean, obviously I wanted Monroe to stay sober but other than that, any outcome would have been the same to me.
N.R. Walker's books are always a hit or miss for me. From the blurb this sounded like a good choice for me but it turned out to be a miss. I'm not giving up though, her Thomas Elkin series was amazing so I'll keep trying any book of hers that catch my interest.
From the very first chapters it was clear that we wouldn't be a good match. I couldn't connect with the characters and I didn't believe in their romance.
Erik and Monroe have been friends for many years, they're both gay but they have never crossed that line. Erik is attracted to Monroe and totally in love with him since they met but he never did anything about it. Monroe on the other hand is totally oblivious about his friend's feelings. He's in a rough place since he lost his parents three years ago. He hasn't really grieved for them and "copes" by drinking his life away.
Erik doesn't know what to do to help him and even though he knows that something has to change soon he could never be too strict with his friend. After a car crash and a near miss with the pool, Erik and his family decide that it's time for an intervention. They sit Monroe down, they bring in a therepist and they give him no choice about where they go from there.
The better part of the book is spent with Monroe in detox in another city and Erik trying to have a life without him. That doesn't last very long though and then it's Monroe in detox and Erik waiting for the chance to visit or talk to him. They go from friends to lovers very quickly, especially considering that Monroe used to think of Erik only as his best friend. Also, the timing for their relationship feels very wrong with Mornoe still in rehab and only just starting to work on letting go of past regrets and guilt.
I did finish the book but I never really cared about what would happen to the characters. I mean, obviously I wanted Monroe to stay sober but other than that, any outcome would have been the same to me.
N.R. Walker's books are always a hit or miss for me. From the blurb this sounded like a good choice for me but it turned out to be a miss. I'm not giving up though, her Thomas Elkin series was amazing so I'll keep trying any book of hers that catch my interest.
October 8, 2025
Low angst after a small moment of angsty in the beginning, and nice overall... but I think I have over done myself with the NR Walker lately. My bad.
This was sweet and tackles alot of tough issues with addiction and such, but I just struggled to feel the connection between these two and then it got extra mushy half way through and the I love you's were flying around a bit willy nilly when I didn't really feel much between these two.
I just think I needed more erik/Munroe time BEFORE the rehab, as they spend so much of this book apart, and it kinda ruined some of what the story was trying to do.
Not bad at all.
Just kinda whatever?
I think if you like NR Walker, you can still enjoy this one! It's got that NR Sweetness hit that you may want!
This was sweet and tackles alot of tough issues with addiction and such, but I just struggled to feel the connection between these two and then it got extra mushy half way through and the I love you's were flying around a bit willy nilly when I didn't really feel much between these two.
I just think I needed more erik/Munroe time BEFORE the rehab, as they spend so much of this book apart, and it kinda ruined some of what the story was trying to do.
Not bad at all.
Just kinda whatever?
I think if you like NR Walker, you can still enjoy this one! It's got that NR Sweetness hit that you may want!
June 19, 2019
I often go for N.R. Walker’s books without hesitation as I enjoy her writing style and the amount of fluff she instils in her romances (even when it’s not a fluffy romance). And she goes with diverse topics, so no boredom.
This time, N.R. Walker goes with 2 MCs who are best friends but at a crossroad in their life : Monroe is spiralling into alcoholism and Erik is too deep into his secret – and unhealthy - love for his best friend. It has to change and fast, for both of them before they lost themselves.
I always enjoy N.R. Walker's stories and this was no exception : I read that one in no time. Of course, I liked the MCs, it was full of nice feels, I rooted for Monroe during his detox (yes, the title of this book is so accurate) and I loved the epilogue.
But, I couldn’t help being disappointed on the romance front : as much as I could feel Erik’s love for Monroe, I didn’t feel it from Monroe’s side. It felt more like witnessing a very strong friendship, at least when it came to Monroe.
I liked it, but I would have enjoyed it more had there been some loving development like N.R. Walker usually does so well.
ARC of “The Hate You Drink” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This time, N.R. Walker goes with 2 MCs who are best friends but at a crossroad in their life : Monroe is spiralling into alcoholism and Erik is too deep into his secret – and unhealthy - love for his best friend. It has to change and fast, for both of them before they lost themselves.
I always enjoy N.R. Walker's stories and this was no exception : I read that one in no time. Of course, I liked the MCs, it was full of nice feels, I rooted for Monroe during his detox (yes, the title of this book is so accurate) and I loved the epilogue.
But, I couldn’t help being disappointed on the romance front : as much as I could feel Erik’s love for Monroe, I didn’t feel it from Monroe’s side. It felt more like witnessing a very strong friendship, at least when it came to Monroe.
I liked it, but I would have enjoyed it more had there been some loving development like N.R. Walker usually does so well.
ARC of “The Hate You Drink” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2019
I've said it once, I'll repeat it- 3-star reviews are the worst to write. It makes you explain why it wasn't a complete winner.
There were many positives to The Hate You Drink by N.R. Walker-
-Friend to lovers
-Sweet
-Dual POVs
-Hurt/Comfort/Healing
-Nice set of secondary characters.
-I liked Erik and Monroe.
BUT, it didn't deliver what I wanted most: RELATIONSHIP ANGST. Aside from the first couple of scenes; there was zero conflict between the two main characters. Everything between them was sugary sweet. I hate to say it, but their relationship was dull and felt borderline unhealthy.
Why did it feel unhealthy? Monroe was going through a rough time (understandably), and Erik was always there for him. Not only was Monroe his best friend but he'd also been in love with him for years. Monroe consumed Erik's life. Everything was about him; he would even rearrange his work schedule to be there for him. He'd literally drop everything for him. And I understood why: addiction affects not only the addict but those close to them. I hate that I know this on a personal level, so I get it, but nothing was done about their codependent issues. It was talked about, Erik said he understood, and repeat the same unhealthy patterns.
As for the romance being dull, it wasn't just the lack of conflict; it was also the lack of relationship development. I felt the love and pining from Erik, but from Monroe's end, his love for Erik felt like someone just turned the "love" switch on and voila. It felt rushed.
You know, most are going to love this book, and I did like it, but I was expecting more. It fell short for me in some key elements and likely because my expectations were different.
3 Stars
There were many positives to The Hate You Drink by N.R. Walker-
-Friend to lovers
-Sweet
-Dual POVs
-Hurt/Comfort/Healing
-Nice set of secondary characters.
-I liked Erik and Monroe.
BUT, it didn't deliver what I wanted most: RELATIONSHIP ANGST. Aside from the first couple of scenes; there was zero conflict between the two main characters. Everything between them was sugary sweet. I hate to say it, but their relationship was dull and felt borderline unhealthy.
Why did it feel unhealthy? Monroe was going through a rough time (understandably), and Erik was always there for him. Not only was Monroe his best friend but he'd also been in love with him for years. Monroe consumed Erik's life. Everything was about him; he would even rearrange his work schedule to be there for him. He'd literally drop everything for him. And I understood why: addiction affects not only the addict but those close to them. I hate that I know this on a personal level, so I get it, but nothing was done about their codependent issues. It was talked about, Erik said he understood, and repeat the same unhealthy patterns.
As for the romance being dull, it wasn't just the lack of conflict; it was also the lack of relationship development. I felt the love and pining from Erik, but from Monroe's end, his love for Erik felt like someone just turned the "love" switch on and voila. It felt rushed.
You know, most are going to love this book, and I did like it, but I was expecting more. It fell short for me in some key elements and likely because my expectations were different.
3 Stars
May 30, 2021
3.7 stars 💫
“He had his addiction, and he was mine. His addiction to alcohol was killing me. And watching him slowly spiral out of control, being so close to him but so far away, was killing me.”
This was the story of an alcohol addict. The alcoholic was Monroe. According to Monroe, the answer to every problem was to taking alcohol. He couldn't stop it whether he wanted or not.
Erik was addicted to Monroe. He was in love with him for his entire adult life. He didn't even know how to cope without Monroe. He always wanted to be near him. Every chance he had got to spend his time with Monroe, he spent willingly.
Monroe always wanted to be drunk and forgot everything and just lived his life thinking there was always only today. Monroe was reckless and hopeless. Monroe and Erik both were wealthy guys. Monroe’s parents were dead and he was devastated. It was the main reason he was friends with alcohol and did not feel alone in his massive house. He didn't care about his wealth, job, company, and anything specific.
Finally, Erik’s family helped to make Monroe give up his addiction.
I like both Monroe and Erik. Monroe always had Erik’s back. Even sometimes Erik has hurt by Monroe’s words, Erik didn't want to give up on him. He didn't want to fail him.
The love was great and incredible. I think the story was much better if there were more angst. The story was too sweet and adorable.
“I deserve to be loved and I also am worthy of giving love. Or that the love I have to give is worth something. I know it comes from a good place now. It's organic and it beats inside my chest, and when I think of you, it beats double time” Monroe said.
I love to read addiction stories! And I love to see how addicted people fight to bits and pieces to be good persons for themselves and their beloved ones. 🤍
“He had his addiction, and he was mine. His addiction to alcohol was killing me. And watching him slowly spiral out of control, being so close to him but so far away, was killing me.”
This was the story of an alcohol addict. The alcoholic was Monroe. According to Monroe, the answer to every problem was to taking alcohol. He couldn't stop it whether he wanted or not.
Erik was addicted to Monroe. He was in love with him for his entire adult life. He didn't even know how to cope without Monroe. He always wanted to be near him. Every chance he had got to spend his time with Monroe, he spent willingly.
Monroe always wanted to be drunk and forgot everything and just lived his life thinking there was always only today. Monroe was reckless and hopeless. Monroe and Erik both were wealthy guys. Monroe’s parents were dead and he was devastated. It was the main reason he was friends with alcohol and did not feel alone in his massive house. He didn't care about his wealth, job, company, and anything specific.
Finally, Erik’s family helped to make Monroe give up his addiction.
I like both Monroe and Erik. Monroe always had Erik’s back. Even sometimes Erik has hurt by Monroe’s words, Erik didn't want to give up on him. He didn't want to fail him.
The love was great and incredible. I think the story was much better if there were more angst. The story was too sweet and adorable.
“I deserve to be loved and I also am worthy of giving love. Or that the love I have to give is worth something. I know it comes from a good place now. It's organic and it beats inside my chest, and when I think of you, it beats double time” Monroe said.
I love to read addiction stories! And I love to see how addicted people fight to bits and pieces to be good persons for themselves and their beloved ones. 🤍
June 3, 2019
4.5 stars!
Before reading this, I saw a lot of negative reviews. Some positive sure, but I was seeing quite a bit more negative ones, and I was wondering if I would feel like they were about this - since it deals with such a serious subject and Walker is usually fairly fluffy and doesn't do crazy angst all that much - so I went into this thinking I maybe wasn't gonna like it.
But that turns out not to be the case. I saw some reviews saying things like after the start of this, things got too easy - I don't think they did - and that Erik was always there and never said enough was enough with Monroe - he did. So those main complaints I was seeing just weren't actually in this and I was baffled.
Like yes, by the end we get the happy and the fluffy and the HEA, but so what? I thought it was pretty hard fought for.
And yes, I felt these two were totally co-dependent at first and Erik stayed longer than anyone else and let himself be a doormat - but eventually he too said enough was enough, twice. Yes, it didn't last long, but Monroe was getting help after the second time he said it.
And yes, I do think they still were a little intense even after Monroe was off getting better, but the big difference for me was how it was handled. How Saul, the psychiatrist brought in to help Monroe detox and be his therapist, helped them learn healthy behaviors that would make their relationship stronger, not less.
So at first I was like "hm, maybe these negative reviews have a point..." but then the further I read, the less I felt that.
This book didn't just ignore the co-dependent behavior beforehand, how badly Monroe treated Erik but also how Erik let him treat him that badly. It had it be hard for Monroe to get better - when he goes to the cabinet under the sink without even thinking to try to get at alcohol swabs yeah, that was as scary as Monroe himself thought.
Like a good portion of this book is Monroe getting better, after the first part of him hitting rock bottom. Part of this is also Erik learning to stand on his own two feet and not make everything about Monroe.
They love each other, but they weren't handling that love in a healthy way before, but they learn how to by the end of this, which made me love this book.
I've read Walker before when she's done angsty and once or twice it just didn't work, and I said it was better when she stuck with happy and fluff for the most part. And of course I hope she stays with that because not everything has to be an angst-fest and her books are usually a wonderful break from angst, angst, angst all the damn time. But if she could do books like this every once in awhile, I wouldn't mind. Doing angst right while also keeping that Walker element that makes it a Walker book - keeping angst but not completely divesting of the happy either.
I loved this, and I loved the secondary characters as well, especially Saul, and the ending was perfect and sweet and wonderful, and I just loved this book.
Two thumbs up from me! Highly Recommend! <3
Before reading this, I saw a lot of negative reviews. Some positive sure, but I was seeing quite a bit more negative ones, and I was wondering if I would feel like they were about this - since it deals with such a serious subject and Walker is usually fairly fluffy and doesn't do crazy angst all that much - so I went into this thinking I maybe wasn't gonna like it.
But that turns out not to be the case. I saw some reviews saying things like after the start of this, things got too easy - I don't think they did - and that Erik was always there and never said enough was enough with Monroe - he did. So those main complaints I was seeing just weren't actually in this and I was baffled.
Like yes, by the end we get the happy and the fluffy and the HEA, but so what? I thought it was pretty hard fought for.
And yes, I felt these two were totally co-dependent at first and Erik stayed longer than anyone else and let himself be a doormat - but eventually he too said enough was enough, twice. Yes, it didn't last long, but Monroe was getting help after the second time he said it.
And yes, I do think they still were a little intense even after Monroe was off getting better, but the big difference for me was how it was handled. How Saul, the psychiatrist brought in to help Monroe detox and be his therapist, helped them learn healthy behaviors that would make their relationship stronger, not less.
So at first I was like "hm, maybe these negative reviews have a point..." but then the further I read, the less I felt that.
This book didn't just ignore the co-dependent behavior beforehand, how badly Monroe treated Erik but also how Erik let him treat him that badly. It had it be hard for Monroe to get better - when he goes to the cabinet under the sink without even thinking to try to get at alcohol swabs yeah, that was as scary as Monroe himself thought.
Like a good portion of this book is Monroe getting better, after the first part of him hitting rock bottom. Part of this is also Erik learning to stand on his own two feet and not make everything about Monroe.
They love each other, but they weren't handling that love in a healthy way before, but they learn how to by the end of this, which made me love this book.
I've read Walker before when she's done angsty and once or twice it just didn't work, and I said it was better when she stuck with happy and fluff for the most part. And of course I hope she stays with that because not everything has to be an angst-fest and her books are usually a wonderful break from angst, angst, angst all the damn time. But if she could do books like this every once in awhile, I wouldn't mind. Doing angst right while also keeping that Walker element that makes it a Walker book - keeping angst but not completely divesting of the happy either.
I loved this, and I loved the secondary characters as well, especially Saul, and the ending was perfect and sweet and wonderful, and I just loved this book.
Two thumbs up from me! Highly Recommend! <3
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November 5, 2023
MM Romance
🎵Included for free with my Audible subscription
🎵Narrated by: Antony Ferguson-I usually love this narrator but not even he could save this. Also, these two characters are from Sydney, Australia and I never heard the Aussie accent. I made my Australian husband listen to both POVs because I thought it had to be my mistake but he said Monroe had more of a New Zealand accent as did Erik but Erik’s leaned more British. So, if you are looking for an authentic accent experience, this is not it.
DNF @ Mid Chapter 17 of 19 chapters. 1 hour left so 85-90% I think?
I originally thought this was a me problem and not the book until I looked at the reviews and it appears the majority of us struggled with this in some way. I don’t dislike this book but I’m not invested in it either and I feel like finishing this is a waste of time at this point. I put this down days ago and no part of me wants to pick it back up. Part of me knows I shouldn’t have picked this up to begin with because alcoholism has affected so many people that I love dearly and it makes me unable to have an open mind when faced with characters like this. I should have stopped reading this when Erik gave Monroe an ultimatum to quit drinking or lose him because if that shit worked, addiction wouldn’t be so damn heartbreaking. No amount of begging, ultimatums or love declarations are enough to make an addict stop no matter how much they care and love you. I did appreciate how this went from an ultimatum into an intervention with a professional coming in though because at least that made it feel more authentic.
My other struggle was that this book started with Erik already being in love with Monroe for years and I would have preferred to have some flashback scenes, a prologue or a part of the book dedicated to showing them falling in love because by the time we see Monroe, he’s selfish, ungrateful and taking advantage of Erik’s love for him and it made it hard for me to like him even after he accepted help and was making amends. Maybe that’s why when Monroe realizes he sees Erik as more than just a friend, it didn’t sit right with me. Also, the fact they get together while Monroe is still in treatment really annoyed me because any big change, good or bad, can cause an addict to relapse and in this case, it made these two even more codependent on each other.
I just had a real disconnect with this book but since I didn’t hate it, I’m going to put it at 2 stars.
🎵Included for free with my Audible subscription
🎵Narrated by: Antony Ferguson-I usually love this narrator but not even he could save this. Also, these two characters are from Sydney, Australia and I never heard the Aussie accent. I made my Australian husband listen to both POVs because I thought it had to be my mistake but he said Monroe had more of a New Zealand accent as did Erik but Erik’s leaned more British. So, if you are looking for an authentic accent experience, this is not it.
DNF @ Mid Chapter 17 of 19 chapters. 1 hour left so 85-90% I think?
I originally thought this was a me problem and not the book until I looked at the reviews and it appears the majority of us struggled with this in some way. I don’t dislike this book but I’m not invested in it either and I feel like finishing this is a waste of time at this point. I put this down days ago and no part of me wants to pick it back up. Part of me knows I shouldn’t have picked this up to begin with because alcoholism has affected so many people that I love dearly and it makes me unable to have an open mind when faced with characters like this. I should have stopped reading this when Erik gave Monroe an ultimatum to quit drinking or lose him because if that shit worked, addiction wouldn’t be so damn heartbreaking. No amount of begging, ultimatums or love declarations are enough to make an addict stop no matter how much they care and love you. I did appreciate how this went from an ultimatum into an intervention with a professional coming in though because at least that made it feel more authentic.
My other struggle was that this book started with Erik already being in love with Monroe for years and I would have preferred to have some flashback scenes, a prologue or a part of the book dedicated to showing them falling in love because by the time we see Monroe, he’s selfish, ungrateful and taking advantage of Erik’s love for him and it made it hard for me to like him even after he accepted help and was making amends. Maybe that’s why when Monroe realizes he sees Erik as more than just a friend, it didn’t sit right with me. Also, the fact they get together while Monroe is still in treatment really annoyed me because any big change, good or bad, can cause an addict to relapse and in this case, it made these two even more codependent on each other.
I just had a real disconnect with this book but since I didn’t hate it, I’m going to put it at 2 stars.
May 31, 2019
El libro da lo que promete en el título, un friends to lovers (mi trope favorita, sin duda), pero aderezado por mucho angst debido a la adicción al alcohol de uno de ellos. No soy ninguna experta en rehabilitación, por lo que no puedo opinar si la adicción está tratada de una forma realista, pero la pareja protagonista tiene química, mucha ternura y el desarrollo de su relación es muy bonito de ver.
Se lee rápido y es muy entretenido, se sufre, pero muy romántica.
Se lee rápido y es muy entretenido, se sufre, pero muy romántica.
May 23, 2019
3.75 stars
I was looking for the angst.
When it comes to the addiction component, the angst was there. This story takes us through the immediate "before" Monroe goes into addiction treatment for alcoholism and then through his first 30 days sober.
He has put his best friend, Erik, through hell for the past three years. Erik has given and given, while Monroe has taken and taken.
I read this book in one sitting, which goes to show why this author is a favorite. I just love reading whatever she writes.
But the angst. I was really looking forward to some relationship angst, but there was none to be found. I wanted couple fighting, ultimatums, anything...…
What I got was sugary sweet forgiveness and understanding.
Which is fiiiiiine, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't what I was expecting.
I still enjoyed reading this. Fans of the author will like this a lot.
I was looking for the angst.
When it comes to the addiction component, the angst was there. This story takes us through the immediate "before" Monroe goes into addiction treatment for alcoholism and then through his first 30 days sober.
He has put his best friend, Erik, through hell for the past three years. Erik has given and given, while Monroe has taken and taken.
I read this book in one sitting, which goes to show why this author is a favorite. I just love reading whatever she writes.
But the angst. I was really looking forward to some relationship angst, but there was none to be found. I wanted couple fighting, ultimatums, anything...…
What I got was sugary sweet forgiveness and understanding.
Which is fiiiiiine, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't what I was expecting.
I still enjoyed reading this. Fans of the author will like this a lot.
July 10, 2019
Monroe's road to recovery
2.75 stars
This book is more so about the process of recovery for an alcoholic. After Monroe's parents died all he has been doing is drinking his problems away. His drinking has become so bad his best friend and his best friends parent step into get him help.
The author does try to throw romance in the book but I do not think she found the proper balance to make this work. The relationship did not feel organic and it was hard for me to connect with Erik and Monroe especially when they spend more than half the book apart. I also thought that it wasn't recommended that a person in recovery start a relationship so soon in the process. So, I didn't understand why Monroe's therapist was pushing Monroe to see that he was in love with Erik. That didn't make sense to me. Also, these two seemed to depend on one another way too much. That doesn't seem healthy to me. But what do I know 🤷♀️
Overall, not my favorite by this author.
2.75 stars
This book is more so about the process of recovery for an alcoholic. After Monroe's parents died all he has been doing is drinking his problems away. His drinking has become so bad his best friend and his best friends parent step into get him help.
The author does try to throw romance in the book but I do not think she found the proper balance to make this work. The relationship did not feel organic and it was hard for me to connect with Erik and Monroe especially when they spend more than half the book apart. I also thought that it wasn't recommended that a person in recovery start a relationship so soon in the process. So, I didn't understand why Monroe's therapist was pushing Monroe to see that he was in love with Erik. That didn't make sense to me. Also, these two seemed to depend on one another way too much. That doesn't seem healthy to me. But what do I know 🤷♀️
Overall, not my favorite by this author.
July 25, 2019
A low angst addiction love story!!
This is a hard one for me to review because of personal reasons. Those reasons really helped me identify with Monroe, the addict, and with Erik, his best mate and enabler.
This was a great read, considering the ugly beginning when we see Monroe knee deep in liquor and it’s consequences. After that, everything is prettied up. I can only imagine that another author used to plunging us in angst like Garrett Leigh, would have taken us to rock bottom and reveled in us scrambling up along the rocky hole to recovery along with the MC—bloody, torn nails and all.
Since this is Walker, we don’t spend much time in the hole of addiction, nor do we slide down the rocky walls as we flounder in recovery. Instead we have a solid line from addiction to intervention to rehabilitation to a successful relationship and work life.
This is, a tale of addiction with very few victims. Perhaps it is too romanticized? But despite that, I enjoyed it and was able to relate to much of it.
The love between the two men is what made this story special and worth reading. So, despite the dark cover and subject, this story is not very dark or angsty, although it could have been.
Walker gives us a wonderful HEA epilogue on the beach that makes me itch to feel sand on the Sunshine Coast of Australia! ❤️
This is a hard one for me to review because of personal reasons. Those reasons really helped me identify with Monroe, the addict, and with Erik, his best mate and enabler.
This was a great read, considering the ugly beginning when we see Monroe knee deep in liquor and it’s consequences. After that, everything is prettied up. I can only imagine that another author used to plunging us in angst like Garrett Leigh, would have taken us to rock bottom and reveled in us scrambling up along the rocky hole to recovery along with the MC—bloody, torn nails and all.
Since this is Walker, we don’t spend much time in the hole of addiction, nor do we slide down the rocky walls as we flounder in recovery. Instead we have a solid line from addiction to intervention to rehabilitation to a successful relationship and work life.
This is, a tale of addiction with very few victims. Perhaps it is too romanticized? But despite that, I enjoyed it and was able to relate to much of it.
The love between the two men is what made this story special and worth reading. So, despite the dark cover and subject, this story is not very dark or angsty, although it could have been.
Walker gives us a wonderful HEA epilogue on the beach that makes me itch to feel sand on the Sunshine Coast of Australia! ❤️
June 6, 2019
What a beautiful story - alcoholism is a real issue and is one that was addressed with compassion in this story. Monroe & Erik certainly adored each other and I’m glad that after the fog and pain they could both enjoy their truth. Simply lovely ❤️
July 9, 2021
this was well-written, but i didn’t really like either of the MCs nn.
June 12, 2019
4 stars.
This was a tough read. Addiction is not easy for the person itself and those who love you. But I'm glad that the author doesn't sugarcoat it so we get to see what really happens to a person who goes through any type of addiction.
I loved the MCs and most of the secondary characters. Monroe and Erik were meant to be. Even though they're not together for a good chunk of the story, you can still feel the love and romance they have for one another.
My heart hurt for Monroe for a lot of the story but I'm glad the way the book ended. It was exactly what was needed for everyone. The Hate You Drink is not going to be for everybody but for those who can, I highly recommend this book.
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He's my best friend; he my family. But he's more than that.
This was a tough read. Addiction is not easy for the person itself and those who love you. But I'm glad that the author doesn't sugarcoat it so we get to see what really happens to a person who goes through any type of addiction.
I loved the MCs and most of the secondary characters. Monroe and Erik were meant to be. Even though they're not together for a good chunk of the story, you can still feel the love and romance they have for one another.
He had this addiction; and he was mine.
My heart hurt for Monroe for a lot of the story but I'm glad the way the book ended. It was exactly what was needed for everyone. The Hate You Drink is not going to be for everybody but for those who can, I highly recommend this book.
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June 3, 2019
2.5 Stars. Not my favorite NR Walker. I didn't really like Monroe or Eric. Honestly, I don't think you can really turn intervention and intensive rehab into a cogent romance. By their nature they really don't go together. Every time these guys got sexual or emotional (and goodness all the necessary but overwhelming amount of crying) I felt like neither one was in a healthy enough space to make decisions like that and the whole "soulmate" thing was a way to try and make it palatable or acceptable. Eric needed real therapy as much as Monroe did but didn't get it. He's an enabler and although we get a rosy epilogue that wasn't very realistic based on what we read. Even though I loved Saul, I wonder what real psychiatrists and addict counselors would think of the things Saul approved of in those first few weeks.
If anyone could have done it, it would probably have been NR Walker but this didn't work for me.
If anyone could have done it, it would probably have been NR Walker but this didn't work for me.
January 8, 2025
I cried a lot at this. I like how this story looks at how addiction also affects loved ones and friends and wasn't solely about Monroe and his alcoholism and how it affected him.
Loving an addict is so hard and trying to find who you are outside of what the relationship has turned into is really hard, so it was easy to empathise with Erik. I do wish he'd been able to build more of an individual life for himself too though. That would have added to the way their relationship changes and becomes a good thing rather than the toxic codependency they started the book in.
It was also easy to see how Monroe had gotten to this point, and his grief and refusal and inability to deal with it was heartbreaking. I liked how we got to delve into his emotions, even though his rehab did feel really fast!
The way they worked through things did feel a little bit like looking through rose tinted glasses, but I enjoyed being on this journey with the characters and seeing them come out the other side in a much healthier relationship.
Loving an addict is so hard and trying to find who you are outside of what the relationship has turned into is really hard, so it was easy to empathise with Erik. I do wish he'd been able to build more of an individual life for himself too though. That would have added to the way their relationship changes and becomes a good thing rather than the toxic codependency they started the book in.
It was also easy to see how Monroe had gotten to this point, and his grief and refusal and inability to deal with it was heartbreaking. I liked how we got to delve into his emotions, even though his rehab did feel really fast!
The way they worked through things did feel a little bit like looking through rose tinted glasses, but I enjoyed being on this journey with the characters and seeing them come out the other side in a much healthier relationship.
March 24, 2021
It was ok, no me ha gustado excesivamente como trata el tema del alcoholismo, esperaba algo más y es todo fluff. A ver, que es la Walker, evidentemente no iba a profundizar, pero la parte de la rehabilitación es flojita, más centrada en "cómo te echo de menos, si es que de verdad somos soulmates" que en los demonios de Monroe.
May 31, 2019
N.R. Walker tackles addiction well in this story. Monroe's struggle with alcoholism and recovery is tough. Erik's addiction to Monroe or his enabler is also tough, but in Walker fashion this book has all the feels. I loved Monroe's journey to letting go, healing, finding himself and accepting love. I loved that Erik and his wonderful family stood by Monroe all the way. Saul was an amazing character as Monroe's therapist. I love a good friends to lovers story and this one was heartwarming and brought me to tears many time.
May 23, 2019
4,5 stars
The Hate You Drink was a roller coaster of emotions; angst, hope, despair, hurt, love, cravings and so much more, all wrapped up in a hefty dose of UST. The first part of this book broke my heart. It’s where we first meet Erik and Monroe. We see Erik desperately in love with his best friend. Feel the longing for Monroe to notice him, to feel the same way about him. We see Monroe doing everything he can to escape any and all feelings, feel how utterly lost he is, the devastation. How alcohol numbs it all, how it’s his escape. How he takes Erik for granted both in terms of always being there, but also to clean up his messes. He’s never held accountable for anything – until the ultimatum comes, alcohol or Erik. The goodbye almost killed me it was so raw emotional and heartbreaking. But it was also necessary, it was when Monroe hit rock bottom.
For the most part this book isn’t a love story. It’s always there in the background, but for the majority of it Monroe and Erik are miles and miles apart. No this book is about starting over, fighting addiction, fighting for yourself. It was honest and angsty and truly showed the impact addiction has on oneself and the people around you. It wasn’t romanticized in any way (cause let’s face it talking about sweats, cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea is not romantic). Sure I do believe it was simplified in many ways, but then again this was supposed to be a fictional romance novel and not a how-to book, so I’m good with that.
What this book touched upon in the beginning was that Erik and Monroe weren’t only dealing with one addiction – Monroe’s alcoholism, but also Erik’s addiction to Monroe. How he lived for him, his world revolved around him and that he didn’t have anything outside Monroe and work in his life. Saul (the therapist helping Monroe) mentioned this to Erik, and would work on it with him, but nothing really came of it. In the end Erik’s world was still only work and Monroe and while I loved them together I still felt like he should be allowed to be more, have something more. He was lost in all things Monroe.
The Hate You Drink has shown us a new side of Walker’s many and vast talents. It’s angstier and heavier than most of her books, but it’s so worth it in the end. Erik and Monroe’s happily ever after was a hard won fight, but one I’m glad to have been a part of.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
The Hate You Drink was a roller coaster of emotions; angst, hope, despair, hurt, love, cravings and so much more, all wrapped up in a hefty dose of UST. The first part of this book broke my heart. It’s where we first meet Erik and Monroe. We see Erik desperately in love with his best friend. Feel the longing for Monroe to notice him, to feel the same way about him. We see Monroe doing everything he can to escape any and all feelings, feel how utterly lost he is, the devastation. How alcohol numbs it all, how it’s his escape. How he takes Erik for granted both in terms of always being there, but also to clean up his messes. He’s never held accountable for anything – until the ultimatum comes, alcohol or Erik. The goodbye almost killed me it was so raw emotional and heartbreaking. But it was also necessary, it was when Monroe hit rock bottom.
For the most part this book isn’t a love story. It’s always there in the background, but for the majority of it Monroe and Erik are miles and miles apart. No this book is about starting over, fighting addiction, fighting for yourself. It was honest and angsty and truly showed the impact addiction has on oneself and the people around you. It wasn’t romanticized in any way (cause let’s face it talking about sweats, cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea is not romantic). Sure I do believe it was simplified in many ways, but then again this was supposed to be a fictional romance novel and not a how-to book, so I’m good with that.
What this book touched upon in the beginning was that Erik and Monroe weren’t only dealing with one addiction – Monroe’s alcoholism, but also Erik’s addiction to Monroe. How he lived for him, his world revolved around him and that he didn’t have anything outside Monroe and work in his life. Saul (the therapist helping Monroe) mentioned this to Erik, and would work on it with him, but nothing really came of it. In the end Erik’s world was still only work and Monroe and while I loved them together I still felt like he should be allowed to be more, have something more. He was lost in all things Monroe.
He had his addiction, and he was mine.
His addiction to alcohol was killing him.
And watching him slowly spiral out of control, being so close to him but so far away, was killing me.
Addiction, in all its forms, fucking sucked.
The Hate You Drink has shown us a new side of Walker’s many and vast talents. It’s angstier and heavier than most of her books, but it’s so worth it in the end. Erik and Monroe’s happily ever after was a hard won fight, but one I’m glad to have been a part of.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
August 4, 2019
One of the best hurt/comfort story I've ever read!
This is not my favourite kind of plot usually, but this book deserves 5+ stars!
As usual, it's beautifully written and the characters are amazing. The epilogue is the best in the world.
Realistic? I don't think so, not even a little, but who cares? It's a novel!
I liked everything about this one❣️
This is not my favourite kind of plot usually, but this book deserves 5+ stars!
As usual, it's beautifully written and the characters are amazing. The epilogue is the best in the world.
Realistic? I don't think so, not even a little, but who cares? It's a novel!
I liked everything about this one❣️
May 26, 2019
I feel a bit confused about this. The topic was intense and was hard to read about. But I expected to feel it more. I know everyone handles grief differently but Monroe got a bit overboard in my opinion. But I guess that proves the fact. Erik was in over his head, trying to help his friend, enabling him in his behavior.
I liked the dynamics between them although it didn't work the full 100% for me. Still a good read.
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March 20, 2020
✰ 5 stars ✰
Very emotional book! A few pages in, and I was already crying. :( It's definitely not for the faint of the heart. Being in Monroe's mind was a little hard to read at times because I just felt like hugging him whenever he was having a break down, but seeing Erik be there for him through his good and bad times warmed my heart. I adored these two, as individuals and as a couple. <3
Very emotional book! A few pages in, and I was already crying. :( It's definitely not for the faint of the heart. Being in Monroe's mind was a little hard to read at times because I just felt like hugging him whenever he was having a break down, but seeing Erik be there for him through his good and bad times warmed my heart. I adored these two, as individuals and as a couple. <3
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