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Dating #4
Hate to Date You
Stella Ricci is bored.
Her overprotective family barely let her out of their sight, despite the fact she’s a grown woman. Yes, she loves her job at her family’s café and she’s the best barista in the entire Monterey Peninsula, but is that enough? She’s thinking no. But what else can she do?
Enter Carter Abbott. Burnt out after the never-ending grind of selling high end real estate in Los Angeles, he’s returned home, unsure of what to do next. He needs someplace to crash temporarily until he gets back on his feet.
It's easy for Stella to suggest Carter move in. Temporarily of course. It'll give her someone to talk to. The only problem?
That one night stand Stella and Carter had about a year ago. They never talked about it. They still don’t really talk about it. Despite the fact that the old chemistry has come back full force. Living together has made that obvious. Should they admit that one night wasn't enough? Or will dating each other turn into an epic fail?
Only one way to find out…
Her overprotective family barely let her out of their sight, despite the fact she’s a grown woman. Yes, she loves her job at her family’s café and she’s the best barista in the entire Monterey Peninsula, but is that enough? She’s thinking no. But what else can she do?
Enter Carter Abbott. Burnt out after the never-ending grind of selling high end real estate in Los Angeles, he’s returned home, unsure of what to do next. He needs someplace to crash temporarily until he gets back on his feet.
It's easy for Stella to suggest Carter move in. Temporarily of course. It'll give her someone to talk to. The only problem?
That one night stand Stella and Carter had about a year ago. They never talked about it. They still don’t really talk about it. Despite the fact that the old chemistry has come back full force. Living together has made that obvious. Should they admit that one night wasn't enough? Or will dating each other turn into an epic fail?
Only one way to find out…
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2020
752 people are currently reading
2903 people want to read
About the author
Monica Murphy
108 books18.8k followersNew York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
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August 13, 2021
R A T I N G: 1.5/2 stars to Hate to Date You ★ ★
While Monica Murphy appropriates a cavalier voice in this fourth in series, Hate to Date You was a surprisingly uncomfortable read for me. Offbeat in a way I didn't take to and offhand in a way I didn't expect. As a first time Monica Murphy try I wasn't expecting extravagance or an overcomplicated plot with imperishable depth. I was looking for some charming, light entertainment wrapped up in a comfortable layer of heat and humour.
What landed in my merry lap was an oversimplified story that resulted in a lot of confusion. I really struggled my way through this one. After thinking it through, I can narrow is down to a few offending traits: the author’s very casual stylistic choice, the very mild, trite characters who did very mild, trite things and a generally listless story where what should have been the main event reads as a slackened, frivolous romance with almost every essential feature/situation feeling perfunctory, half-hearted or restlessly half-full.
Here's what I liked about Carter's characterisation. He arrives in his hometown as a man who doesn't have it all together, feels insecure, doesn't bank much in savings and isn't uber rich. Lacking in motivation, he doesn't have a clue in how to revive his aspirational luster. I liked the down-to-earth, imperfect nature of this. He's jobless planless and aimless. I also liked that despite his apparent unaffectionate upbringing, he's not cruel or callous or apathetic, though definitely still removed emotionally. Here's what I didn't like about Carter. Despite feeling remorseful enough about his actions, he takes until about 40% into the story to apologise for ghosting Stella (without any follow-up until he returns) after their one-night romp one year prior.
Here's what I also didn't like. I fully believed that had Carter not returned to his hometown, he'd have remained settled and without any level of need, want or recall for Stella. She was just a forgotten memory he'd replicated with I'm sure a number of other women who came after. Stella once described them both as having had a one night stand in the most absolute sense - they didn't pine over each other growing up, they just took the attraction between them that night, let loose and let it be. That would have been completely fine, if they had actually displayed a stronger interest for each other in real-time.
I'd say this is a friends with benefits romance but it's really more of an awkward roomates, forced-proximity picture of convenience where the heroine tenaciously dodges the new live-in and the hero, while sexually frustrated, comes across as indifferent. The chemistry is plain but lust isn't an extraordinarily difficult thing to feel or manufacture, and with a quick case of transference I believe that had Carter not come home after a decade spent in LA and had Stella disputed his need to move in, they could lived reasonably fine lives without each other. I wanted to see a romance in the making but this felt more like what I’ll dub ‘proximity lust’.
Here's what I liked about Stella. Though still high-powered with attraction for Carter, she's stubborn and willful enough to avoid falling into a sexual relationship with him immediately. Something I'm happy to confess is she likes a man to grovel for his faults. I love the idea of a promiscuous woman. Partially because it's a trait fictional men almost ubiquitously get to personify and partially because I like to see fictional women unafraid to explore their sexuality without any shame, judgement or self-recrimination to accompany their choices. I don't wish to generalise at all but I would like to see more romance authors in this genre to supply their female protagonists' with more freedom and flexibility, less of a need to make them shrink with dimunition. Why is it typically the hero who can’t/won’t commit? Why can't the leading lady be that way too. Unfortunately, I don't feel that Monica Murphy pulls this off very well with Stella Ricci.
Here's what I didn't like. Despite being a non-relationship type of girl, Stella maintained a celibate lifestyle following the one night stand all because she believed Carter assumed the model paragon as far as bedmates go, matchless and faultless. While that night was clearly one to remember enough for her to veto any future sexual exploits, I'm certain Carter’s unchaste appetites carried on much the same. I’m also certain it was a night he rarely thought about. To put a sexual life on hold because one man gave you what you deemed an unmatched, ideal experience while you were just another passing fancy to him is not at all the romantic ideal authors might believe it is. I don't think this should ever be a reason for a heroine to stop searching for what she needs or wants with any man. If that’s a continued stream casual romps for Stella, then it’s a continued stream of casual romps for Stella.
The romance itself feels as if it exists to fill a static purpose. It’s idle, perhaps too casual but (and possibly most crucially) accessible now that our leads are in close quarters. Stella and Carter seem to exist to fill a role and play a part. They’re not the sort of characters to jump off the page and give you something to care about. They’re both depicted and portrayed for convenience. They’re also very plain, unexciting and tiring - I could also easily use this trio of adjectives to describe their relationship. They’re offhand and avoid each other for about half the book and what commences thereafter is fairly baseless and passes for casual, available friendship that leans into a roommates-with-benefits engagement, which then morphs into a casual relationship.
The author doesn’t do a particularly great job with a general sense of clarity or imbuing her characters with an average sense of interest. The story moves in the same circling narrative; meeting with friends, friends wanting the scoop, Carter and Stella evasion, sexual tension, awkwardness, bonding over their susceptibility for non-commitment, miscommunication and repeat. I promptly called many things into question just because it can be tricky to find consistency in the details given. The hero and heroine kept saying things that didn’t sit well and doing things I didn’t agree with. They had no standout qualities that would make a reader want to come back for more goodness. As well as the flair Carter and Stella both have with miscommunication, what I probably struggled most with were the recurring mixed messages they kept sending me.
As for redeeming qualities, I really liked Stella’s nonna. Stella’s Italian family are traditionally patriarchal and function under that morality. I actually really liked this representation because despite it clearly being a sheltered, unfeminist and male-dominated family, If you come from a traditional culture (specifically South Asian regions), you’ll find many of those values to be true. Yes, even in this modern world. That however old you are, parents can/will be and are the authoritarian figures and you’re knowingly expected to meet a standard, stay silent, in line and heed the will of the elders.
While I personally and strongly don’t share those bindings or beliefs, those cultural conventions are still very relatable because they're inherently rooted within Indian culture - my very heritage. I may be British and exist within the British realm of tradition, but my history, my mum’s upbringing, my grandmother’s upbringing and my great-grandmother’s upbringing - neither nor all are lost on me. Rebellion is a natural reaction to that, so I could understand Stella’s desire to dissent, to struggle with honesty and even be afraid of telling her parents that she’s living with a man.
All in all, my liaison with this book was a cat-and-mouse fail at intrigue while the relationship between the two MCs was a mouse-and-mouse sport that also fails at intrigue, and as I mentioned earlier I did really struggle through it. Hate to Date You was a reading miss for me, and while I was disappointed, that’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes in this reading fraternity of hits and misses. If you like the best friend’s brother paired with the forced proximity trope, feel free to give this one a try. Alas, it didn’t work for me and while I didn’t hate to date this one, I didn’t love to take it for a impassioned rendezvous either.
C O N T E N T_W A R N I N G: Profanity, alcohol consumption, mentions drugs and a few sex scenes.
E X T R A _T H O U G H T S:
1) This is another of of those books where the guy presumably has a great history of sex and the female love interest (despite being a participant of casual sex herself) has a history of either disappointing or average partners until ‘he’ comes along. Also, when Stella reveals her number (the how many sexual partners have you been with number), I sort of sat there thinking ‘is that it?’ After she’d made out how much of a wild child she’d been growing up, and the many references supporting that, I felt it was perhaps played up. Either go all in with something like that or all out I think. I found it very confusing.
2) Not everything is finalised either. Stella is a barista and works for one of her family’s businesses but I recall her wondering if all she’d ever be was a barista, thinking about her career prospects and such. That thread is sort of left as a loose end despite this being a standalone romance.
3) This is perhaps a minor thing but when Carter suggests they he and Stella have a no-strings relationships, he said that it would work for them because they’re like-minded but he also says that should she meet another guy, he’d have no problems letting her go. Well, my eyes sort of bugged out here because (whether they have feelings or not) I don’t really want to hear that from the main love interest. And while we’re in that lane, I found that it’s usually Stella that gets jealous here or there when Carter might mention exes in passing but when she might briefly mention hers, he seems indifferent. Probably really irrelevant but I pointed it out because everything feels sort of blase, ‘take it or leave it’ between them both.
----------------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @VicariousHearts
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
----------------------------------------------------
While Monica Murphy appropriates a cavalier voice in this fourth in series, Hate to Date You was a surprisingly uncomfortable read for me. Offbeat in a way I didn't take to and offhand in a way I didn't expect. As a first time Monica Murphy try I wasn't expecting extravagance or an overcomplicated plot with imperishable depth. I was looking for some charming, light entertainment wrapped up in a comfortable layer of heat and humour.
What landed in my merry lap was an oversimplified story that resulted in a lot of confusion. I really struggled my way through this one. After thinking it through, I can narrow is down to a few offending traits: the author’s very casual stylistic choice, the very mild, trite characters who did very mild, trite things and a generally listless story where what should have been the main event reads as a slackened, frivolous romance with almost every essential feature/situation feeling perfunctory, half-hearted or restlessly half-full.
Here's what I liked about Carter's characterisation. He arrives in his hometown as a man who doesn't have it all together, feels insecure, doesn't bank much in savings and isn't uber rich. Lacking in motivation, he doesn't have a clue in how to revive his aspirational luster. I liked the down-to-earth, imperfect nature of this. He's jobless planless and aimless. I also liked that despite his apparent unaffectionate upbringing, he's not cruel or callous or apathetic, though definitely still removed emotionally. Here's what I didn't like about Carter. Despite feeling remorseful enough about his actions, he takes until about 40% into the story to apologise for ghosting Stella (without any follow-up until he returns) after their one-night romp one year prior.
Here's what I also didn't like. I fully believed that had Carter not returned to his hometown, he'd have remained settled and without any level of need, want or recall for Stella. She was just a forgotten memory he'd replicated with I'm sure a number of other women who came after. Stella once described them both as having had a one night stand in the most absolute sense - they didn't pine over each other growing up, they just took the attraction between them that night, let loose and let it be. That would have been completely fine, if they had actually displayed a stronger interest for each other in real-time.
I'd say this is a friends with benefits romance but it's really more of an awkward roomates, forced-proximity picture of convenience where the heroine tenaciously dodges the new live-in and the hero, while sexually frustrated, comes across as indifferent. The chemistry is plain but lust isn't an extraordinarily difficult thing to feel or manufacture, and with a quick case of transference I believe that had Carter not come home after a decade spent in LA and had Stella disputed his need to move in, they could lived reasonably fine lives without each other. I wanted to see a romance in the making but this felt more like what I’ll dub ‘proximity lust’.
Here's what I liked about Stella. Though still high-powered with attraction for Carter, she's stubborn and willful enough to avoid falling into a sexual relationship with him immediately. Something I'm happy to confess is she likes a man to grovel for his faults. I love the idea of a promiscuous woman. Partially because it's a trait fictional men almost ubiquitously get to personify and partially because I like to see fictional women unafraid to explore their sexuality without any shame, judgement or self-recrimination to accompany their choices. I don't wish to generalise at all but I would like to see more romance authors in this genre to supply their female protagonists' with more freedom and flexibility, less of a need to make them shrink with dimunition. Why is it typically the hero who can’t/won’t commit? Why can't the leading lady be that way too. Unfortunately, I don't feel that Monica Murphy pulls this off very well with Stella Ricci.
Here's what I didn't like. Despite being a non-relationship type of girl, Stella maintained a celibate lifestyle following the one night stand all because she believed Carter assumed the model paragon as far as bedmates go, matchless and faultless. While that night was clearly one to remember enough for her to veto any future sexual exploits, I'm certain Carter’s unchaste appetites carried on much the same. I’m also certain it was a night he rarely thought about. To put a sexual life on hold because one man gave you what you deemed an unmatched, ideal experience while you were just another passing fancy to him is not at all the romantic ideal authors might believe it is. I don't think this should ever be a reason for a heroine to stop searching for what she needs or wants with any man. If that’s a continued stream casual romps for Stella, then it’s a continued stream of casual romps for Stella.
The romance itself feels as if it exists to fill a static purpose. It’s idle, perhaps too casual but (and possibly most crucially) accessible now that our leads are in close quarters. Stella and Carter seem to exist to fill a role and play a part. They’re not the sort of characters to jump off the page and give you something to care about. They’re both depicted and portrayed for convenience. They’re also very plain, unexciting and tiring - I could also easily use this trio of adjectives to describe their relationship. They’re offhand and avoid each other for about half the book and what commences thereafter is fairly baseless and passes for casual, available friendship that leans into a roommates-with-benefits engagement, which then morphs into a casual relationship.
The author doesn’t do a particularly great job with a general sense of clarity or imbuing her characters with an average sense of interest. The story moves in the same circling narrative; meeting with friends, friends wanting the scoop, Carter and Stella evasion, sexual tension, awkwardness, bonding over their susceptibility for non-commitment, miscommunication and repeat. I promptly called many things into question just because it can be tricky to find consistency in the details given. The hero and heroine kept saying things that didn’t sit well and doing things I didn’t agree with. They had no standout qualities that would make a reader want to come back for more goodness. As well as the flair Carter and Stella both have with miscommunication, what I probably struggled most with were the recurring mixed messages they kept sending me.
As for redeeming qualities, I really liked Stella’s nonna. Stella’s Italian family are traditionally patriarchal and function under that morality. I actually really liked this representation because despite it clearly being a sheltered, unfeminist and male-dominated family, If you come from a traditional culture (specifically South Asian regions), you’ll find many of those values to be true. Yes, even in this modern world. That however old you are, parents can/will be and are the authoritarian figures and you’re knowingly expected to meet a standard, stay silent, in line and heed the will of the elders.
While I personally and strongly don’t share those bindings or beliefs, those cultural conventions are still very relatable because they're inherently rooted within Indian culture - my very heritage. I may be British and exist within the British realm of tradition, but my history, my mum’s upbringing, my grandmother’s upbringing and my great-grandmother’s upbringing - neither nor all are lost on me. Rebellion is a natural reaction to that, so I could understand Stella’s desire to dissent, to struggle with honesty and even be afraid of telling her parents that she’s living with a man.
All in all, my liaison with this book was a cat-and-mouse fail at intrigue while the relationship between the two MCs was a mouse-and-mouse sport that also fails at intrigue, and as I mentioned earlier I did really struggle through it. Hate to Date You was a reading miss for me, and while I was disappointed, that’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes in this reading fraternity of hits and misses. If you like the best friend’s brother paired with the forced proximity trope, feel free to give this one a try. Alas, it didn’t work for me and while I didn’t hate to date this one, I didn’t love to take it for a impassioned rendezvous either.
C O N T E N T_W A R N I N G: Profanity, alcohol consumption, mentions drugs and a few sex scenes.
E X T R A _T H O U G H T S:
1) This is another of of those books where the guy presumably has a great history of sex and the female love interest (despite being a participant of casual sex herself) has a history of either disappointing or average partners until ‘he’ comes along. Also, when Stella reveals her number (the how many sexual partners have you been with number), I sort of sat there thinking ‘is that it?’ After she’d made out how much of a wild child she’d been growing up, and the many references supporting that, I felt it was perhaps played up. Either go all in with something like that or all out I think. I found it very confusing.
2) Not everything is finalised either. Stella is a barista and works for one of her family’s businesses but I recall her wondering if all she’d ever be was a barista, thinking about her career prospects and such. That thread is sort of left as a loose end despite this being a standalone romance.
3) This is perhaps a minor thing but when Carter suggests they he and Stella have a no-strings relationships, he said that it would work for them because they’re like-minded but he also says that should she meet another guy, he’d have no problems letting her go. Well, my eyes sort of bugged out here because (whether they have feelings or not) I don’t really want to hear that from the main love interest. And while we’re in that lane, I found that it’s usually Stella that gets jealous here or there when Carter might mention exes in passing but when she might briefly mention hers, he seems indifferent. Probably really irrelevant but I pointed it out because everything feels sort of blase, ‘take it or leave it’ between them both.
----------------------------------------------------
Visit my blog for more reviews: V.L. Book Reviews
T W I T T E R: @VicariousHearts
I N S T A G R A M: @Vicarious.Hearts
----------------------------------------------------
March 12, 2021
I am not liking Hate to Date You. I was expecting much more from Miss Murphy. Sadly she disappointed me this time. I want to give 3 stars, but decided on 2 instead.
Hate to Date You lack so much. Chemistry, story line/ plot, lack of groveling. Mainly the lack of chemistry done it for me.
Sad....
2 stars
Hate to Date You lack so much. Chemistry, story line/ plot, lack of groveling. Mainly the lack of chemistry done it for me.
Sad....
2 stars
March 20, 2021
3.5 stars.
I really needed this book, such a light, funny rom-com. Let me tell you what I liked first.
The book started off funny as hell. Stella has a one-night stand with her best friend's brother, Carter. He takes off in the middle of the night without a word or any form of contact. Fast forward a year later, he is now back, and she is pissed. I can't blame her. Long story short, he is now her roommate. Stella comes from an upper-class old-school Italian family, and the girl is the complete opposite. The roommate and old school family are what drew me in. So I was ready for a ton of laughter.
Around 32%, it just wasn't as funny; I still enjoyed the book. It just wasn't as amusing, then the Sunday dinner at the Italian family house. Here is the deal, I come from an old school Italian family. I know all too well about Sunday's importance and the fight or flight response of male guests. It doesn't matter if they are platonic friends or not. Stella gave a warning to Carter in the book, and then it was anti-climatic. I was ready to tear up from laughing so hard. I was waiting for the loud, embarrassing questions, comments, etc. there was nothing.
There is sexual chemistry between the two, and I felt it; it just wasn’t off the charts, and that is okay. They are more alike than they think, which is a bonus to me. And true to an Italian family, Nonna always knows best and is feisty.
September 22, 2021
This was okay. It's a best friend's brother romance and they become temporary roommates. I didn't love the main characters as much as I wanted to but it was a fairly cute and enjoyable read.
December 6, 2020
2.5-.75 stars
I enjoyed the first book of the series. Unfortunately, these later installments have progressively gone downhill.
I don't feel like we got quite the same Stella as the heroine as when she was a supporting character. I thought she'd be stronger, feistier & more dynamic in her general personality.
Carter was...okay. That's very generic I know, but I don't feel like I knew him past that for over half of the book. Most of the book he just wasn't a very memorable hero.
The writing just hasn't been as sharp or engaging as the first book. A couple of little things I found sort of dated. I found myself wanting to tweak various things through about half of this book. Don't get me wrong. I was under no illusions expecting some heavy emotional book or anything like that. A funny page-turner with some charm is really all I wanted.
Honestly...maybe this series just isn't for me.
I enjoyed the first book of the series. Unfortunately, these later installments have progressively gone downhill.
I don't feel like we got quite the same Stella as the heroine as when she was a supporting character. I thought she'd be stronger, feistier & more dynamic in her general personality.
Carter was...okay. That's very generic I know, but I don't feel like I knew him past that for over half of the book. Most of the book he just wasn't a very memorable hero.
The writing just hasn't been as sharp or engaging as the first book. A couple of little things I found sort of dated. I found myself wanting to tweak various things through about half of this book. Don't get me wrong. I was under no illusions expecting some heavy emotional book or anything like that. A funny page-turner with some charm is really all I wanted.
Honestly...maybe this series just isn't for me.
April 10, 2020
There was so much to love about this book. The characters were wonderful and complete opposites in almost everything except the off the charts chemistry. Stella is a tough girl on the outside, but is really looking for someone to love. Carter plays at being cool and calm, but on the inside he is very insecure. Together they are explosive. I loved seeing where the other characters are in their relationships. Stella’s Nonna is absolutely hilarious. She adds a little bit of spice with her feistiness. This is a book that I would love to read again and again, and I’m not much of re-reader. It is sweet and funny and all around a great book.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
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April 9, 2020** IT'S LIVE!! **
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This contemporary romance with a hint of comedy is a complete standalone - every book in my Dating series can be read by itself! 💜 If you're looking for a fun, sexy romance to help you escape for a little bit, then this is the book for you...😘
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Kobo ---> https://geni.us/HTDYKobo
Google---> https://geni.us/HTDYGoogle
This contemporary romance with a hint of comedy is a complete standalone - every book in my Dating series can be read by itself! 💜 If you're looking for a fun, sexy romance to help you escape for a little bit, then this is the book for you...😘
upload image
Read the first two chapters EXCLUSIVELY on Apple Books! https://geni.us/ApplePreviewHTDY
June 22, 2021
summary:he's her best friend's brother, they had a one-night stand and he left before she woke up. now a year later they become roommates.
it was good, but nothing too special.
it was good, but nothing too special.
April 9, 2020
As soon as this book hit my kindle I stopped what I was doing and started it. I have been looking forward to it for a while. Monica turned the heat up with this series. Carter and Stella were electric. You could feel their connection early on. Stella is Caroline's best friend and Carter is Caroline's brother, so they knew if this didn't work out between them they would be in each other's lives forever and that is a lot of pressure.
Carter just returned home after a complete burnout in Los Angeles and has an inevitable run in with Stella, whom he had a one night stand with a year before. He panicked and left her in the middle of the night with not so much as a goodbye. No one knows about their tryst, hilarity ensues. Both Stella and Carter have relationship issues, they don't think they are cut out for them, they get bored. Once they are living together though, you can cut the tension with a knife.
I binge read this book, I didn't want to put it down. I love when a book gives me butterflies, and Carter and Stella gave me them in spades. I didn't feel the hate between the two as much as the simmering tension waiting to boil over.
Carter just returned home after a complete burnout in Los Angeles and has an inevitable run in with Stella, whom he had a one night stand with a year before. He panicked and left her in the middle of the night with not so much as a goodbye. No one knows about their tryst, hilarity ensues. Both Stella and Carter have relationship issues, they don't think they are cut out for them, they get bored. Once they are living together though, you can cut the tension with a knife.
I binge read this book, I didn't want to put it down. I love when a book gives me butterflies, and Carter and Stella gave me them in spades. I didn't feel the hate between the two as much as the simmering tension waiting to boil over.
April 8, 2020
Meh
This one is a miss for me. It’s just kind of boring? The characters are one dimensional and o couldn’t feel their chemistry at all, I didn’t find their connection believable. They first hook up and he bailed without a word. Not for any good reason, he’s just a sleaze and went back to his life. He gets into another relationship right away. I think she dates other people too, it was a little hazy as to the when, when she referred to her last experience. Both seem a little on the sexually active side. It just feels like they fell back into bed because it was convenient etc, not because of a spark. They’ve known each other forever, if they couldn’t tell by sleeping together that they could have something then it’s kind of a dead horse at that point. This book feels like kicking it. If I wanted to watch two random people fall into bed and a relationship because it’s there, with zero romance I could go to my local bar on the weekend. This book didn’t even have any angst to keep it interesting.
This one is a miss for me. It’s just kind of boring? The characters are one dimensional and o couldn’t feel their chemistry at all, I didn’t find their connection believable. They first hook up and he bailed without a word. Not for any good reason, he’s just a sleaze and went back to his life. He gets into another relationship right away. I think she dates other people too, it was a little hazy as to the when, when she referred to her last experience. Both seem a little on the sexually active side. It just feels like they fell back into bed because it was convenient etc, not because of a spark. They’ve known each other forever, if they couldn’t tell by sleeping together that they could have something then it’s kind of a dead horse at that point. This book feels like kicking it. If I wanted to watch two random people fall into bed and a relationship because it’s there, with zero romance I could go to my local bar on the weekend. This book didn’t even have any angst to keep it interesting.
December 3, 2022
So, I didn’t except to like Stella. I have a problem with the super strong, outspoken, takes zero bullshit FMCs sometimes because they can come across as non-realistic to me. Too one dimensional, or too over compensating. I need a balance! So color me pleasantly surprised that Stella is feisty but also very down to earth and easy to like. Carter came across as a jerk until we truly meet him, and after that I was gone for him.
Stella is best friends with Carter’s sister Caroline. A year ago, after a booze filled dinner, Stella and Carter had a one night stand that ended with him sneaking off into the night with no note, no goodbye, and no contact for a year. Ugh, asshole, am I right?!
Now, surprise(!) he’s back…and Caroline thinks it’s a great idea for Stella and Carter to be roomies since Caroline is moving in with her fiancé. Stella…not so much. But things ensue, they become roomies, and eventually become more. Because of course they do, this is a romance, people! Unfortunately, it’s the stereotypical romance because Carter catches feelings, Stella panics and puts her foot in her mouth, and your typical third act breakup occurs. I’m shocked, SHOCKED I tell you!!! *shakes fist in the air*
Sigh. I enjoyed this one, just not the standard romance template. It’s not me, it’s you. But anywho, this was a nice story, and their epilogue was delightfully sweet. Shout out to Nonna, who I adored, and a boot to the back of all the misogynistic Rossi men, because ewww. I would have loved to see them humbled and called out on that nonsense!
Stella is best friends with Carter’s sister Caroline. A year ago, after a booze filled dinner, Stella and Carter had a one night stand that ended with him sneaking off into the night with no note, no goodbye, and no contact for a year. Ugh, asshole, am I right?!
Now, surprise(!) he’s back…and Caroline thinks it’s a great idea for Stella and Carter to be roomies since Caroline is moving in with her fiancé. Stella…not so much. But things ensue, they become roomies, and eventually become more. Because of course they do, this is a romance, people! Unfortunately, it’s the stereotypical romance because Carter catches feelings, Stella panics and puts her foot in her mouth, and your typical third act breakup occurs. I’m shocked, SHOCKED I tell you!!! *shakes fist in the air*
Sigh. I enjoyed this one, just not the standard romance template. It’s not me, it’s you. But anywho, this was a nice story, and their epilogue was delightfully sweet. Shout out to Nonna, who I adored, and a boot to the back of all the misogynistic Rossi men, because ewww. I would have loved to see them humbled and called out on that nonsense!
March 6, 2022
I listened to this book on Audible and I loved it of course! The main characters Stella and Carter have a past . A one night stand a year ago. She gets mad at him because he left without a word.
They meet again and since she has a large overprotective family and she is an adult. Carter is her best friends brother and then he shows up in her hometown. She is still angry and also doesn’t do relationships. But for Stella he does, but Stella is afraid of relationships. Carter and Stella have great chemistry. They were made for each other but once again Stella!
I really enjoyed this book so much and the narrators performance was just perfect, I love John Lane and Avery is amazing as Stella. The sex is hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥four levels out of five hot.
They meet again and since she has a large overprotective family and she is an adult. Carter is her best friends brother and then he shows up in her hometown. She is still angry and also doesn’t do relationships. But for Stella he does, but Stella is afraid of relationships. Carter and Stella have great chemistry. They were made for each other but once again Stella!
I really enjoyed this book so much and the narrators performance was just perfect, I love John Lane and Avery is amazing as Stella. The sex is hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥four levels out of five hot.
October 20, 2022
Carter sounded like a completely loser 🙄 DNF!
April 9, 2020
Stella Ricci is a female player and has only really had a connection with one guy - Carter Abbott. The thing though is he's the one guy she can't have as he is her best friend Caroline's older brother. The pair hooked up and slept together a year ago when the group was in Tuscany. Then he slipped out in the morning without a goodbye of any sort. Now Stella hates Carter with a passion as who doesn't say goodbye after an amazing night of sex. Carter is back as he has finally decided he needed a change from his workaholic life as well as the fact that he got into a major fight with his boss who also happened to be his now ex-girlfriend. Now back, Stella gives Carter the evil-eyes. The book then moves to Caroline who is moving in with Alex which leaves her room open - she offers it to Carter. Now Carter and Stella are roomies who hate each other but of course, deep down they both love each other. The book continues where we read as Stella and Carter try to get through their life as roomies, as well as trying to keep their living situation and the fact that they slept together - a secret from Caroline as well as Stella's family as they are strict Italians. I loved Stella's grandmother in this book who features a lot in the latter part of the book as she is hilarious. Will Carter and Stella be able to finally admit their feelings to one another and then to others around them? Find out in this fun angsty Love/Hate relationship "Hate to Date You" by Monica Murphy.
April 7, 2020
Hate to date you is book 4 in the series «Dating» but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the other books yet and i didn't feel like i miss something, i had no problem of comprehension.
This romcom is light, funny and sexy. If you're looking for an easy read without too much drama this novel is for you.
Carter and Stella had a one night stand one year prior, he left without a word before she woke up.
Now they have to live under the same roof.
There's a bit of angst, of funny banter, of steam...
But even if i didn't hate this novel i didn't loooove it.
Carter and Stella are sometimes too childish and create stupid situation (at the restaurant for example).
Stella never forgot her perfect night of orgasmfest with Carter so for one year she didn't have someone in her life. But Carter, as a real womaniser, didn't live like a monk...
Why women have to remain chaste while men can have sex as many times as they want and with a lot of women?!
And of course Carter suggests Stella to be sexfriends...
So... a light read as we need sometimes but not unforgettable.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
This romcom is light, funny and sexy. If you're looking for an easy read without too much drama this novel is for you.
Carter and Stella had a one night stand one year prior, he left without a word before she woke up.
Now they have to live under the same roof.
There's a bit of angst, of funny banter, of steam...
But even if i didn't hate this novel i didn't loooove it.
Carter and Stella are sometimes too childish and create stupid situation (at the restaurant for example).
Stella never forgot her perfect night of orgasmfest with Carter so for one year she didn't have someone in her life. But Carter, as a real womaniser, didn't live like a monk...
Why women have to remain chaste while men can have sex as many times as they want and with a lot of women?!
And of course Carter suggests Stella to be sexfriends...
So... a light read as we need sometimes but not unforgettable.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
April 13, 2020
3.5
"It's dangerous, how much I like this woman. She makes me forget. She makes me want more."
I was so charmed by these characters! And the heroine is talking directly to you in the beginning - I though that was so amazing, refreshing and cute.
Roommate stories are my gem. And Monica did not disapoint with Hate to Date You. I love her writing, her books are one of my favourites and this one gets easily stored in a 'good' pocket of mine.
Loved it!
"It's dangerous, how much I like this woman. She makes me forget. She makes me want more."
I was so charmed by these characters! And the heroine is talking directly to you in the beginning - I though that was so amazing, refreshing and cute.
Roommate stories are my gem. And Monica did not disapoint with Hate to Date You. I love her writing, her books are one of my favourites and this one gets easily stored in a 'good' pocket of mine.
Loved it!
March 31, 2020
Hate to Date You is an amazing best friends brother romance. I just love Stella and her stubbornness. She is head strong and isn't going to let Carter get away with what happened between them. Carter is back in his home town and is searching for what he wants. I love how Stella and Carter slowly build this friendship between them. They have this amazing chemistry. There is plenty of heat and some laugh out loud moments when it comes to Stella and Carter. You will just love this one. I couldn't put this one down. You will just fall in love with Stella and Carter.
January 27, 2023
Hate to Date You by Monica Murphy is the fourth standalone novel in the Dating Series.
Stella and Carter’s story is a roommates, best friends brother romance.
After Caroline moves out of her apartment with Stella, her brother Carter moves in. But these two have history - specifically a one night stand and chemistry that lingers.
But their relationship is full of ups and downs, until they reach their HFN.
Stella and Carter’s story is a roommates, best friends brother romance.
After Caroline moves out of her apartment with Stella, her brother Carter moves in. But these two have history - specifically a one night stand and chemistry that lingers.
But their relationship is full of ups and downs, until they reach their HFN.
January 25, 2023
3.25. i wasn’t super invested in this one or the characters. i feel like there was a lot going on for the length of the novel and wanted more from both characters. there just wasn’t enough development there to make it satisfying in the end.
i was hopeful for the synopsis but it just didn’t keep up with the expectations for me.
i was hopeful for the synopsis but it just didn’t keep up with the expectations for me.
Want to read
March 14, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBook today (3/14/2021)!🎁
September 14, 2021
Quick and cute read! Here’s what you get:
* Second chance
*Roommates w/ benefits
*Great friend group
* a speedy read
* Second chance
*Roommates w/ benefits
*Great friend group
* a speedy read
dnf
October 19, 2021Read to about 16% and honestly the story was boring. There is nothing to carry Carter and Stella and nothing to intrigue me enough to continue reading. From the sounds of it, the synopsis gives away the entire plot line anyways.
March 6, 2022
3 to 3.25 Stars
Audible book
Audible book
February 19, 2021
I think out of this whole series so far Hate to date you is my favorite. I loved Carter and Stella. You could feel the sexual connection when they were both in tge same room. It's very combustible. Plus they are both attractive and have great personalities. Alex and Carter are my favourites. Stella and Candice are my favorite girl's . It's Eleanor next for me.
December 27, 2021
2 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
I remember why I stopped reading this series! Can I say uber-white, privileged, and annoyingly repetitive with the storyline! I get it they hooked up in the restaurant bathroom, and he is my best friend's brother; I did not need to be reminded of this every other chapter or page.
Video review available in Week 50: Dec 12 – Dec 18, 2021, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
I remember why I stopped reading this series! Can I say uber-white, privileged, and annoyingly repetitive with the storyline! I get it they hooked up in the restaurant bathroom, and he is my best friend's brother; I did not need to be reminded of this every other chapter or page.
Video review available in Week 50: Dec 12 – Dec 18, 2021, total weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
March 29, 2020
Let’s be clear...Carter starts out as an idiot. But, he totally redeems himself throughout the book. Stella is one tough woman, and she makes him work for it. Their story is romantic, sexy, and a whole lot of fun! Another great book in this awesome series!
May 29, 2022
2.5 Stars!
I really wanted to like this book. I wish I could rate it higher, however, there was just a lot that bugged me about this book… sigh 😔
So basically, the book is about our MCs Stella and her best friend’s brother Carter. Stella has a one-night stand with Carter. He leaves her in the middle of the night without a word or any form of contact. A year later, Carter is back, and she is still angry about the situation. She needs a new roommate, and he needs a place to stay. So, her bestie suggests they live together (what could possibly go wrong lol) and he becomes her new roommate.
Overall, it was an okay read. Definitely not the worst I have ever read. Firstly, lets start with some pros. I did enjoy the writing style and relaxed way in with the characters spoke to each other. It reminds me of how I speak IRL, so I didn’t mind this. The book was mostly enjoyable and had the issues I will go onto mention not been there, I could see myself having given this at least 4 stars instead. Unfortunately, this did not happen.
Now onto the problems I had with this book. SPOILERS AHEAD!
First, what happened to Stella’s dreams of being more than a barista? Somewhere around the beginning/middle of the book it is mentioned that Stella dreams of doing more in terms of her career. But because of her family’s habit of not taking her serious/listening to her, she has been stuck being just a barista at the family-owned coffee shop. I was expecting this to be resolved, but by the end I was left confused because this plotline never gets resolved! That annoyed me soo much; It read as the cliché of all women should aim for is romance. Like can we get more info on Stella’s other motivations (aside from her romance) and get them resolved?
Next, whilst some might find Stella family charming (🤮), I despised them. Now don’t get me wrong, the way they are portrayed as archaic and misogynistic is very realistic for many families (unfortunately). However, I hated how this also wasn’t really resolved by the end of the book; nowhere at the end did Stella call out this behaviour directly, nor did her family see the error of their ways! Stella just deals with this sexist, behaviour?!?! I HATED THIS!
Also, Stella was on some not like other girls type bs throughout. Sorry to break the news to you Stella but you’re not the only woman in the world who enjoys causal hook-ups.
Which leads to my next point. Stella is characterised as supposedly this rebellious, I enjoy casual sex (more than other women 🙄) archetype. Yet when she says her number, it’s only 12, and I was honestly left confused. Now the whole what’s considered a high number is completely down to personal opinion (and doesn’t matter IRL). But why make such a big deal out of her being soo forward thinking and being such a causal hook-ups queen when you’re just going put 12 as the number? Furthermore, she’s supposedly such a badass (don’t give a f***) type woman and isn’t into a deeper connection with just one guy, yet she stops her life of causal dating and stuff all based on this one rando she had just one night with. 🤦♀️
What makes it worse is Cater didn’t stop hooking up with women. Why do authors do this? Why must the women in romance books stop enjoying their lives (yes, it’s okay for women to have and enjoy healthy sex lives if that’s what they want) but the men get to carry on with their promiscuous ways?!?
At this point, I’m getting a little too heated talking about this book. So, I’m just going to end the review here. As previously mentioned, this wasn’t a super horrible book, I’m sure some would enjoy it (as seen by other more positive reviews). So, don’t let me put you off reading it if you’re interested. I just couldn’t get past the things I perceived as issues.
I really wanted to like this book. I wish I could rate it higher, however, there was just a lot that bugged me about this book… sigh 😔
So basically, the book is about our MCs Stella and her best friend’s brother Carter. Stella has a one-night stand with Carter. He leaves her in the middle of the night without a word or any form of contact. A year later, Carter is back, and she is still angry about the situation. She needs a new roommate, and he needs a place to stay. So, her bestie suggests they live together (what could possibly go wrong lol) and he becomes her new roommate.
Overall, it was an okay read. Definitely not the worst I have ever read. Firstly, lets start with some pros. I did enjoy the writing style and relaxed way in with the characters spoke to each other. It reminds me of how I speak IRL, so I didn’t mind this. The book was mostly enjoyable and had the issues I will go onto mention not been there, I could see myself having given this at least 4 stars instead. Unfortunately, this did not happen.
Now onto the problems I had with this book. SPOILERS AHEAD!
First, what happened to Stella’s dreams of being more than a barista? Somewhere around the beginning/middle of the book it is mentioned that Stella dreams of doing more in terms of her career. But because of her family’s habit of not taking her serious/listening to her, she has been stuck being just a barista at the family-owned coffee shop. I was expecting this to be resolved, but by the end I was left confused because this plotline never gets resolved! That annoyed me soo much; It read as the cliché of all women should aim for is romance. Like can we get more info on Stella’s other motivations (aside from her romance) and get them resolved?
Next, whilst some might find Stella family charming (🤮), I despised them. Now don’t get me wrong, the way they are portrayed as archaic and misogynistic is very realistic for many families (unfortunately). However, I hated how this also wasn’t really resolved by the end of the book; nowhere at the end did Stella call out this behaviour directly, nor did her family see the error of their ways! Stella just deals with this sexist, behaviour?!?! I HATED THIS!
Also, Stella was on some not like other girls type bs throughout. Sorry to break the news to you Stella but you’re not the only woman in the world who enjoys causal hook-ups.
Which leads to my next point. Stella is characterised as supposedly this rebellious, I enjoy casual sex (more than other women 🙄) archetype. Yet when she says her number, it’s only 12, and I was honestly left confused. Now the whole what’s considered a high number is completely down to personal opinion (and doesn’t matter IRL). But why make such a big deal out of her being soo forward thinking and being such a causal hook-ups queen when you’re just going put 12 as the number? Furthermore, she’s supposedly such a badass (don’t give a f***) type woman and isn’t into a deeper connection with just one guy, yet she stops her life of causal dating and stuff all based on this one rando she had just one night with. 🤦♀️
What makes it worse is Cater didn’t stop hooking up with women. Why do authors do this? Why must the women in romance books stop enjoying their lives (yes, it’s okay for women to have and enjoy healthy sex lives if that’s what they want) but the men get to carry on with their promiscuous ways?!?
At this point, I’m getting a little too heated talking about this book. So, I’m just going to end the review here. As previously mentioned, this wasn’t a super horrible book, I’m sure some would enjoy it (as seen by other more positive reviews). So, don’t let me put you off reading it if you’re interested. I just couldn’t get past the things I perceived as issues.
May 8, 2020
“I like you, Stel. I like you a lot.”
Stella can consider herself a woman ahead of her time. With a blasé attitude when it comes to relationships, this barista with an overprotective family prefers casual dates to the search for the prince charming. But perhaps, the right person has already crossed her path, however much she tries to deny and forget.
Carter is back in his hometown after a long time. With no job, this ambitious workaholic needs to slow down and figure out what direction to take in life. With so many events, facing Stella's wrath can be distracting. Or a nightmare.
When Caroline, Carter's sister and Stella's best friend decides to move in with her fiance, she innocently suggests that Carter move into her old apartment and become Stella's roommate. The only problem: the night they spent together a year ago and Carter's escape in the morning without saying goodbye.
And so, war is declared. The last one to go crazy is the winner. But you didn't expect it to be a fair battle, did you? And between sharp words, animosity and a lot of confusion, maybe they will find that spending time together is not so bad. And that maybe the chemistry still exists and can turn into something more, if they admit what they feel. When a nosey and hilarious grandmother decides to play Cupid, the confusion only increases. And the decision to be “sex buddies” just puts more fire into that equation.
The book is funny, light and well written. Stella is a strong woman, determined and comfortable in her role. But even so, she shows vulnerability, fear and uncertainty. Carter is funny, focused and determined. I just thought he could be further explored. The question of his indecision as to the professional future, as to the direction of his life ended up being forgotten throughout the plot.
Fourth book in the series, the next one will be about Eleanor.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
Stella can consider herself a woman ahead of her time. With a blasé attitude when it comes to relationships, this barista with an overprotective family prefers casual dates to the search for the prince charming. But perhaps, the right person has already crossed her path, however much she tries to deny and forget.
Carter is back in his hometown after a long time. With no job, this ambitious workaholic needs to slow down and figure out what direction to take in life. With so many events, facing Stella's wrath can be distracting. Or a nightmare.
When Caroline, Carter's sister and Stella's best friend decides to move in with her fiance, she innocently suggests that Carter move into her old apartment and become Stella's roommate. The only problem: the night they spent together a year ago and Carter's escape in the morning without saying goodbye.
And so, war is declared. The last one to go crazy is the winner. But you didn't expect it to be a fair battle, did you? And between sharp words, animosity and a lot of confusion, maybe they will find that spending time together is not so bad. And that maybe the chemistry still exists and can turn into something more, if they admit what they feel. When a nosey and hilarious grandmother decides to play Cupid, the confusion only increases. And the decision to be “sex buddies” just puts more fire into that equation.
The book is funny, light and well written. Stella is a strong woman, determined and comfortable in her role. But even so, she shows vulnerability, fear and uncertainty. Carter is funny, focused and determined. I just thought he could be further explored. The question of his indecision as to the professional future, as to the direction of his life ended up being forgotten throughout the plot.
Fourth book in the series, the next one will be about Eleanor.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest Review *
https://avidezliteraria.wordpress.com/
April 9, 2020
Stella was raised in a boisterous and loving family and still works at the family business while she tries to find her place both in life and in love. When Caroline, her recently engaged best friend and roommate, wants to move in with her fiancé she suggests that her brother move in. That would have been a great idea if they hadn’t spent one steamy night together and not talked to each other since.
Carter is at a crossroads in his life as he has forged a successful career in real estate but hasn’t been lucky in love. He has moved back to his hometown to be close to his sister but moving in with the woman who inspired feelings he wasn’t comfortable with sounds like a disaster in the making.
Stella and Carter both believe that they aren’t destined for relationships and both are trying to pretend the night they spent together meant nothing when the opposite is true. This is a sweet and sexy story about love and family which includes a great cast of secondary characters.
Carter is at a crossroads in his life as he has forged a successful career in real estate but hasn’t been lucky in love. He has moved back to his hometown to be close to his sister but moving in with the woman who inspired feelings he wasn’t comfortable with sounds like a disaster in the making.
Stella and Carter both believe that they aren’t destined for relationships and both are trying to pretend the night they spent together meant nothing when the opposite is true. This is a sweet and sexy story about love and family which includes a great cast of secondary characters.
April 7, 2020
Nous voici dans le 4ème tome de la saga Dating de Monica Murphy et ce roman peut bien évidemment être lu de manière indépendante. Nous retrouvons les anciens personnages des précédents tomes étant donné que tout le monde se connaît à Monterey et cette fois ci nous allons en apprendre plus sur Stella , la barista du café et nous allons en apprendre plus sur sa famille.
un nouveau tome toujours aussi sympathique. C'est toujours agréable de revoir les anciens personnages de cette saga et Monica Murphy sait parfaitement nous donner des nouvelles tout en préparant le terrain pour le prochain tome qui sera sur un personnage qu'on verra assez bien dans ce roman. Une comédie romantique mignonne qui se lit avec plaisir.
Chronique complète à lire sur : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
un nouveau tome toujours aussi sympathique. C'est toujours agréable de revoir les anciens personnages de cette saga et Monica Murphy sait parfaitement nous donner des nouvelles tout en préparant le terrain pour le prochain tome qui sera sur un personnage qu'on verra assez bien dans ce roman. Une comédie romantique mignonne qui se lit avec plaisir.
Chronique complète à lire sur : https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
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