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Russian Book. Izdatel'stvo Eksmo OOO. 320. 2019. Hardcover.

347 pages, Hardcover

First published February 6, 2018

711 people are currently reading
3402 people want to read

About the author

Jo Watson

33 books1,100 followers
Best selling author of romantic comedies and young adult fiction

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews728 followers
March 6, 2018
LOVED it.

even though, this story has the same pattern of a "forbidden romance" as these types of stories tend to have, BUT here the "seriousness" of the starter trope is vowen with such a liberating humor and comedy of situation - where a heroine aka Sera De La Haye has a mind-blowing hawt carnal sex, in a back seat of a car, a one-night stand to remember, a one-night stand she can afford cause her life is a mess and she's dealing with the aftermaths of an abusive family member, while she's working her ass off at two jobs to pay off her little sisters education, and at the same time, she's sharing a condo with two drag queens, who are also a gay couple JJ & Bruce BUT then, she comes to work and voila, her new boss is nontheless, her hawt carnal sexcapade in flesh - Ben White and if the things couldn't get worse, she soon finds out that he also lives next-door to her...

and you'd think things are awkward enough, but no, not the least.

You see, this hawt dude with tattooed carved body is actually persistant in the most "melting" way, he's determined and a bit pushy, yes, but he's also gentle, considerate, tender and protective and he keeps saying Sera that he's in love LOL and asking her out, over and over and over...again

And she keeps telling him NO, over and over and over...again

And you'd think this is some ludacris freak-ish sitiaiton, but no, this guy - he's so charming, almost sweet while being incredibly sexy, and I can't believe I'm sayin this BUT I liked this guy approach, even though I thought he'd give me the creeps after the first time he expressed his "love" affection, after this fabulous one-night of sex...

BUT then I realized it's a part of his charm and tactic of wooing and he kinda grew on me *wink*
"Why me?"
"Why you? Are you being serious? It may have something to do with the fact that I met the funniest, craziest, sexiest, most beautiful girl at a club the other night. We had such fun dancing together and then we had the best, the best, sex of my life and something about it just felt so different. And then, when I was about to go looking for her, she landed up right in front of me, at work and then next door. And now I can't help wondering if it's fate.

I know what it feels like to be inside you. I know what it feels like to hold you. I know what it feels like to eat breakfast with you. What it feels like to stare at you from my desk. I know what it feels like knowing that you're sleeping so close to me."

*swoon* Right?!

BUT of course, just about the moment Sera caves in, against her better judgement, and gives herself again to him, all things just roll down hill, the "affair" taints her reputation at work, and then Ben's "secret" comes to surfice and Sera's past comes barging in once more...and all things considering, at that very instant, nothing looks RIGHT for them...
You and I together is a disaster. Since we met, since that night, nothing good has come of us. We are so destructive and wrong for each other and all this is the universe telling me loudly and clearly that you aer the last man on earth I should ever date, or even be near, for that matter...

right in that moment, even I thought WTF? where is this story leading to?

BUT then once again, Ben comes through, groveling and really explaining his really delicate life situation and why he had to keep his secret, and the fact that he wouldn't give up on Sera, again, just melted my cold, cold heart LOL and yeah...Ben White is a dream man, imperfectly perfect, who's aware of his mistakes and who works on himself to be the best possible , and for Sera, he will go the distance, no matter how far, no matter how long...
There's something between us. It was there from the first moment I saw you and it's pulling us together.




I obviously liked the story, no matter the shabby pattern LOL, but most of all I loved the "Sera-Ben" banter, the hilarious situations that made them look awkward and clumsy, when they are not, it's kinda like in real life, when you wanna turn out looking fantastic and then you step into a dog's shit or a bird shits on you kinda thing LOL and you can't help it, it is what it is...and you just roll with it...

then I absolutely loved the secondary characters, JJ & Bruce, they were original and funny and goofy and genuine, even though they are in their 50s *wink*

and don't be fooled with the "funny & light", there's angst too, and it's a bloody long ass book as well, so be prepared! ;)

*Snow out*

Profile Image for preoccupiedbybooks.
507 reviews1,678 followers
April 15, 2018
Actual rating: 1.5*

Me reading this book:
description

Arghhh I really thought that I would love this book, the synopsis sounded great! I so wanted to love it, as have read some real duds recently. Let me start this rant by saying that 'The hating game' and 'Anything you can do' were so much better than this! Also that I was so cross right at the start of this when the MC drove home drunk! I hate drunk driving and there was no need for it.

Things that I liked:

1) This book talked about alcohol and gambling addiction, codependency and anxiety, and the effect of these on famiy.
2) The MC's support of her sister.
3)Honest talk about marrying too young and for the wrong reasons.

Things that I did not like:

1) This was written in first person pov and the main character came across as childish and immature (she sounded about 12!). She was also quite annoying. I mean she had this great sex with this stranger in his car but then got out and ran away, then drunk drove home! She was supposed to be this strong independent woman, but was she really? She was saved by two gay men and then by this guy.

2) The love interest....he sounded so sexy in the synopsis and at the start of the book he was, with a muscly tattooed body, and having all the hot car sex with the MC. BUT then for the rest of the book he came across as creepy and pretty much stalked the MC! Wherever she went he was, and dont get me started on all the stupid coincidences!! He wouldnt take no for an answer, was pushy and arrogant, he gave her no space or time to decide if she wanted to go out with him, he just kept asking her out all the time! That is not sexy or respectful for me. He was also really posessive on the photo shoot and after that in the office. Yeah he had a back story, but it was too little, too late for me really. Also he was supposed to have been in his early 20s, but was then really successful and rich, and seemed to have loads of experiece, which was a conflict for me. I think maybe this book would have benifitted from having a dual Pov where we could have seen his motivatons and back story earlier? I dunno....

3) The setting! So this story was meant to be set in South Africa but it felt like it could have been set anywhere! It was like the story had been written , but then the author decided to last minute change the setting to SA? The MC's name was SA sounding, they said ya a couple of times instead of yeah, and went on location to the desert... Apart from that there was no world building, if I can put it like that?

4) Plot-it was predictable as hell, as soon as we met Li I knew she was Ben's daughter!

5) Friends-she had none! I know that was related to her family and trust issues, but I felt that the potential was there for her and Becks to have a friendship, but instead they were pitted against each other. When Becks tried to engage the MC in conversation, Sera was uninterested. They did eventually make friends in the Epilogue, but that was after that nasty bathroom scene, and just felt tagged on again. She had her 'gay dads' which was sweet, but even they felt a bit stereotypical.

The characters felt flat, the setting undeveloped, the story cliche and slow-the first half dragged so much that i almost DNF it. I mean they didnt even hate each other...at all?! This wasnt funny as I was led to believe, in fact it was really cringey. There was no spark or good banter between the main characters, some of the so called flirting was just eye rollingly bad!
Anyway...I probably wouldnt read anything by this author again, and am just glad i got this for 99p on Kindle. I feel kind of harsh writing this, but i just did not enjoy this at all, sorry :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Belle.
607 reviews564 followers
September 28, 2018
2 / 5 stars

I did not get the appeal of this book, there was nothing original about it, the main characters were rather annoying and the plot completely predictable. What truly ruined the book for me was the epilogue—it didn't have any flow with the book and was uncomfortable. Nothing was explained or expanded on, and there were weird things that didn't match up like the main character talking about her "new best friend", who also happened to be the old co-workers who cornered her in the bathroom and attacked her for being the 'office slut'.

"Becks got the job at the agency and one day appeared at the coffee shop and from that day forward, we've been inseparable."


But a few chapters before, Becks and Angie (jealous b*itch 1 & 2) basically ran her out of her place of work, humiliating and degrading her to the point she resigned and never went back?

"Because I'm working myself to the bone here and you're just boning our boss, no wonder he asked you to come on the shoot when you aren't even on the account."


And I could go on, there were pages of the confrontation between these girls (and by confrontation I mean them bullying her in the office bathrooms while she stuttered and cried). It's unfathomable that these characters then become BFF's without the author even explaining—no, Becks just turns up to Sera's new job, boasting about getting the job that was rightfully Sera's, and then they're best friends for life?



The relationship between Ben and Sera was just weird, Ben's insta-love, borderline sexual harassment and stalking made me so uncomfortable and Sera was just painful. That typically 'strong stubborn female'; doesn't realise how beautiful she is, shoulders her family's burdens and won't accept any help, instead works herself to the bone.



Add in the stereotypical characters that were literally falling out of this book and you have this unoriginal "love story". A far cry from how Amazon advertises it, "The hit romantic comedy of 2018", lol okay hunni.

Profile Image for Becky.
406 reviews175 followers
April 7, 2018
This book is exactly what I have always wanted! It’s my favourite kind of book with every single element I adore and thoroughly enjoy. This is my go-to genre, and typically the genre I can always rely on. I was a little, tiny bit worried when I started reading this one because I adored the synopsis and I didn’t want to be disappointed (which is a common feeling when we read new books, right?) but I absolutely fell in love with it. The characters, the plot, everything. It was a brilliant read with a lot of heartfelt moments, a dose of heartbreak, steam, and adorable hilarity.

This book is the perfect mix of light and fluffy with dramatic and heart wrenching in just the right doses. It does deal with some serious issues (gambling addiction, mental illnesses, alcoholism) but they’re done so delicately and with thought - they don’t feel like they’ve been added for no reason or to make the plot seem dramatic. They were well entwined with the plot and the characters stories, and they really made me fall in love with the characters and the story even more. I nearly cried at a couple of points, and I definitely had tears welling up!

I also absolutely ADORED JJ and Bruce! Who doesn’t need gay dads in a story?!?!?! They were a fantastically fun addition to the story and showed the true power of love, acceptance, trust and honesty. They made the story feel utterly real, powerful, gorgeous and a lot of fun. Sassy characters are a must in stories like these. I loved the family theme throughout and felt it massively important to the story.

Here are some more small pointers of what I love:
- the romance. Slow burning, passionate, real, trusting, honest and so utterly sweet!
- the writing. The writing was brilliant. Straight to the point, fast paced, interesting, inspiring, funny, moving... I loved the way the author crafted this novel; it didn’t once feel heavy on filler content and the story kept itself moving at a really fantastic pace which I thoroughly loved.
- plot. Definitely, definitely a fantastic plot!

I just absolutely adored this. Definitely one of my favourites of 2018 without a doubt. It’s such a fantastic rom-com with characters that are brilliantly developed, excellently crafted, a romance that is out of this world, and a plot which keeps the reader on their toes. Ahhhh! It was wonderful.

Though the premise can seem like something you’ve read, I definitely found it unique, different and an endless bundle of fun! I enjoyed every moment and every page, and I really want a physical copy of it.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Jess☺️.
582 reviews94 followers
April 17, 2021
Love To Hate You by Jo Watson is not my normal read but this is an absolutely fantastic and hilarious romantic comedy.
It's full of giggles from the beginning, with plenty of cringing moments also those sad ones too.
Just imagine sleeping with a stranger you just meet to find out the next day he's your new boss and neighbor 😳
I definitely recommend this 📖
Profile Image for One chapter more.
788 reviews152 followers
January 11, 2021
Que Sera, Sera;
whatever will be will be...

I was singing that song every time the name of the heroine was mentioned... :)

Well... This book. Book of cliches. One after another. One nightstand? Boom. Finding out he's your new boss? Boom. Finding out he's also your new neighbour? Boom. Secret baby? Boom - but different baby that you might think of. oh, so much drama??? You guessed right - BOOOOOM.

It would be great if... If the heroine wasn't so annoying. If both of them were not so stubborn. If the drama was a little bit more original. If the book was not full of misspellings (please find a new editor). If the sexy scenes were sexier. Yup.

But... Huge bravo for our JJ. He absolutely made this book readable and delicious. He's a controlled drama and full of colours and you can't help but fall in love with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Beth.
925 reviews629 followers
June 13, 2018
Thank you NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars!

You know when you go into something not really knowing too much about it, and it completely blows you away by how much you enjoy it? This is the book that did this for me, it has so much going on some parts were hilarious where I was laughing out loud and other moments were so touching it couldn’t not break my heart. I’m a sucker for this kind of book, I couldn’t tell you why… but I just enjoy it so much!

We start of seeing Sera having a one night stand in the back of a car where it’s all very hot and steamy and they are rudely interrupted by Drag Queens banging on the window. She’s mortified and runs off, the next day she’s still not sure of her actions but goes into work thinking it will all be in the past. Hold on a moment! What’s that? Oh yes… her new boss is the guy she hooked up with the night before! And from there we get the story!

I adored the dynamics in the book, Sera has two “adoptive” gay dads who are incredible and so understanding and supported her through thick and thin. I loved the back story on how the two met and I mean one of them is a Drag Queen, I couldn’t be any happier! Sera’s family life is not the easiest ride, and how she is reflects on how she was brought up. Then we have Ben who also has other things happening in his life, which I can’t really explain (but I guessed the moment something happened) and that was so interesting to see. I loved seeing him in other roles and not just cocky and arrogant. And the whole double package statement. My god. My heart! Then we have Sera who works SO hard to help provide for her sister. It was just SO much!

What did I like?
- All of Ben’s innuendos when he first joined the team, I was HOWLING with laughter.
- Choking on a blue M&M and how he always bought them for her after but took out the blue ones, I’m a sucker I know.
- Bruce and JJ, plus the Rocky Horror incident. I love them.
- The whole jogging fiasco, I was CRYING with laughter, it was just so funny and his outfit!
- When the apartments had a meeting and they wanted drama, so he spilled the tea on the laundry incident and vice versa with the decorating at early hours
- THE VIDEO… OVULATING! Ahahahahahaha!
- Package Deal. Sign me up for my own Ben. I just loved how he handled things, from then on I was so sold.
- “Be the stick"

What I didn’t like?
- I found it off putting how Sera treated Cindy, and would make comments about her eating habits when she knew nothing about her.
- At times Ben was a bit creepy and at times it did put me off

Overall I really did enjoy this, I’d honestly recommend it to my friends who enjoy a good Chick Lit! However I need more. I NEED to know what happens, the epilogue has me needing more!
Profile Image for Emilie.
10 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2018
I had a lot of problems with this book but my main concern was the male lead; Ben White is a creepy af stalker, who's manipulative, possessive and doesn't take no for an answer. I can't stress enough how messed up this character is and it honestly scared me.

The plot was filled with unnecessary drama which didn't really get resolved properly except for a very quick, unrealistic fix at the end/the epilogue. The book wasn't badly written but the language seemed very juvenile.

I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unfortunately. The idea was good but the execution bad.
Profile Image for Jooke.
1,321 reviews13 followers
August 28, 2019
In the beginning of the book Sera's rambling was a bit over the top, causing me to roll my eyes multiple times. Luckily Ben's personality made it worth continuing.
This was an easy, amusing and quick read, but nothing special. I probably won't remember what's it about in less than a week.
Profile Image for Ali.
566 reviews
November 23, 2019
Meh... Not as expected. Unexpectedly lame.
Nothing original, Sera is just irritating, jokes are lame, storyline is too predictable.
Have to confess, I rather flicked through the second half, rather than actually "read"it.
I just couldn't put up with anymore of it.
2 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2018
So badly and childishly written. Ew, just read The Hating Game instead.
Profile Image for F.
Author 1 book6 followers
January 21, 2018
This was such a quick and adorable read! Even the second time around- mind you it was even better! It's funny, quirky and sexy. It was one of a kind, and gave me all the feels! You could really immerse yourself into the main character, the embarrassing parts my gosh it even hurt! I've laughed out loud far too many times, until my sides hurt. A definite must read for fans of a cute rom-com!!
Profile Image for Cat.
1,161 reviews145 followers
June 6, 2024
Horrible story! Can't recommend this to anyone.

Sera is ridiculous, Ben is a complete creepy and I won't be reading another Jo Watson book again.
773 reviews
May 12, 2018
A new (to me) author for £0.99. I gave up at only 8% so I will understand if you feel it inappropriate for me to post a review after reading just a few pages, but when you find yourself searching reviews for reasons to continue having only read 6%, it is an indication that all is not well.

This is meant to be a "Romcom" but I was disappointed that an office full of modern young women were throwing themselves at their new boss. What is this, the 1950's where women tried to shag their boss hoping to settle down in a nice house and have some kids!

I can't imagine that I will grow to like the book if I carry on so I'm not going to. My first and last by this author.
Profile Image for Hannah.
601 reviews118 followers
February 18, 2019
I enjoyed the second half much more than the first. The first dragged a little for me but i was persistent and once into the second I wanted to know what happened badly.

Ben White is Sera's new boss but she has a bigger problem he was her one night stand and he wants more than one night. He's also very persistent.

Ben is so protective of her and it's so cute how he loved her from first sight. He seems a very real character who has made mistakes but can admit them. What i like is he's not perfect but knows were he went wrong. I love the secrets they both have and share with each other in the end.
Profile Image for T. Rosado.
1,907 reviews60 followers
February 10, 2020

3.5 Stars

Love to Hate You read like a slightly less developed Sophie Kinsella story. In fact, Sera vividly reminded me of SK’s many non-distinct heroines in voice, work environment, and embarrassing predicaments. I did find myself giggling a number of times and enjoying the characters. Overall, it was a mildly entertaining story, but not necessarily memorable. A quick, light read between weightier fare.
Profile Image for Karen.
158 reviews3 followers
May 13, 2018
Geen hoogstaande plot, maar wel een heerlijk tussendoor boek. Vaak hardop gelachen en met een glimlach gelezen...
Profile Image for Jo ReadsRomance.
512 reviews35 followers
February 3, 2018
I've wanted to read a Jo Watson novel for a while now so I jumped at the chance to review"Love to Hate You." And it truly was the best decision because this was a fantastic story. A story that became more and more addictive with each new chapter. I was so hooked on Ben and Sera's romance that I didn't stop reading until my kindle battery died and I had no option.


"Your touch is like a drug and all I want is my next hit."

The story of Ben and Sera was a passionate, fiery and highly amusing read. I loved the way that the couple's relationship progressed. From the angsty and hilarious banter to the gorgeous slow burn. I adored every single minute of it. Slow burns are a mixed bag for me, sometimes I love them but more often than not, they either drive me crazy or I end up losing interest and I give up. Thankfully this one was a relationship that I enjoyed. The chemistry between the couple was so intense and the way they acted towards each other kept my entertained throughout every chapter. There was a few occasions when I wanted to step into the book just to tell Sera to stop being so difficult, but other than that, I loved what was happening.

"There's nothing you could tell me that would make me think,
or feel, anything less for you."


The main couple were both easy to love and root for. Sera was strong, independent and selfless. She also had a fun sense of humour which I saw a lot of throughout her dialogue with Ben. I spent a lot of time chuckling at the things Sera said or did during this book. Ben was so lovely. I fell for him the minute I met him. He didn't need any help winning me other. I loved everything about him. I swooned over the way that Ben treated Sera. For him it was insta-love and there was no hiding that. Ben went all out in demonstrating his feelings for Sera and it melted my heart. He was a man that turned my heart to mush.

"I want to be part of your life. Even the bad bits."

Before I go, I just want to also include Sera's friends JJ and Bruce in this review because they were a delightful addition to the story. I loved the dynamics of their relationship with Sera. They were equally as lovable as Ben and Sera.

This novel was a brilliant read from beginning to end. Ben and Sera's love made me smile and with a perfect epilogue that finished off the story in the best way, my heart was deliciously full.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,324 reviews571 followers
January 24, 2018
I have managed to read Love To Hate You at just the right point in my life, where I couldn't work out what I was really in the mood to read but knew I needed to get lost in a story.

Well I got utterly hooked on Sera and Ben, to the extent that I am 100% in lust with a fictional character. I would love him to be real, and I'm sure I would appreciate him far more than Sera will!

The level of heat coming off this book is insane, the chemistry between Sera and Ben is sizzling, and I was loving the double entendres, the innuendos, every single exchange between the two leads. I was sitting there as a fly on the wall as such, wishing that I was Sera. Yet there aren't a huge amount of sex scenes, its all suggestive comments, dialogue, the hints at what is possible between them, that actually makes the book feel even sexier than you would think.

Ok not her background, that sounds tough, but then again Ben hasn't been entirely upfront to start with either, and when you eventually get to know them, there is an extra dimension added to both characters.

Love to Hate You starts in hilarious fashion and doesn't let up, it is pure escapist fun and I couldn't get enough of any of the characters. I especially love Sera's pseudo family, JJ and Bruce who she lives with. They are simply fabulous.

If you are looking for a way to leave behind your troubles, delve into a potential new relationship that will have you needing a cold shower yourself, then Love To Hate You is certainly a book for you. I was already a fan of Jo Watson's writing from her previous three books and although this certainly had a slightly different feel to it, it was amazing, it was hilarious and I already know I will be first in line for future releases.

Thank you to Netgalley and Headline Eternal for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Vee.
1,448 reviews107 followers
March 13, 2018
I laughed SO MUCH. The story wasn’t anything new or ground-breaking but, oh how I laughed! It was the kind of ridiculous romcom humour that makes you feel two things simultaneously:
1) I wish I was that funny and flighty
2) This is incredibly unrealistic; no-one talks like that and no-one would be OK with that.
I had a big ol’grin on my face the entire time I was reading this book; even though the ending was rushed and out-of-place and there was some characterisation that made me side-eye (gay dads can/should be more than just a two-dimensional stereotype!) I still enjoyed it immensely. I’ll definitely be picking up more books by Jo Watson.
Profile Image for A_Ryan.
688 reviews195 followers
June 3, 2018
DNF @20%

Nothing new here. A funny, well written romantic comedy that I would have LOVED a few years ago, when I first came across this genre... but...

the characters just didn't click for me this time. I couldn't decide if Ben's cocky attitude was endearing or too ridiculous to be convincing. Sera was neurotic at best and incredibly immature when under pressure.

Jo Watson delivers a scene very well and Im sure the pacing of her comedy will delight readers who are looking for a light and predictable summer read.

931 reviews41 followers
January 26, 2020
Words to describe this book : convoluted, slow, boring, frustrating, unlikeable protagonists (all the characters were washed-up mash-ups of every typical character you have ever encountered in chick lits and romantic comedy’s minus any substance or depth that gave those characters their charm, therefore everyone here felt very cardboardish, inconsistent and artificial). The drama was afraid to get its hands dirty, for dramas such as this to work, things need to go the distance otherwise everything becomes super silly. So nope, I did not like and would not recommend it to anyone.
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