Hating Cain

Blooming Desires #2

by Anders Grey

Johnny: After my parents kicked me out over a rumor, I ran away at 16 and vowed never to return to Rosecreek. The shocking news of my parents’ passing changes all that. Now, with rent way past due and an offer I can’t refuse, I have no choice but to give up my life in the city and move into the mansion they left me.

But the estate comes with a price. The man I despise lives next door. He’s the one who spread the rumor in the first place. Though I can’t deny how gorgeous he’s become in the past decade, I know he hasn’t changed on the inside.

I spent ten years hating Cain. Now I’m forced to be his neighbor. And despite my attraction to him, we’ll never be more than enemies.

Cain: I’ve survived among the two-faced people of Rosecreek by hiding my pain behind a mask of smiles. When my childhood crush moves back in next door, I’m ecstatic to have an opportunity to reconnect with someone I care about—especially when that old spark ignites instantly.

But Johnny makes it clear our relationship is shattered beyond repair. A decade ago, he was my friend. My protector. So why does he hate my guts now?

And how can I change his mind?

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romance

282 pages, Paperback

First published November 29, 2019

Reviews

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I don’t even know where to begin. It was everything! So good!
Oh boy, oh boy a magnificent story. All the hate, the slashing, the confusion, misinterpretation, miscommunication was more than excellent written. And that’s exactly what I expect from an enemy to lover story! It was even better than I hoped for! Well done. Loved it!

After ten years Johnny returns to his parents' home, only because they died and he inherent their home. He was kicked out by his homophobic parents after someone gossiped that he was gay. When he found out who did it he was furious. He hated this guy wholeheartedly!

Cain didn’t understand why the guy he had a crush for, just simply disappeared. Johnny was his hero, who saved him. And now the man is back and lives next door. Why the man is so rude he can’t understand.

The past reveals before our eyes and dirty comes to the surface.
Yah a more than awesome story with guys you will love and hate. Immensely captivating written, and unpredictable af. I loved this story hard!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Johnny runs away at sixteen after his parents kick him out over some rumors. Now 10 years later and on the verge of being kicked out of his apartment, he is heading home to live in the estate his parents left him. Cain is his next-door neighbor and never understood what happened or why he left, Johnny thinks it was Cain that started the rumors. Will he learn the truth? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and steam. I liked this MM romance.

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more from this book.
Cain was a sweetheart, but Johhny annoyed me sometimes.
Nash was a douchebag...

[Stellaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

In a few words - the book was very very good!

The start of the story was very promising. We have two enemies with issues, we don't know what has happened between them in the past and there is a strong attraction. So far, so good. Both main characters have interesting personalities and hidden layers we discovered one by one. Johnny, I liked very much. He was complicated, he was in a situation that challenged his strong personality and I couldn't wait to discover what made him the way he was now. Can, on the other hand, was too good to be true, an adorable human being, always helpful and nice, even though he was surrounded by a bunch of rich and spoiled as*holes.

As the story unfolds, I was thrilled to find out what has happened and I have to say the author did surprise me a little. I was expecting something else.

The connection between both main characters was strong not only because of their mutual past. Their chemistry was very good and they helped each other in order to overcome their personal issues.

The book was very comfortable to read and gave me a warm feeling.

There were a few things that irritated me, though. I don't think it's the author's fault but more of the editor's. Here and there there there was a lack of logical connection. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I can say there were times when one of the MCs said one thing and a few chapters ahead there was just the opposite piece of information and nobody reacted. There was no explanation or what so ever. Also, there was some strange information about the house itself which made the whole story totally unbelievable.

Enough said. The author did a very good job and I enjoyed the book very much.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH MY EMOTIONS ARE SHOT!!!!! A BRILLIANT READ
WOW WOW WOW WOW.
This is such an emotional read. I was happy, I was sad, i was angry, i was stunned to the point I even cried.
Johnny's childhood wasn't the best. His parents were very overbearing and tried to put their beliefs on him. But Johnny knew he was gay but had to hide it because he parents did not believe that men had the right to be together. So when his parents heard a rumour that was running wild that Johnny was Gay they kicked him out!! They didnt care that he was 16 and still at school they were adamant. Johnny knew who had started the rumour and would always hate Cain for ruining his life.
Cain had a crush on Johnny since he rescued him from bullies who didnt like the fact he was gay. Cain had always knew he was gay but didnt shout about it. But when Johnny was so nice to him it started a crush and crazy fantasies about him. When he ran away from home Cain was gutted and never forgot him.
Now 10 years later Johnny is back because his parents had been killed in a car crash and they had left him the house. And who do you think lives next door???
And that's all you are getting from me but let me tell you now you wont be disappointed. Its a fantastic read that you will get lost in. Make a cuppa and a sandwich because you wont want to put this book down for a second. I want to live next to them and party well into the night and cuddle up on the sofa and read on of Cain's books. A brilliant read!!! cant wait for the next book i have a feeling i know who its going to be about so excited!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A M Aliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a good thing I don’t get motion sickness or I would have been in trouble halfway through the book. Cain and Johnny lived next door to each other and attended the same school as the rest of the really well off kids in this gated community of mansion size homes. Johnny learned early at home that his parents were bigots and hated anything that came close to LGBTQ as his dad would watch television after work and yell at the TV anytime something was said. When Johnny was about 12, he asked his dad why it was so bad. The author made it clear that Johnny’s dad only had hatred in his heart for anyone that was came out or was rumored to be gay. Johnny was a big brawny lad and played on the football team with his best friend Nash. Nash was a bully and one day Johnny found him picking on Cain who was still short and had a slight frame. Johnny stuck up for Cain although he didn’t know him real well but he knew bullying was wrong.

When Johnny was 14, his parents told everyone that he had run away. The entire neighborhood took that as truth until both of Johnny’s parents were killed in a car crash. His parents left their sizable home to him as he was an only child. His first few days there were strange feeling. The author did a great job of painting the neighborhood in the same shades as when Johnn was a preteen but, at the same time, a lot of things had begun changing also. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book off teenage and LGBTQ angst. Very well written.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny answered the knock at the door, fully expecting the landlord was demanding the overdue rent. Instead, it was a lawyer telling him his parents had died and had left their mansion to him with some stipulations! He hadn’t been home for 10 years, since his parents had heard a rumor they couldn’t accept and kicked him out at 16, not even caring enough to check on him and make sure he was okay. He had thought he knew who was responsible for that rumor and hated the guy for what he had done.

Cain had never understand why Johnny, whom he had a crush on, disappeared so suddenly without a word all those years ago. Johnny had been the one who saved him from some bullies; he idolized him. Now Johnny is moving back in next door! But something is wrong and he is rude and hostile. Will Johnny ever learn the truth about who started the rumors that ruined his family life? Will he find out Cain had nothing to do with it? And if they can find out the truth, where will it take them now?

This was a wonderful book I thoroughly enjoyed. The writing is good, the characters are very likable, despite all the misunderstandings and miscommunication that tore everything apart. Grab your copy and be ready for some surprises along the way!

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an emotionally charged book.
Poor Johnny has never seemed to catch a break, dealing with his hateful parents and everything just seemed to kind of spiral downwards from there.
Suddenly getting a phone call that they're dead throws his life into a tailspin.
He's inherited the family home, and a whole host of provisions to go along with it.
Then there's Cain, living next door who he blames for basically ruining his life.
As they begin to get to know one another, truths are revealed along with more misunderstandings and a meddling presence from the past.
Johnny finds himself keeping Cain at arms length in order to protect himself and poor Cain is left dealing with the fallout.
I absolutely loved how Cain was the exact epitome of who Johnny needed him to be, someone kind, caring and willing to champion on his behalf because he sees to the heart of Johnny, who was still that scared boy just looking for love and acceptance.
There was also plenty of snarky banter and hilarious laugh out loud moments.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled webs, when you trust the wrong person. Johnny returned to his parents house after they died. He did not get closure before they died. He had built an entire life with supportive friends in the city. Cain was a successful writer and bought his parent house adjacent to Johnny's house. He had crushed on Johnny ever since they were in school. Johnny's life, his self value was based on a lie. How does he face the town of Rosecreek, that initially looks down on him & shows they believe in the lies? Is it the town's attitude or how he carries himself? Cain unselfishly, without agenda helps Johnny when he first arrives in Rosecreek. Will Johnny get to the bottom of the lies? Will Cain let himself be vulnerable? Nice story. The attitudes of the neighbors could be clearer. Nice story. Cain is a solid likeable character. I would love to see a picture of Roxy, the presumably Chinese Crested dog. I receved an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Nice cover art!

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 years is a long time to hate and now never to return to Rosecreek. At 16 Johnny was thrown out by hateful parents listing to rumors about his sexuality and those rumors they came from the very person he trusted most of so he thinks. Now he's inherited his parents home after there death but they won't just leave to him without stipulations. Like Johnny needs one more thing to deal with at least he has his art he just can't feed himself. And now he finds out the person he hates the most lives next door Cain.

Cain why did Jonny leave and why does he hate him so much when Cain loved him would have done anything for him when they were younger. And now Johnny needs him if he will just let him in. This a really beautifully written story about coming home learning to trust again and find happiness when other don't want you to have it.

I was allowed to receive and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is dramatic story with an interesting storyline. Johnny and Cain met each other in high school, when Johnny saved Cain from bullies. Not long after that Johnny left town, blaming Cain for ruining his life. After 10 years Johnny is forced to move back into his childhood home after his parents die, not knowing that Cain is his next door neighbor. Johnny doesn't want anything to do with Cain, and he can't explain his mixed feelings for Cain. Cain is clueless about why Johnny left, and is very happy to see him. The two end up having an on and off again friendship, which turn into a very contentious intimate relationship. Both of them are kind and caring but timid. Johnny gives in to his parents too much, passively accepting what they want, when he should have taken things into his own hands. It is a very romantic and entertaining story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Amber Fueston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that I decided to read this one even though I was not overly impressed by the blurb. Johnny was a real jerk in the beginning of the story, but somehow I still liked him. You can tell that he is a good guy, he is just very bitter and struggling. Poor Cain is largely innocent, but seems to take the brunt of everyone's anger, misguided as it may be. He keeps his sweet nature though. I was rooting for Cain and Johnny from the very beginning. I loved that we got to see more of Kaitlyn. She is a sweetheart and I loved that she sort of mothered Johnny a little bit. He needed it.

The one sort of criticism I have is about Nash. He was NOT a good person. Not only did he like to physically bully Cain, but he tried to instill fear in him too. Then that last thing that he did to Cain was just awful! I didn't like that the author then seemed to try to make it seem like he is just closeted and misunderstood. No. Just no. He might be closeted, but he is a closeted jerk.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny has lived under the wrong impression for ten years as he struggles to survive in a heartless world and become an artist. Kicked out of his parents house at sixteen when a rumor went around that he was gay. Now just before he is kicked out on the streets he inherits the mansion he is kicked out of, but has no money to even buy food. Cain lives next door as he always has and Johnny's attitude towards him confuses and angers him, but he keeps trying to get Johnny to be his friend like he used to be. Misunderstandings, a bully that is still around making trouble, snobby people in the neighborhood, a sweet little dog, and two men who are meant to be together, but having trouble making the pieces of the puzzle that happened ten years before. Will the pieces fit or are the two men destined to hate each other without knowing the truth? I read and reviewed this ARC book.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the death of his parents Johnny moves into the house they had thrown him out of.
Johnny is behind on his rent when he is told his parents are dead and have left him the house in the gated community that they threw him out of ten years before with the clothes on his back, his school bag and a handful of money after a rumor went round that he was gay. He is not happy with the idea of moving there but it will give him a roof over his head but he does not get the money as there are conditions on it. After moving in he goes out into the garden and is surprised that it seems so well tended but then a man calls out to him asking what he is doing there and he realizes that it is Cain from next door who was supposed to be behind the rumor that caused him so much heartache,

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny was put out at sixteen after his secret was revealed via rumor to his parents. He spent ten years thinking the person he once saved caused his pain, Cain.

After accepting himself, Cain always wondered what became of his high school crush, Johnny. It was never discussed but Johnny just suddenly disappeared one day never to be heard from again.

Then life happens, Johnny's parents are killed in an accident and in walls Johnny back to the neighborhood. This turns his life upside down figuratively and literally. He learns some truth of his past, find friendship, acceptance, unexpected love interest, wanted love and life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! From the first chapter I was hooked, and couldn’t put it down. Johnny goes back to his hometown after his parents death, after running away years ago. Cain is Johnny's next door neighbor and the one he blames for causing him to leave home. Johnny and Cain work on repairing their relationship after misunderstandings are put to rest. I loved the connection and relationship between Johnny and Cain. This story is well written, with an engaging storyline that completely captivated me, and the characters are likeable and relatable. I simply loved this story, and highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, just wow a very emotional charge book. years ago johnny was kicked out of his house after his parents had heard a rumor about his sexual orientation, he had made a vow to himself never to return until a fateful day that changed his life again, a knock at the door it was his family lawyer telling him that his parents was dead. johnny had to come and deal with the estate but of course it came with a price, the man next door that ruined johnny's life or so he thought.This was a very emotional charge read and I highly loved every minute of the miscommunication the misunderstanding and the love,

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny’s parents heard a rumour about him that they just couldn’t accept so they kicked him out of their mansion when he was 16 years old now he’s living in the city life has been very tough now his rent is overdue and he doesn’t know what to do until he finds out that his parents have died through a lawyer and they had left him the mansion. Johnny hates Cain he believed that his neighbour started all of this trouble and told Johnny’s parents that he was gay, Cain doesn’t know what happened to Johnny when he left so suddenly Johnny was his hero now he hates Cain for ruining his life but will Johnny find out the truth?. Fantastic story I loved it and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this 2nd book in this series.Johnny and Cain were wonderful characters. What was a horrible misunderstanding and lies that put a terrible strain on their friendship/relationship became a new beginning once everything was cleared up. Johnny parents were awful but that is unfortunately the reality of today's world. As usual just like with the last book, I love the banter between the two main characters....very entertaining and engaging. I love the stories were the two characters grow and learn from each other. This story doesn't disappoint. Very satisfying HEA and I can't wait for the next one...maybe Nash has a story to tell...hmmmmm

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book largely keeps the two MC's apart because of a horrible misunderstanding, I enjoyed getting to know both Johnny and Cain in this book. Johnny comes back into town where he was raised when he finds he inherited a mansion, but no money. He moves in next door to Cain, who he believes spread rumors that got him kicked out of his home, and Cain doesn't understand why Johnny keeps pushing him away and can't stay away from him. There is a lot of miscommunication along with interference from outside sources, but the more you read, the more you understand why these two men belong together.

[Patti Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnny left home at sixteen and for ten years he has hated Cain for starting a rumor that got him kicked out. Johnny;s parents have died and left the house to Johnny but in order to get the keys to his mothers office he must make the house his home. Cain has been taking care of the plants in front of Johnny's house. Cain takes Johnny to the store for food. Cain has had a crush on Johnny for 10 years. Cain is upset and doesn't understand why Johnny does not like him. What will happen when Johnny finds out the truth? Will Johnny get the keys to his mother's office? Will Johnny sell the house?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TwistedRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. Johnny comes back to his hometown after his parents death with almost nothing, no money, just the house his parents left him. Cain, his new neighbor, is the person he blames for ruining his life. I really feel for Cain. He's so happy to see Johnny but Johnny is different than he remembers. But no matter how hostile Johnny is Cain can't seem to do anything else but help him. I'm really glad that Johnny came to see Cain is different than what he thought. Can't wait for the next book in the series

[Maria G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had lots of emotion throughout the whole book. Johnny did not have good parents and when he finds out they died he goes home and ends up living next door to Cain who he blames for being kicked out when he was younger. I felt for Cain who didn't know what was going on and why Johnny disappeared. I am glad all the misunderstandings were cleared up and Johnny and Cain were able to get their happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Zabik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cain lived next door and had a crush on Johnny since he stopped the bully from picking on him. Johnny ran away from home after his parents heard the rumor he was gay.
Johnny blamed Cain. Ten years later he returned because his parents died. He and Cain slowly got together. They both learned that it was Johnny's best friend Nash who had started the rumor.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! This was a perfect friends to enemies to friends to lovers tale! Johnny and Cain were amazing mc’s, their story was complex, so complex poor Cain didn’t know what the heck was going at first, while Johnny was a mess of emotion thanks to his ridiculously homophobic parents. A ten year grudge, ten years of hatred, for nothing, so sad. I loved this book, it was a comfortable, cozy read on an overcast rainy day.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this second chance romance. Having spent years apart because of a misunderstanding Johnny and Cain are once again living next door to each other.
Cain has no understanding as to why Johnny is so hostile towards him. As the past reveals itself these two work on repairing the damage that has been done.
I couldn't put this book down!

[Carlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, i just loved this. It was really well written

I loved the relationship between Johnny and Cain. It was really well done and written, and explored. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters as individuals, and what made them tick, and why they made the decisions they did in both past and future, before their relationship got explored.

You wont regret giving this book a chance

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Johnny after leave his family home can't catch a break now he finds his parents have died and left more stipulations and having to come back to deal with the past and those hurts But when the man he though cause a lot more hurt Cain lives next door he learns what love and acceptance is. Great story.

[Rochelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great short M/M story. The storyline was intriguing, entertaining with plenty of drama and hot spicy romance. Loved the characters. They had great chemistry and they were well suited. The story moved quickly but was smooth read. Overall a enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be full of emotions. The storyline was really well written. The characters were great and full of depth.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.