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Guys Next Door #2
Sweetest Hate
Kellan--Messing around with Arsen is like playing with fire and I can't help but crave the burn. The day I met my best friend's new stepbrother I fell into hate with the moody jerk. The feeling is mutual. I loathe him and unfortunately want him in equal measures. At least he seems to be suffering the same undeniable pull. He infuriates me. He's crawled under my skin. Arsen has the ability to ruin me for anyone else, and I want to let him. A mix-up during a trip to the lake puts us in an inconvenient situation where we end up sharing a room. Worse, once we get home, I'm left unable to escape him. He's right next door and impossible to ignore. As we spend time together, I'm forced to realize there's so much more to him than I expected. I thought I had feelings for my best friend, but Arsen has me questioning everything I know about love. It's the sweetest hate, or maybe it's something else entirely. Contains mature themes.
Audio CD
First published October 15, 2021
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About the author
Baylin Crow
21 books580 followersBaylin writes gay romance stories full of sweetness and steam. She's best known for her Sugar Land Saints series that follows a college football team set in Texas, which she also calls home. Whether writing books or reading them, Baylin spends the majority of her time tucked into the pages of stories about men who love other men. She has two amazing children, a spoiled cat, a hyperactive dog, and a heavy addiction to caffeine.
To be alerted by email when I release a book, please follow me on BookBub or sign up for my newsletter through my website.
Happy Reading! ❤📚
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Happy Reading! ❤📚
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
October 30, 2021
some fun to pass the time but...
🐭 i feel like i see this cover-model more than my own family. this guy is everywhere.
🐭 the nickname “little mouse” is cringe af.
🐭 im pissed we didn’t get Arsen decking the fuck out of Quinn. the shit he said was so damn cruel and didn’t like how it was brushed aside— especially bcos he took zero responsibility for his actions either.
🐭 Kellan was annoying af and waaaaay too obnoxious. he was always jumping to conclusions and any time Arsen did something nice, in general or specifically for Kellan, he was so mean/rude about it?? idk what Arsen saw in him lmao.
🐭 the pacing was so jarring. within the span of a chapter they go from relentless hate to “im so in love, we’re moving in together” :/// which was made worse by the fact the book only spans a few days, a week tops? it just wasn’t fleshed out well... at all.
🐭 Arsen was probably the only thing i liked about this book? he was sweet, a bit mean and deserved the world. he really cared about Kellan and noticed all the little details about him. he was a closeted sweetheart and he deserved better... deserved a better dad, a better family... and a better love interest.
🐭 i feel like i see this cover-model more than my own family. this guy is everywhere.
🐭 the nickname “little mouse” is cringe af.
🐭 im pissed we didn’t get Arsen decking the fuck out of Quinn. the shit he said was so damn cruel and didn’t like how it was brushed aside— especially bcos he took zero responsibility for his actions either.
🐭 Kellan was annoying af and waaaaay too obnoxious. he was always jumping to conclusions and any time Arsen did something nice, in general or specifically for Kellan, he was so mean/rude about it?? idk what Arsen saw in him lmao.
🐭 the pacing was so jarring. within the span of a chapter they go from relentless hate to “im so in love, we’re moving in together” :/// which was made worse by the fact the book only spans a few days, a week tops? it just wasn’t fleshed out well... at all.
🐭 Arsen was probably the only thing i liked about this book? he was sweet, a bit mean and deserved the world. he really cared about Kellan and noticed all the little details about him. he was a closeted sweetheart and he deserved better... deserved a better dad, a better family... and a better love interest.
July 20, 2022
Audio - 5 + Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
I get this was an enemies to lovers trope, but the bickering between the MCs lasted too long. No real relationship development. Strangely, I still managed to mostly enjoy it. The credit for that has to go to the narrator, Iggy Toma.
Story - 3.5 Stars
I get this was an enemies to lovers trope, but the bickering between the MCs lasted too long. No real relationship development. Strangely, I still managed to mostly enjoy it. The credit for that has to go to the narrator, Iggy Toma.
March 15, 2022
5 stars audio
1 (because that's the lowest I can go) stupid immature childish MC stars story.
1 (because that's the lowest I can go) stupid immature childish MC stars story.
October 21, 2021
MM, college-age, enemies-to-lovers, stepbrother's best friend, forced proximity.
4/5 stars!
Let's just take a moment to appreciate the cover 😩👌🏾
From the moment our MCs meet, the attraction is instant, but the circumstances surrounding their introduction causes strife between them. The entire story, excluding the prologue and epilogue, I wanna say happens within 4 weeks or less, so things felt a bit rushed, but honestly it didn't bother me at all.
The chemistry between Arsen and Kellan was sizzling, and the enemies part of the enemies-to-lovers was believable (even though they were technically enemies for like 7 days 😅)
Firelight flickered in his steely, cold orbs but it did nothing to warm them. I shivered despite the heat. When he looked away first, I let loose a breath I hadn't realized had been lodged in my lungs.
I wish things with Quinn were better resolved though because again, rushed af. Regardless, I am looking forward to the next one!
4/5 stars!
Let's just take a moment to appreciate the cover 😩👌🏾
From the moment our MCs meet, the attraction is instant, but the circumstances surrounding their introduction causes strife between them. The entire story, excluding the prologue and epilogue, I wanna say happens within 4 weeks or less, so things felt a bit rushed, but honestly it didn't bother me at all.
The chemistry between Arsen and Kellan was sizzling, and the enemies part of the enemies-to-lovers was believable (even though they were technically enemies for like 7 days 😅)
Firelight flickered in his steely, cold orbs but it did nothing to warm them. I shivered despite the heat. When he looked away first, I let loose a breath I hadn't realized had been lodged in my lungs.
I wish things with Quinn were better resolved though because again, rushed af. Regardless, I am looking forward to the next one!
October 28, 2021
⭐︎4.5 "Couldn't Get Enough" Stars!⭐︎
This is the best of the now three books I've read by this author. The sexual tension, the chemistry, the (later on) romance, was so good.
We've gotten step-brother romance before, but as far as I can remember, I've rarely, if ever, read best friend's step-brother romance. It was just as awesome and delicious ;). Although could Quinn have been a little more oblivious and the tension ramped up even more when he found out, and Arsen and Kellan having to sneak around before he does? Yes. But what we got was also good. I'm just greedy for all things slightly forbidden/have to be hidden type things, and when it's found out. I LOVE that.
Quinn already kinda figured it out almost as soon as they were starting it. He was still a total ass about it though, so that helped haha.
Kellan, we met very briefly in the first book, and he has his whole different separate story from the first couple in this one.
Arsen (which, what a name. To have the name of someone deliberately starting a fire), is 22/23, having finished college already, and is going to start an internship around winter break, when he meets his new step-family. His absentee father has married a woman named Ivy, and with her comes Quinn, who is a sophomore if college.
While at the dinner, Quinn seems all right, although Arsen doesn't really know him yet. While they're in the kitchen, though Arsen sees Kellan next door hanging up Christmas lights, and Quinn tells him he's Quinn's best friend and next door neighbor. Arsen shows interest, and Quinn immediately gets jealous and shitty to Arsen, and bails out of Kellan and his parents meeting Arsen and his dad that night.
So fast forward 6 months later, it's summer and Kellan and Quinn are going home for a few weeks of the summer. Quinn is supposed to go to this cabin Arsen's dad owns with his mom and Arsen's dad, and apparently Arsen himself, which Quinn is not happy about.
When Arsen's dad bails, he tells both boys they can bring friends to the cabin instead (without telling them that he told the other that as well) and so they both end up bring their group of friends to hang out at the big cabin for a week).
Kellan is instantly attracted to Arsen when they meet, but he tries to stay away because of Quinn and how much he hates Arsen, but he can't stay away for long - literally within the hour lol - but then he says it was a mistake - because of the whole Quinn thing - and Arsen takes offense to that, and then they get into it and stay away, sexually for a few days.
But the sexual tension is bound to crack eventually, and crack it does.
My only reason for the .5 stars off is because I loved these two so much and actually wanted more of them together. I was bummed when the end was closing in, and I felt like more time could have been spent with these two being together and falling in love. It happened pretty quickly for these two - within weeks - so a little more time wouldn't have hurt.
But that's my only real niggle. That I was loving these two together and we didn't get enough time with them, especially as a couple and falling in love with each other and all that. A majority of this was when they "hate" each other. Which is very fun, and I loved all of that. But that just means more time should been spent on them not "hating" each other and falling in love, is all.
But other than that, I loved this, I loved these two together, their chemistry was fire, and this story flowed really well. It went by really quickly for me, in the best way. There was never a dull moment in this story for me.
So overall, the best I've read of this author so far. A definite win, two thumbs up from me.
Can't wait for the next, which I see is about CJ. I love me some "thought I was straight but man am I strangely attracted to you, person of the same sex" trope. Can't wait!
This is the best of the now three books I've read by this author. The sexual tension, the chemistry, the (later on) romance, was so good.
We've gotten step-brother romance before, but as far as I can remember, I've rarely, if ever, read best friend's step-brother romance. It was just as awesome and delicious ;). Although could Quinn have been a little more oblivious and the tension ramped up even more when he found out, and Arsen and Kellan having to sneak around before he does? Yes. But what we got was also good. I'm just greedy for all things slightly forbidden/have to be hidden type things, and when it's found out. I LOVE that.
Quinn already kinda figured it out almost as soon as they were starting it. He was still a total ass about it though, so that helped haha.
Kellan, we met very briefly in the first book, and he has his whole different separate story from the first couple in this one.
Arsen (which, what a name. To have the name of someone deliberately starting a fire), is 22/23, having finished college already, and is going to start an internship around winter break, when he meets his new step-family. His absentee father has married a woman named Ivy, and with her comes Quinn, who is a sophomore if college.
While at the dinner, Quinn seems all right, although Arsen doesn't really know him yet. While they're in the kitchen, though Arsen sees Kellan next door hanging up Christmas lights, and Quinn tells him he's Quinn's best friend and next door neighbor. Arsen shows interest, and Quinn immediately gets jealous and shitty to Arsen, and bails out of Kellan and his parents meeting Arsen and his dad that night.
So fast forward 6 months later, it's summer and Kellan and Quinn are going home for a few weeks of the summer. Quinn is supposed to go to this cabin Arsen's dad owns with his mom and Arsen's dad, and apparently Arsen himself, which Quinn is not happy about.
When Arsen's dad bails, he tells both boys they can bring friends to the cabin instead (without telling them that he told the other that as well) and so they both end up bring their group of friends to hang out at the big cabin for a week).
Kellan is instantly attracted to Arsen when they meet, but he tries to stay away because of Quinn and how much he hates Arsen, but he can't stay away for long - literally within the hour lol - but then he says it was a mistake - because of the whole Quinn thing - and Arsen takes offense to that, and then they get into it and stay away, sexually for a few days.
But the sexual tension is bound to crack eventually, and crack it does.
My only reason for the .5 stars off is because I loved these two so much and actually wanted more of them together. I was bummed when the end was closing in, and I felt like more time could have been spent with these two being together and falling in love. It happened pretty quickly for these two - within weeks - so a little more time wouldn't have hurt.
But that's my only real niggle. That I was loving these two together and we didn't get enough time with them, especially as a couple and falling in love with each other and all that. A majority of this was when they "hate" each other. Which is very fun, and I loved all of that. But that just means more time should been spent on them not "hating" each other and falling in love, is all.
But other than that, I loved this, I loved these two together, their chemistry was fire, and this story flowed really well. It went by really quickly for me, in the best way. There was never a dull moment in this story for me.
So overall, the best I've read of this author so far. A definite win, two thumbs up from me.
Can't wait for the next, which I see is about CJ. I love me some "thought I was straight but man am I strangely attracted to you, person of the same sex" trope. Can't wait!
November 8, 2021
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I love the tension, the secret pining, the angry kissing (and lots of other angry things too). It's why I usually look for this trope in mm romances.
There are a lot of different routes an author can take to write an enemies to lovers - the reason for the hate being one of them, and the way both characters deal with it another one. How things take a turn, making both mc's realize there's much more to the other than they thought they knew.
The way the story and the characters develop is important for how much I love the story. In other words: how realistically is the turn in that I buy it? Do I get how hate turned into love?
I have to admit that was a bit of a problem with this story.
It started off quite strong, and even though it certainly had it's moments, in the end it wasn't as good as I expected.
First I have to admit that I had a thing with Arsen's name. I don't like it. I'm also not a fan of Kellan. But usually, when a story is good enough, it makes me forget about such trivial things. Unfortunately, this story made my annoyance grow stronger. Maybe it had something to do with how Arsen behaved. I did not really connect with his character. I liked Kellan - he was this good guy, sweet and all that. But I never warmed to Arsen. And I did not like his nickname for Kellan. Like, at all.
I had a hard time believing how they went from hate to love. It all happened way too fast, in only a few weeks time, which turned this from enemies-to-lovers into insta-love.
Good, angry sex does not automatically lead to love. I didn't see how they suddenly connected on other levels as well. To me it seemed more like they started to LIKE each other, maybe realizing the other wasn't as bad as they initially thought, but then LIKE turning into LOVE is another story. There was too few development between the mc's and the things they did and said to deny their attraction, sounded a bit repetitive too.
So, no, sad to say I did not buy it.
This was my first read by Baylin Crow, and even though this story kind of disappointed me, I do plan to read more of her books, because despite the fact the story didn't, her writing worked for me. Makes me curious to try another one of her books.
Though this book was the second one in a series, I didn't feel like I missed out, so it can be read as a stand alone without a problem.
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
There are a lot of different routes an author can take to write an enemies to lovers - the reason for the hate being one of them, and the way both characters deal with it another one. How things take a turn, making both mc's realize there's much more to the other than they thought they knew.
The way the story and the characters develop is important for how much I love the story. In other words: how realistically is the turn in that I buy it? Do I get how hate turned into love?
I have to admit that was a bit of a problem with this story.
It started off quite strong, and even though it certainly had it's moments, in the end it wasn't as good as I expected.
First I have to admit that I had a thing with Arsen's name. I don't like it. I'm also not a fan of Kellan. But usually, when a story is good enough, it makes me forget about such trivial things. Unfortunately, this story made my annoyance grow stronger. Maybe it had something to do with how Arsen behaved. I did not really connect with his character. I liked Kellan - he was this good guy, sweet and all that. But I never warmed to Arsen. And I did not like his nickname for Kellan. Like, at all.
I had a hard time believing how they went from hate to love. It all happened way too fast, in only a few weeks time, which turned this from enemies-to-lovers into insta-love.
Good, angry sex does not automatically lead to love. I didn't see how they suddenly connected on other levels as well. To me it seemed more like they started to LIKE each other, maybe realizing the other wasn't as bad as they initially thought, but then LIKE turning into LOVE is another story. There was too few development between the mc's and the things they did and said to deny their attraction, sounded a bit repetitive too.
So, no, sad to say I did not buy it.
This was my first read by Baylin Crow, and even though this story kind of disappointed me, I do plan to read more of her books, because despite the fact the story didn't, her writing worked for me. Makes me curious to try another one of her books.
Though this book was the second one in a series, I didn't feel like I missed out, so it can be read as a stand alone without a problem.
I kindly received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest, unbiased review
May 7, 2023
3.5 stars
November 27, 2021
3.5⭐️
October 6, 2022
It was….cute. I mean it was really angsty but then it fell flat idk
November 1, 2021
While I liked it well enough, I didn’t completely love it.
No idea why I didn’t work for as as well as the previous book - maybe because I felt that the „enemies“ part was overdone and I couldn’t understand why they were at each other’s throat. And under these circumstances, the insta-lust part felt a bit off. Also, the reasoning that Quinn - Kellan’s best friend and the reason behind all the animosity between Kellen and Arsen (uh. Strange idea to name your MC after a poison, don’t you think?) - only hooked up with one girl after another because he waited for Kellan to make a move on him - really???
Nevertheless, an enjoyable book about two guys with great chemistry. One of my favourite things was that Kellan is an artist, and I loved his passion and dedication when it comes to painting.
No idea why I didn’t work for as as well as the previous book - maybe because I felt that the „enemies“ part was overdone and I couldn’t understand why they were at each other’s throat. And under these circumstances, the insta-lust part felt a bit off. Also, the reasoning that Quinn - Kellan’s best friend and the reason behind all the animosity between Kellen and Arsen (uh. Strange idea to name your MC after a poison, don’t you think?) - only hooked up with one girl after another because he waited for Kellan to make a move on him - really???
Nevertheless, an enjoyable book about two guys with great chemistry. One of my favourite things was that Kellan is an artist, and I loved his passion and dedication when it comes to painting.
October 29, 2021
This book was 4 stars until about 80%.
The ending and drama absolutely ruined this book for me. Not a fan at all of how the author treated a lifelong friendship. That shouldn’t have happened. It was so unnecessary and ruined this story for me. It didn’t feel like a HEA because of that and I feel like it would have been so simple to make that happen.
I would still recommend this book. It was hot and the forbidden sex and enemies-to-lovers tropes were done well. It felt overly dramatic at times, but I really enjoyed the tension that created.
Ugh. Quinn’s character deserved more.
The ending and drama absolutely ruined this book for me. Not a fan at all of how the author treated a lifelong friendship. That shouldn’t have happened. It was so unnecessary and ruined this story for me. It didn’t feel like a HEA because of that and I feel like it would have been so simple to make that happen.
I would still recommend this book. It was hot and the forbidden sex and enemies-to-lovers tropes were done well. It felt overly dramatic at times, but I really enjoyed the tension that created.
Ugh. Quinn’s character deserved more.
November 6, 2021
I've not yet read all of Baylin Crow's backlist, but plan to do so soon. Sweetest Hate was another winner, ostensibly an enemies-to-lovers romance, though it's really more that Quinn (not one of the MCs, just FYI) hates his new stepbrother, Arsen, so Quinn's BFF Kellan is obligated to hate him too. Except he wants to do nasty things to Arsen, and Arsen is happy to push that issue and anything else that gets in his way. The result is a sweet, hot, clash of personalities leading to hot, hot sex and actual feelings.
First person, dual POV, low angst and high steam with a HEA. I'd liked to have seen a bit more development of the relationship between Arsen and his father, and more comfort from Kellan there, but it's still a solid four-plus stars from me, so rounding up to five, and if part of that is because the cover is smoking hot, sue me for being swayed by a pretty face.
First person, dual POV, low angst and high steam with a HEA. I'd liked to have seen a bit more development of the relationship between Arsen and his father, and more comfort from Kellan there, but it's still a solid four-plus stars from me, so rounding up to five, and if part of that is because the cover is smoking hot, sue me for being swayed by a pretty face.
November 5, 2021
Kellan and Arsen really do have the sweetest hate. I adored their relationship, and how they went from mutual loathing and lusting, to finally getting the ending and the love they were so intent on denying. Their chemistry is undeniably amazing and, although they have some truly frustrating circumstances to overcome, these two together and in love made it all worth it. I found myself getting a bit annoyed at Kellan at times, especially because Arsen is such a closeted sweetheart and he didn’t deserve to always be doubted and treated the way he was. Don’t even get me started on his father and stepbrother - I’m not even sure I know how I feel about them in the end. But, ultimately, all I cared about was Kellan and Arsen choosing one another and putting each other first, and that’s exactly what I got!
October 23, 2021
4.5
The love/hate thing Kellan and Arsen had going on at the start was just perfect. Every interaction had bite, even when they got physical with each other. The constant awareness they had of where the other was just added something to it.
The pace slowed a little in the 2nd half and I maybe needed a few softer moments before the declarations but I loved it and I loved them together
The love/hate thing Kellan and Arsen had going on at the start was just perfect. Every interaction had bite, even when they got physical with each other. The constant awareness they had of where the other was just added something to it.
The pace slowed a little in the 2nd half and I maybe needed a few softer moments before the declarations but I loved it and I loved them together
November 12, 2021
2.5-3 stars.
October 24, 2021
Loved it!
I may have loved this one even more than the first one! Ugh. I loved every second of this book and really didn't want it to end
I may have loved this one even more than the first one! Ugh. I loved every second of this book and really didn't want it to end
October 19, 2021
Mercy…..If you read Stripped Love, you are in for a real treat! If you remember, Damon tried to set Phoenix up with the cute blonde that was playing pool….that was KELLAN! The Sweetest Hate is Kellan’s story that picks up the very next day, and it’s sooo good!! !
I was fortunate enough to read this book prior to publication, and I have to say I couldn’t put it down. So here’s the gist:
Kellan and Quinn grew up together and have been best friends since they were like four years old. Quinn has a brand new stepbrother….Arsen ( that’s him on the cover)! Throw in some serious attraction, jealousy, unrequited love, a secret, a love triangle, scenes that will make you laugh, some that will make you sweat, and some heartbreak to go along with it. This one has all the feels!
You don’t want to miss this one!
I was fortunate enough to read this book prior to publication, and I have to say I couldn’t put it down. So here’s the gist:
Kellan and Quinn grew up together and have been best friends since they were like four years old. Quinn has a brand new stepbrother….Arsen ( that’s him on the cover)! Throw in some serious attraction, jealousy, unrequited love, a secret, a love triangle, scenes that will make you laugh, some that will make you sweat, and some heartbreak to go along with it. This one has all the feels!
You don’t want to miss this one!
October 30, 2024
Kellan & Arsen
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
This was interesting. Arsen gets a new stepbrother Quinn who happens to have a best friend right next door. Arsen sees Kellan next door, and Quinn gets his back up and says some mean shit to Arsen.
A little bit of time goes by, and Kellan and Arsen finally meet. It's okay the chemistry is there for sure.
Kellan fighting it at every turn, Arsen wanting more than he ever has. I enjoyed their back-and-forth.
When Quinn finds out all hell comes down. It was okay I get it he didn't want Kellan with Arsen he wanted Kellan for himself but he never made a move. Nothing gets really resolved that felt all kinds of rushed.
The narration was lovely. Iggy Toma is always a good time.
--- Oct 27th re-listen
I still feel the same, I completely forgot I even listened to this one it felt brand new to me.
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
This was interesting. Arsen gets a new stepbrother Quinn who happens to have a best friend right next door. Arsen sees Kellan next door, and Quinn gets his back up and says some mean shit to Arsen.
A little bit of time goes by, and Kellan and Arsen finally meet. It's okay the chemistry is there for sure.
Kellan fighting it at every turn, Arsen wanting more than he ever has. I enjoyed their back-and-forth.
When Quinn finds out all hell comes down. It was okay I get it he didn't want Kellan with Arsen he wanted Kellan for himself but he never made a move. Nothing gets really resolved that felt all kinds of rushed.
The narration was lovely. Iggy Toma is always a good time.
--- Oct 27th re-listen
I still feel the same, I completely forgot I even listened to this one it felt brand new to me.
October 25, 2021
I'm going to be honest - the first half of the book was five stars. One hundred percent, five stars, higher if I could rate it higher. But the book began to flag in the second half, the characters seeming to do an about face without much logical reason behind the sudden change.
Sweetest Hate is the story of Arsen and Kellan, two men who have a hate at first sight tinged with so much sexual tension that I thought my Kindle might actually catch flame. Arsen is, simply put, an asshole. However, from the first page, we see that he might be more than that as well. The book opens with him visiting his estranged father and his new wife and step-son. He sees Kellan, the boy next door and his step-brother, Quinn's, best friend. He is instantly attracted to the man but Quinn immediately tells him to have a hands off policy. They get into an argument and things are said that are very much low blows - especially on Quinn's part.
A few months later, Kellan and Quinn are going back to their small hometown from university in Atlanta for a few weeks during summer break. Quinn is dreading a family vacation, especially when he realizes Arsen will be attending. One thing leads to another, and the parents are no longer attending. Quinn decides to invite friends and go to the cabin alone. Arsen, it appears, does the same thing. And the moment Kellan and Arsen meet eyes, they both instantly want one another.
This leads to some scorching hot scenes, a lot of great denial moments between them, and some grade A quality 'Hate That I Want You' moments. In the middle of that, there are a few quieter scenes were they start to get to know one another.
But it is in the second half of the book where things change. The second half honestly feels like its part of a different series all together. The confession of feelings feels like it comes too soon after the first person narration we're given just pages before, set literally within one to three days later.
However, I would still very much recommend this book. I just wish that we'd kept the momentum of the first half going or had a better transition between the two polar opposites so it felt a little less like emotional whiplash.
**ARC PROVIDED BY GRR FOR HONEST REVIEW**
Sweetest Hate is the story of Arsen and Kellan, two men who have a hate at first sight tinged with so much sexual tension that I thought my Kindle might actually catch flame. Arsen is, simply put, an asshole. However, from the first page, we see that he might be more than that as well. The book opens with him visiting his estranged father and his new wife and step-son. He sees Kellan, the boy next door and his step-brother, Quinn's, best friend. He is instantly attracted to the man but Quinn immediately tells him to have a hands off policy. They get into an argument and things are said that are very much low blows - especially on Quinn's part.
A few months later, Kellan and Quinn are going back to their small hometown from university in Atlanta for a few weeks during summer break. Quinn is dreading a family vacation, especially when he realizes Arsen will be attending. One thing leads to another, and the parents are no longer attending. Quinn decides to invite friends and go to the cabin alone. Arsen, it appears, does the same thing. And the moment Kellan and Arsen meet eyes, they both instantly want one another.
This leads to some scorching hot scenes, a lot of great denial moments between them, and some grade A quality 'Hate That I Want You' moments. In the middle of that, there are a few quieter scenes were they start to get to know one another.
But it is in the second half of the book where things change. The second half honestly feels like its part of a different series all together. The confession of feelings feels like it comes too soon after the first person narration we're given just pages before, set literally within one to three days later.
However, I would still very much recommend this book. I just wish that we'd kept the momentum of the first half going or had a better transition between the two polar opposites so it felt a little less like emotional whiplash.
**ARC PROVIDED BY GRR FOR HONEST REVIEW**
November 5, 2021
Love and hate are both strong emotions, sometimes the line between them is thin, very thin.
Meeting his stepmother and stepbrother isn’t something Arsen wants to do but has to.
Arsen’s cold and unreachable father has found a second wife, yah, and ugh. The man wasn’t there for him when he needed him.
At first sight his stepbrother Quinn is kind until they are together and Arsen’s eyes fall on Kellan, Quinn’s best friend. The message is clear, Kellan is forbidden fruit.
Quinn quickly tells Kellan what an asshole Arsen is.
There is a mix-up when Quinn and Arsen both are staying at Arsen’s dad’s luxurious cabin with their friends.
Arsen wants to conquer Kellan, the attraction between them is strong. Kellan hates Arsen already. Little does he know, the arrogant, moody guy with his dirty mouth, listens, he absorbs everything Kellan tells.
It was a strongly and clearly written narrative, well outlined, full of tension. I loved the enemies to lovers part.
I would have loved to see the openness and vulnerability earlier in the story. Those moments made me cry, Arsen with his big mouth was hiding so much beauty, it hurt to know. The characters are well pictured, the development slightly.
The story was almost mainly focused on Arsen and Kellan, with some attractive sexy encounters. There were friends in the picture but more in the background. The plot is not complicated but quite forceful, I loved that.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Meeting his stepmother and stepbrother isn’t something Arsen wants to do but has to.
Arsen’s cold and unreachable father has found a second wife, yah, and ugh. The man wasn’t there for him when he needed him.
At first sight his stepbrother Quinn is kind until they are together and Arsen’s eyes fall on Kellan, Quinn’s best friend. The message is clear, Kellan is forbidden fruit.
Quinn quickly tells Kellan what an asshole Arsen is.
There is a mix-up when Quinn and Arsen both are staying at Arsen’s dad’s luxurious cabin with their friends.
Arsen wants to conquer Kellan, the attraction between them is strong. Kellan hates Arsen already. Little does he know, the arrogant, moody guy with his dirty mouth, listens, he absorbs everything Kellan tells.
It was a strongly and clearly written narrative, well outlined, full of tension. I loved the enemies to lovers part.
I would have loved to see the openness and vulnerability earlier in the story. Those moments made me cry, Arsen with his big mouth was hiding so much beauty, it hurt to know. The characters are well pictured, the development slightly.
The story was almost mainly focused on Arsen and Kellan, with some attractive sexy encounters. There were friends in the picture but more in the background. The plot is not complicated but quite forceful, I loved that.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
November 28, 2022
bah. wtf. why do the characters in these books always have to fall in love in like...48 hours, then move in together w/o knowing each other etc etc. is this a cultural thing?! or just a romance book thing?! this is bs.
1.5 stars
1.5 stars
July 20, 2022
This had a half decent enemies to lovers setup, but then a switch just flipped and they were in love (and then breaking up over something very stupid). I felt like I missed the chapters where they started to fall for each other.
October 23, 2021
Mkay, after my somewhat flighty feelings about Stripped Love, color me pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this second installment in the series. My hang up with the first book was the insta-literally-everything, whereas this book was more of a slow burn that clung tightly to the enemies-to-lovers trope for a large portion of the story. Of course once the enemy string snapped, the love came barreling forward, but it was a small price to pay for what I thought was a really sweet HEA.
Arsen was...yeah. I'm assuming that's him on the cover? He was gorgeous, confident and accurately described as "sex on legs". When I say he came on strong, I mean Death Wish Coffee strong. He wanted Kellan from the moment he saw him and had no qualms about letting him know. But Arsen's stepbrother, Quinn, was Kellan's best friend. Arsen and Quinn kind of hated each other, which put Kellan in a precarious position between the two. Cue the sexual tension. Oh I love a good taunt and this book took taunting to the next level. If it wasn't Quinn and Arsen sniping at each other, it was Arsen and Kellan pushing each other up against things during their many verbal assaults, and I ate that shit up and asked for seconds.
At around 70% I started to wonder how the author was going to squeeze the whole "falling in love" part in. At that point, so much of the story had centered around Kellan and Arsen unsuccessfully avoiding each other, so there hadn't been much opportunity for them to actually get to know and like each other. It was very much like a roller coaster going up slowly before breaching the top at around 80% and soaring through the rest of the ride. It didn't cause whiplash like the first book, but there would have been benefits to sprinkling in some heart felt conversations along the way rather than dumping them all at the end where there was already some drama waiting. It didn't bother me too much, though. Like I said, the ending was worth it.
This book can definitely be read as a standalone. Kellan was a minor side character in the first book and there was very little reference to anyone other than his quick interaction with Phoenix at a party. The time frames of the two books actually align, as this one starts where we last saw Kellan in the first book. I really liked that because there was one small easter egg that made me smile since I knew what was happening at that exact moment in the first book. I'm really excited about Clueless Romeo, which comes out in December.
Arsen was...yeah. I'm assuming that's him on the cover? He was gorgeous, confident and accurately described as "sex on legs". When I say he came on strong, I mean Death Wish Coffee strong. He wanted Kellan from the moment he saw him and had no qualms about letting him know. But Arsen's stepbrother, Quinn, was Kellan's best friend. Arsen and Quinn kind of hated each other, which put Kellan in a precarious position between the two. Cue the sexual tension. Oh I love a good taunt and this book took taunting to the next level. If it wasn't Quinn and Arsen sniping at each other, it was Arsen and Kellan pushing each other up against things during their many verbal assaults, and I ate that shit up and asked for seconds.
At around 70% I started to wonder how the author was going to squeeze the whole "falling in love" part in. At that point, so much of the story had centered around Kellan and Arsen unsuccessfully avoiding each other, so there hadn't been much opportunity for them to actually get to know and like each other. It was very much like a roller coaster going up slowly before breaching the top at around 80% and soaring through the rest of the ride. It didn't cause whiplash like the first book, but there would have been benefits to sprinkling in some heart felt conversations along the way rather than dumping them all at the end where there was already some drama waiting. It didn't bother me too much, though. Like I said, the ending was worth it.
This book can definitely be read as a standalone. Kellan was a minor side character in the first book and there was very little reference to anyone other than his quick interaction with Phoenix at a party. The time frames of the two books actually align, as this one starts where we last saw Kellan in the first book. I really liked that because there was one small easter egg that made me smile since I knew what was happening at that exact moment in the first book. I'm really excited about Clueless Romeo, which comes out in December.
July 21, 2024
Audio version 3.0/3.5. I liked the characters and truthfully I only found this by searching through stepbrother tropes...which it really isn't. but it can be summarized like this:
He's hot
I want him
He's annoying
But he's hot
I want him, but not for realzies
He's hot.
I'm hot?
Yes.
I want you.
You want me?
Yes...
But not for real.
You're an asshole.
Yes.
I hate you.
I hate you too.
(Insert actual stepbrother intermittently, also a hater)
I really hate you.
I know.
I want you.
You want me?
Yes.
But not for real.
I hate you.
I hate you too.
You want me.
Fuck, it's true.
I want you too.
But for real?
Yes.
I love you.
You're the sweetest person ever.
(Lamenting stepbrother appears to drunkenly vomit proverbially and literally)
::one week passes, in the span of 5 listening hours::
You are my life.
I am?
Yes.
I love you.
I love you too.
I'm going to give you everything you ever dreamed of.
You want me?
Yes.
For real?
I bought you a house ffs, yes.
I love you.
I love you too
The End.
((Hea))
*Notice we forgot the stepbrother.
So, while I didn't fully hate it and the narration wasn't terrible, actually I kind of liked it. I hated the mc's closen names and the cheese of the symbolism. Like spell it out for us because we're total fools. He burns hot like fire. Unpredictable and wild and engulfs you. So his name is Arsen. I mean he sounds hot. Lol.
He's hot
I want him
He's annoying
But he's hot
I want him, but not for realzies
He's hot.
I'm hot?
Yes.
I want you.
You want me?
Yes...
But not for real.
You're an asshole.
Yes.
I hate you.
I hate you too.
(Insert actual stepbrother intermittently, also a hater)
I really hate you.
I know.
I want you.
You want me?
Yes.
But not for real.
I hate you.
I hate you too.
You want me.
Fuck, it's true.
I want you too.
But for real?
Yes.
I love you.
You're the sweetest person ever.
(Lamenting stepbrother appears to drunkenly vomit proverbially and literally)
::one week passes, in the span of 5 listening hours::
You are my life.
I am?
Yes.
I love you.
I love you too.
I'm going to give you everything you ever dreamed of.
You want me?
Yes.
For real?
I bought you a house ffs, yes.
I love you.
I love you too
The End.
((Hea))
*Notice we forgot the stepbrother.
So, while I didn't fully hate it and the narration wasn't terrible, actually I kind of liked it. I hated the mc's closen names and the cheese of the symbolism. Like spell it out for us because we're total fools. He burns hot like fire. Unpredictable and wild and engulfs you. So his name is Arsen. I mean he sounds hot. Lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2021
This is the second book in the series and features Kellan and Arsen. You first meet with Arsen when he goes to visit his father and his new wife and stepson. At the beginning Quinn is ok with him until Arsen gets a glimpse of Kellan; Quinn then tells him Kellan is off limits as they are BFFs. Fast forward a few months and Quinn and his family are supposed to go to the cabin for a vacation. Unfortunately His stepfather cannot make it and takes Quinn’s mom, Ivy, along. But the stepdad said he can go up with some friends. When they got there, a few hours later, Arsen shows up with some of his friends. Arsen and Kellan meet and the fireworks started from there. Kellan has some preconceived notions about Arsen because of Quinn. There is a lot of ups and downs in this relationship but they finally figured it out by the end. This was a cute high heat, enemies to lovers story.
I received a copy of this book for my review
I received a copy of this book for my review
December 30, 2021
Note: I put off writing the reviews since January. I'm slowly catching up. So my memory will vary according to how long ago I read it and how impactful it was.
Eh. Reading the synopsis again I remembered that I didn't particularly enjoyed this one.
A few notes:
- it all developed a bit too quickly and suddenly
- too shallow and stereotyped
- why did Quinn invite Arsen on the trip if he didn't want him to meet Kellan?
- too soon and too little development
- everything resolved suddenly and without twists and turns
Overall not entirely bad, but nothing much.
Eh. Reading the synopsis again I remembered that I didn't particularly enjoyed this one.
A few notes:
- it all developed a bit too quickly and suddenly
- too shallow and stereotyped
- why did Quinn invite Arsen on the trip if he didn't want him to meet Kellan?
- too soon and too little development
- everything resolved suddenly and without twists and turns
Overall not entirely bad, but nothing much.
November 2, 2021
Such an amazing enemies to lovers romance! I absolutely love Arsen and Kellan! The sexual between these two is so HOT. I love seeing how they develop their relationship. I just couldn't stop reading. So much chemistry that you can just feel it. Can't wait for the next book.
December 1, 2021
Gahhh I Epilogue HEA’s
All romance books have them of course, but ones like this just make me swoon. Ugh, such a good story with an enemies to lovers typa vibe. Hot cover, hot spice and hot love. 5/5⭐️ 3.25/5🌶🔥
All romance books have them of course, but ones like this just make me swoon. Ugh, such a good story with an enemies to lovers typa vibe. Hot cover, hot spice and hot love. 5/5⭐️ 3.25/5🌶🔥
October 19, 2021
Beautiful
Wow! 10\10 for sure one of my top reads of the year. I love these two so much and love their love.
Wow! 10\10 for sure one of my top reads of the year. I love these two so much and love their love.
October 20, 2021
Hate never tasted so good!
Arsen and Kellan smoldered from their first encounter. Their "love me like you hate me" foreplay was full of angsty passion and intense desire.
Arsen and Kellan smoldered from their first encounter. Their "love me like you hate me" foreplay was full of angsty passion and intense desire.
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