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Hate at First Sight
THEY SAY IT'S A THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND . . . HATE AT FIRST SIGHT.
Kate hates feeling out of control. Her incessant need to overprepare has always served her well. Yet nothing could have prepared her for today.
Not only is she being evicted from her flat . . . by her best friend , but now her boss has announced cost-cutting measures that will put her job in jeopardy. She may not love the company she works for, but she's worked too hard for too long to just give up. So she's ready to prove herself.
The catch? If she wants to save her job, she'll have to work with creative, happy-go-lucky Harry . The one man she's spent the last five years trying to forget.
But what happens when that line you've drawn starts to blur?
This witty, dizzying, snort-with-laughter enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy is an instantly unputdownable and unmissable treat that will have you falling head over heels in love with its characters. Perfect for fans of Sally Thorne, Emily Henry, Talia Hibbert, Mhairi McFarlane and Beth O'Leary.
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Fall in love with Lizzie O'Hagan's
'I absolutely loved this book , so much so that I devoured it in two sittings! Their banter was fab . . . fabulous ' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'This was a fabulous slow burn romance . A will they, won't they with so much more' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'I wanted to stay with these wonderful characters for longer - I will really miss them! I adored this book from start to finish! ' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
' If you enjoyed The Flatshare you will enjoy this novel . The perfect holiday read' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'This is just an absolute delight to read!!! I have adored everything about this one. I have been completely pulled in and unwilling to put this one down' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Kate hates feeling out of control. Her incessant need to overprepare has always served her well. Yet nothing could have prepared her for today.
Not only is she being evicted from her flat . . . by her best friend , but now her boss has announced cost-cutting measures that will put her job in jeopardy. She may not love the company she works for, but she's worked too hard for too long to just give up. So she's ready to prove herself.
The catch? If she wants to save her job, she'll have to work with creative, happy-go-lucky Harry . The one man she's spent the last five years trying to forget.
But what happens when that line you've drawn starts to blur?
This witty, dizzying, snort-with-laughter enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy is an instantly unputdownable and unmissable treat that will have you falling head over heels in love with its characters. Perfect for fans of Sally Thorne, Emily Henry, Talia Hibbert, Mhairi McFarlane and Beth O'Leary.
------
Fall in love with Lizzie O'Hagan's
'I absolutely loved this book , so much so that I devoured it in two sittings! Their banter was fab . . . fabulous ' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'This was a fabulous slow burn romance . A will they, won't they with so much more' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'I wanted to stay with these wonderful characters for longer - I will really miss them! I adored this book from start to finish! ' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
' If you enjoyed The Flatshare you will enjoy this novel . The perfect holiday read' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'This is just an absolute delight to read!!! I have adored everything about this one. I have been completely pulled in and unwilling to put this one down' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2023
22 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 6, 2023
Honestly have no idea what I just read. The romance was a subplot the main plot being this weird poster website. I couldn’t tell you a single thing that happened. Why did she write the French accent in that way??? So weird. If I ever have to read the word microsite again I will evaporate. Only read it in 2 days because if I slept on it I would never pick it up again (anything for the reading challenge)
May 22, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Headline Books.
Hate at First Sight is a fun enemies to lovers story with some serious elements thrown in. Kate is fast approaching being thirty and isn't overjoyed at the prospect. She had a life plan that hadn't gone as she wanted and still hasn't got the promotion she so deserves. After financial cutbacks occur, her department is forced to move from the basement to the tenth floor of 'Poster', and the move fills her with dread. The tenth floor staff are all model fashionistas who look down on the 'back office' staff like Kate. And when she's teamed up with Harry (who she had an embarrassing encounter with five years ago) and Cally (a glamorous 'IT'girl), Kate has no option to work with them closely or find another job, and she's worked too hard to take a step back in her career. To top it off, her best friend is moving away, she's now needing somewhere affordable to live and taking a lesser paid job just isn't an option.
I loved the banter between the characters in this book and found them sll endearing in their own unique ways (even Wolf and his dog Boner). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and enjoyed the interweaving of important subjects such as perceptions from others, social media pressure/advertising, self-worth, and speaking up for what you believe in.
Hate at First Sight is a fun enemies to lovers story with some serious elements thrown in. Kate is fast approaching being thirty and isn't overjoyed at the prospect. She had a life plan that hadn't gone as she wanted and still hasn't got the promotion she so deserves. After financial cutbacks occur, her department is forced to move from the basement to the tenth floor of 'Poster', and the move fills her with dread. The tenth floor staff are all model fashionistas who look down on the 'back office' staff like Kate. And when she's teamed up with Harry (who she had an embarrassing encounter with five years ago) and Cally (a glamorous 'IT'girl), Kate has no option to work with them closely or find another job, and she's worked too hard to take a step back in her career. To top it off, her best friend is moving away, she's now needing somewhere affordable to live and taking a lesser paid job just isn't an option.
I loved the banter between the characters in this book and found them sll endearing in their own unique ways (even Wolf and his dog Boner). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and enjoyed the interweaving of important subjects such as perceptions from others, social media pressure/advertising, self-worth, and speaking up for what you believe in.
February 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and their interaction. I really related with Kate always being so serious and wanting life to look a certain way by a certain time in life.
If you want an easy read of enemies to lovers story then this is for you. There were lots of funny parts but also an underlying serious story around self worth, work environments and perceptions of others.
Thank you to Netgalley, the wonderful author Lizzie O'Hagan and Headline for the advance copy to read and review.
If you want an easy read of enemies to lovers story then this is for you. There were lots of funny parts but also an underlying serious story around self worth, work environments and perceptions of others.
Thank you to Netgalley, the wonderful author Lizzie O'Hagan and Headline for the advance copy to read and review.
February 16, 2023
Unfortunately this was not for me. The relationship was toxic, didn't fit into the workplace, full of lies and it felt forced. Rhe background context of rhe workplace and the excuses given throughout the book honestly for me made it even more awful. What a incredibly shit place.
Guarantee that they would break up within a year.
Guarantee that they would break up within a year.
July 26, 2023
As usual, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Unfortunately, it's a 2.5 rounded down for me :(
The writing was nice and it was entertaining enough for the first half; but even then I wasn't really having any strong emotions about the characters. MC is alright (not too annoying but also nothing extraordinary), and love interest is nice, but not super charming or anything.
Without giving spoilers, I just wanted to add that I hated most of the plot twists and decisions. Everything felt so unforgivable to me that at the ending I couldn't really feel happy about how things turned out. It's nothing too awful but it's one of those cases that you feel (at least I did) a line has been crossed and it was a point of no return.
I would still read other novels by this author because I do feel like maybe this wasn't for me but her other works might be, but I can't really recommend this one.
Unfortunately, it's a 2.5 rounded down for me :(
The writing was nice and it was entertaining enough for the first half; but even then I wasn't really having any strong emotions about the characters. MC is alright (not too annoying but also nothing extraordinary), and love interest is nice, but not super charming or anything.
Without giving spoilers, I just wanted to add that I hated most of the plot twists and decisions. Everything felt so unforgivable to me that at the ending I couldn't really feel happy about how things turned out. It's nothing too awful but it's one of those cases that you feel (at least I did) a line has been crossed and it was a point of no return.
I would still read other novels by this author because I do feel like maybe this wasn't for me but her other works might be, but I can't really recommend this one.
February 8, 2023
Hate at First Sight by Lizzie O’Hagan is a pretty straightforward workplace enemies to lovers story. Kate and Harry met at a party five years ago - the chemistry was immediate and palpable, but a misunderstanding leads to hurt feelings and their paths don’t cross again. Now, five years later, they’re teamed up to launch a microsite for the fashion website they both work for.
There’s a lot of what you’d expect from a story like this. Banter, slow-burn, secret keeping, and then as always a huge miscommunication that sends everything off track.
I liked where the author was going with the idea of an It Woman vs an Every Woman, but it never really landed as a concrete idea here. And I felt the ending was very rushed. But a fun, easy read for someone looking for this kind of thing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
There’s a lot of what you’d expect from a story like this. Banter, slow-burn, secret keeping, and then as always a huge miscommunication that sends everything off track.
I liked where the author was going with the idea of an It Woman vs an Every Woman, but it never really landed as a concrete idea here. And I felt the ending was very rushed. But a fun, easy read for someone looking for this kind of thing.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
May 25, 2023
3.5 stars
After reading and really enjoying O'Hagan's The Visa last year, I jumped at the chance to read her newest work, and it didn't disappoint! I really enjoyed the work-oriented nature of the book, and how working on a project together led to Harry and Kate interactions with each other, as I felt it really gave readers an insight into their dynamic, and was a great format for watching them fall for each other. The fashion website and their differing roles for the company as a data analyst and a more creative role really hgihlighted their opposite natures, and I felt that Kate's anxieties about her work and her posititon within the company was really realistic. I liked that this was a major subplot rather than being sidelined in order for the romance to shine; O'Hagan manages to find a good balance between the two. The whole 'pitching to a Gen-Z audience' felt a bit on-the-nose at times, although clearly very relevant, but I ended up loving the big reveal at the end of the book and the message that it portrayed.
I always tend to enjoy enemies-to-lovers romances but I don't seem to read too many of them, so this was really nice to dive into. I found the chemistry between Kate and Harry to be really authentic - it didn't happen overnight, but their little friendship turning into something more was sweet, and I hated that things seemed to be going so well for them before things ended, albeit temporarily. Although at times it did seem as though their banter with one another leaned a bit too far into genuine irritation and rudeness than flirtation, I really wanted things to work out between the two, and I'm happy that Kate believing in herself more in a work setting led to success in her personal life too.
My heart broke for Kate while reading this, as it seemed she had one bout of bad luck after another, but seeing her making amends for her mistakes and building up her self-confidence leading to her happy ending was so satisfying. Once again O'Hagan has written a solid romance, and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
After reading and really enjoying O'Hagan's The Visa last year, I jumped at the chance to read her newest work, and it didn't disappoint! I really enjoyed the work-oriented nature of the book, and how working on a project together led to Harry and Kate interactions with each other, as I felt it really gave readers an insight into their dynamic, and was a great format for watching them fall for each other. The fashion website and their differing roles for the company as a data analyst and a more creative role really hgihlighted their opposite natures, and I felt that Kate's anxieties about her work and her posititon within the company was really realistic. I liked that this was a major subplot rather than being sidelined in order for the romance to shine; O'Hagan manages to find a good balance between the two. The whole 'pitching to a Gen-Z audience' felt a bit on-the-nose at times, although clearly very relevant, but I ended up loving the big reveal at the end of the book and the message that it portrayed.
I always tend to enjoy enemies-to-lovers romances but I don't seem to read too many of them, so this was really nice to dive into. I found the chemistry between Kate and Harry to be really authentic - it didn't happen overnight, but their little friendship turning into something more was sweet, and I hated that things seemed to be going so well for them before things ended, albeit temporarily. Although at times it did seem as though their banter with one another leaned a bit too far into genuine irritation and rudeness than flirtation, I really wanted things to work out between the two, and I'm happy that Kate believing in herself more in a work setting led to success in her personal life too.
My heart broke for Kate while reading this, as it seemed she had one bout of bad luck after another, but seeing her making amends for her mistakes and building up her self-confidence leading to her happy ending was so satisfying. Once again O'Hagan has written a solid romance, and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.
February 16, 2023
Hate at first sight is a pretty straight forward enemies to lovers romance book and overall, I enjoyed it. I think the storyline was good and for once it was a romance which isn’t absolutely taken over with sex scenes like a lot these days.
One thing I think did annoy me was the fact that it seemed to blame everything going wrong in the book on Kate. She was blindsided by people she should trust in an important meeting, treated like dirt by her colleague for most of the book, blamed for missing a friend’s birthday for a work trip (even though she said it was fine) and Harry wanted to keep their relationship a secret for most of the book. Yet all of this was written off as her fault?
Also, I think the end was a bit rushed. The epilogue tried to explain everything to wrap the story up but it just seemed like a bit of a cop out. For example, for most of the book Harry was incredible conscious about keeping their relationship a secret but in the epilogue he was trying to kiss Kate in the middle of a work meeting?
Overall, I wouldn’t say this is a book that’s going to change your life but I do think it’s a good easy read.
Thanks the NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
One thing I think did annoy me was the fact that it seemed to blame everything going wrong in the book on Kate. She was blindsided by people she should trust in an important meeting, treated like dirt by her colleague for most of the book, blamed for missing a friend’s birthday for a work trip (even though she said it was fine) and Harry wanted to keep their relationship a secret for most of the book. Yet all of this was written off as her fault?
Also, I think the end was a bit rushed. The epilogue tried to explain everything to wrap the story up but it just seemed like a bit of a cop out. For example, for most of the book Harry was incredible conscious about keeping their relationship a secret but in the epilogue he was trying to kiss Kate in the middle of a work meeting?
Overall, I wouldn’t say this is a book that’s going to change your life but I do think it’s a good easy read.
Thanks the NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2023
I really liked this book, its pretty much a typical work place romance which is full of humour that had me laughing out loud but also has a really important message of finding self confidence and self worth which I really love and thinks leaves a great impression. I could really relate to Kate’s character and I loved that all of the other characters were unique and had there own story’s it really made the book much more enjoyable. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, the Author and the publisher for allowing me to read this book.
Thanks to NetGalley, the Author and the publisher for allowing me to read this book.
May 27, 2023
Completely and utterly adore this so much, it’s a laugh out loud read, full of lovely characters, great writing and a story that made me not wanna to put it down. I love enemies-to-lovers romances and this one is a really good example of why, the chemistry between Kate and Harry is wonderful, realistic, full of banter and flirtation. It’s a perfect blend of humor and romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2023
This was such a fun, easy read! It was like all the best bits of my favourite teenage rom-coms made into a book for adults. For me, I think it perfectly depicts how the world can be, and Kate was super relatable, ugly parts and all. I loved Harry, even if sometimes I wanted to scream at him. The ending was completely beautiful, having me reading with a big, goofy grin on my face,
Read
January 7, 2024DNF !!! Utter shite
December 3, 2024
This is not a romance book, it’s a book about a woman’s job.
April 30, 2025
booooo boring
February 11, 2023
An advanced copy but not an ad.
I LOVED this. It read like a rom com movie - in fact, I'd love to see this made as a movie. Very the devil wears Prada/the set up vibes about it.
I think I'm a little bit in love in Harry as a character, well I loved all of the characters but Harry especially. The book did have a few typos but I'll forgive it because I just loved the story so much.
I LOVED this. It read like a rom com movie - in fact, I'd love to see this made as a movie. Very the devil wears Prada/the set up vibes about it.
I think I'm a little bit in love in Harry as a character, well I loved all of the characters but Harry especially. The book did have a few typos but I'll forgive it because I just loved the story so much.
March 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the pace of it, the detail and all of the characters. It made me laugh, it also made me have a tear!! It was my first by this author but I'd definitely read more.
The characters were all quite unique, which made it more readable, with their own stories and insecurities.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 From me.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for an advanced copy.
The characters were all quite unique, which made it more readable, with their own stories and insecurities.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 From me.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for an advanced copy.
April 18, 2024
this was quite a meh book for me. the beginning angst was fun until it became very cliche and cringe. the big twist at the end felt contrived and weird. easy enough read but not what i wanted.
August 27, 2023
The title of this book is misleading, since there is neither actual hate involved nor any sort of feelings at first sight. The romance is actually subplot, which wouldn't be a problem if the "actual" plot was worthy of being in the foreground.
There is a message of girls supporting girls, self-acceptance and following your convictions even if it is risky but it's all very much on the nose and gets momentum only at the very end of the book, which feels forced and rushed.
The romance wasn't satisfying to me at all and since this was my main interest in the book, 2 stars feel appropriate.
There is a message of girls supporting girls, self-acceptance and following your convictions even if it is risky but it's all very much on the nose and gets momentum only at the very end of the book, which feels forced and rushed.
The romance wasn't satisfying to me at all and since this was my main interest in the book, 2 stars feel appropriate.
May 8, 2023
"no, no, no. i double-take, my pulse starting to race. it can’t be. but he’s looking more and more like him . . . devastatingly gorgeous, like him."
I picked this up through Netgalley, with thanks to Lizzie O'Hagan, Hatchette and Headline Publishing Group for gifting me this e-ARC
kate is a basement girl - having worked for poster for five years and hiding away as a data analyst, being told that the basement is merging with upstairs to prevent layoffs and that she's co-working on a new project, on a new site with people from the upstairs office. what happens when she comes face to face and has to work with the one guy she's been trying to avoid since her first ever work do, since that ever-near kiss?
rating: ⭐⭐⭐
my thoughts: enemies to lovers, office romance, slow burn, miscommunication? not normally my thing. friends-to-lovers? sure, but not normally enemies-to-lovers (although saying that i did absolutely love The Cruel Prince series...)
the amount of miscommunication throughout this book, and how so many people go behind kate's back to keep her out of the loop. i also couldn't stand harry's frosty attitude to kate in work and then how over text he was all 'nicey-nice'
seeing how kate always felt like she didnt fit in, because of beauty standards within the company. how she feels underappreciated and that turning 30 and still working in the same role starts to reflect on if life at poster is all that good for her.
i did want to see more of the later storylines in the book, of the it girl vs every girl, and although meant to be a british book, it felt very americanised. it also felt like the characters in the book towards the end also changed their attitudes and personalities compared to how they started out but that could be personal development throughout the book.
im still looking forward to pick up The Visa, and read some more of Lizzie O'Hagan work.
I picked this up through Netgalley, with thanks to Lizzie O'Hagan, Hatchette and Headline Publishing Group for gifting me this e-ARC
kate is a basement girl - having worked for poster for five years and hiding away as a data analyst, being told that the basement is merging with upstairs to prevent layoffs and that she's co-working on a new project, on a new site with people from the upstairs office. what happens when she comes face to face and has to work with the one guy she's been trying to avoid since her first ever work do, since that ever-near kiss?
rating: ⭐⭐⭐
my thoughts: enemies to lovers, office romance, slow burn, miscommunication? not normally my thing. friends-to-lovers? sure, but not normally enemies-to-lovers (although saying that i did absolutely love The Cruel Prince series...)
the amount of miscommunication throughout this book, and how so many people go behind kate's back to keep her out of the loop. i also couldn't stand harry's frosty attitude to kate in work and then how over text he was all 'nicey-nice'
seeing how kate always felt like she didnt fit in, because of beauty standards within the company. how she feels underappreciated and that turning 30 and still working in the same role starts to reflect on if life at poster is all that good for her.
i did want to see more of the later storylines in the book, of the it girl vs every girl, and although meant to be a british book, it felt very americanised. it also felt like the characters in the book towards the end also changed their attitudes and personalities compared to how they started out but that could be personal development throughout the book.
im still looking forward to pick up The Visa, and read some more of Lizzie O'Hagan work.
December 19, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
I think this book does a lot of classic tropes— some better than others. I think this is truly an “enemies” situation, but it’s almost like I couldn’t like either of the main characters enough to truly want them to be together.
I also really didn’t like how the main character handled her own discomfort… with things like other people’s grief (she literally never asks a single question about the man she “loves” Dad who has cancer?), her own insecurities, her relationship with alcohol, how she only leans on her two friends when she’s in trouble, her response when she “accidentally” bullies another coworker…
I don’t know. It just hit a lot of tropes that felt stiff even from the beginning (like the entire plot is her working at a fashion company where she’s the one brave employee wants to show “real” women.)
That being said, I did like that she was self aware enough to change when someone else’s criticisms were valid. (She gives influencers a chance, she listens to her coworkers and believes them when they tell her about abuse.)
I also felt like we never got a good explanation for pretty big plot points (why he never looked for her when started at Poster again…. His flirting and relationship with Callie… I don’t know.)
Ultimately, I just didn’t feel the plot and length were worth the pay off on the small glimpses of romance.
I think this book does a lot of classic tropes— some better than others. I think this is truly an “enemies” situation, but it’s almost like I couldn’t like either of the main characters enough to truly want them to be together.
I also really didn’t like how the main character handled her own discomfort… with things like other people’s grief (she literally never asks a single question about the man she “loves” Dad who has cancer?), her own insecurities, her relationship with alcohol, how she only leans on her two friends when she’s in trouble, her response when she “accidentally” bullies another coworker…
I don’t know. It just hit a lot of tropes that felt stiff even from the beginning (like the entire plot is her working at a fashion company where she’s the one brave employee wants to show “real” women.)
That being said, I did like that she was self aware enough to change when someone else’s criticisms were valid. (She gives influencers a chance, she listens to her coworkers and believes them when they tell her about abuse.)
I also felt like we never got a good explanation for pretty big plot points (why he never looked for her when started at Poster again…. His flirting and relationship with Callie… I don’t know.)
Ultimately, I just didn’t feel the plot and length were worth the pay off on the small glimpses of romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
Okay oh my goodness where to begin. Cute story, enemies to lovers workplace romance is so iconic, see the hating game and set it up, but this one didn’t exactly do it for me. As a working girl myself, I couldn’t IMAGINE almost kissing a man at a work mixer, that’s just insane. And as a nerdy working girl, WE NEED TO STAND UP! Why can’t women who are smart also not be complete weirdos? Not a fan of the trope where the STEM girly is somehow the least likeable person in the world. The amount of times that this girl got EMBARRASSED by people and positions in her life and literally just kept being annoying is INSANE. If I were her I would never show myself in public, and if I had to work with her I’d quit. Please girl how many times are you going to let this man embarrass you? Furthermore, why did we suddenly forget that Harry was two timing us with Cally? That did not get any development, and no mention as to if their relationship ever ended. The story was okay overall, and the cute moments were cute, but I wish we had more overall development with literally anything. The ending was rushed and thrown together, and the majority of the book is spent talking about their microsite (what even is that?). I wish the characters backgrounds were explained more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2023
Enemies to loves? Forced proximity? Work place?
These are 3 of my all time favourite tropes in a book and all three of them together is just *chefs kiss*.
Kate and Harry definitely had the enemies part down in the beginning and some sparks of the lovers trope started to shine through. But I missed the burn and the angst of it all, I thought that could have been delved into more. However I did feel there was some fun banter between Kate and Harry.
Also, a miscommunication 90% way through the book is not always for me, I don’t like the off kilter feeling you get when characters break away after trying to hard to build some form of relationship so close to the end. Obviously we know most of the time they have a happy ending but I just don’t like the feeling!
Despite this I thought the book was written well and I did quite enjoy the themes on brand morality and the discussions on sustainability and inclusivity in fashion.
So the plot was actually good.
Overall, I would still keep an open mind with this book. Although for me it was lacking in romance, it was an enjoyable read which I got through quite quickly.
Thank you for the opportunity to have access to the ARC.
These are 3 of my all time favourite tropes in a book and all three of them together is just *chefs kiss*.
Kate and Harry definitely had the enemies part down in the beginning and some sparks of the lovers trope started to shine through. But I missed the burn and the angst of it all, I thought that could have been delved into more. However I did feel there was some fun banter between Kate and Harry.
Also, a miscommunication 90% way through the book is not always for me, I don’t like the off kilter feeling you get when characters break away after trying to hard to build some form of relationship so close to the end. Obviously we know most of the time they have a happy ending but I just don’t like the feeling!
Despite this I thought the book was written well and I did quite enjoy the themes on brand morality and the discussions on sustainability and inclusivity in fashion.
So the plot was actually good.
Overall, I would still keep an open mind with this book. Although for me it was lacking in romance, it was an enjoyable read which I got through quite quickly.
Thank you for the opportunity to have access to the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
I really enjoyed Lizzie’s other book, ‘The Visa’ so was excited to be approved to read an ARC of this!
The book follows Kate as she struggles to get to grips with turning 30 (I felt this one personally as someone who turns 30 this year 😂) and reflects on how her life hasn’t followed the plan she set out for herself. She struggles with feeling under appreciated in her workplace, feeling the pressure of trying to attain a promotion and feeling like she doesn’t fit in with the ‘model’ stereotype that her company (a fashion retailer site) seems to be full of. When she is pushed into working with a man she hates after being rejected by him and an influencer, Kate finds herself changing her opinions and blurring the line between love and hate.
I enjoyed the book as I related a lot to Kate but feel like the romance aspect was second to the main theme of Kate finding herself and knowing what she wants out of life. This didn’t bother me and actually enjoyed seeing this perspective but those that read it expecting the romance to feature very heavily could be a little bit disappointed. It was an easy read and would recommend but I preferred The Visa.
The book follows Kate as she struggles to get to grips with turning 30 (I felt this one personally as someone who turns 30 this year 😂) and reflects on how her life hasn’t followed the plan she set out for herself. She struggles with feeling under appreciated in her workplace, feeling the pressure of trying to attain a promotion and feeling like she doesn’t fit in with the ‘model’ stereotype that her company (a fashion retailer site) seems to be full of. When she is pushed into working with a man she hates after being rejected by him and an influencer, Kate finds herself changing her opinions and blurring the line between love and hate.
I enjoyed the book as I related a lot to Kate but feel like the romance aspect was second to the main theme of Kate finding herself and knowing what she wants out of life. This didn’t bother me and actually enjoyed seeing this perspective but those that read it expecting the romance to feature very heavily could be a little bit disappointed. It was an easy read and would recommend but I preferred The Visa.
February 10, 2023
Hate at First Sight is a workplace romcom when our main character Kate is forced to work with coworker Harry, who almost kissed her five years prior. They are teamed up to create a new microsite for the fashion company they work for to help rake in a new demographic of consumer.
While not uniquely different than other workplace romcoms, there are some highlights between Kate and Harry. Their banter is quick and witty, exactly what you want in a story like this. The romance in this is cute, but tame.
Kate is also a relatable FMC as millennial in the workplace working towards a well earned, but delayed promotion. This had all the pieces to become a favorite, but I fell out of love towards the end of the book. While this wraps up nicely, there is a lot of blamed passed and the real message of the empowerment gets a little lost. I appreciate that there is a recognition of importance for female friendships. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
While not uniquely different than other workplace romcoms, there are some highlights between Kate and Harry. Their banter is quick and witty, exactly what you want in a story like this. The romance in this is cute, but tame.
Kate is also a relatable FMC as millennial in the workplace working towards a well earned, but delayed promotion. This had all the pieces to become a favorite, but I fell out of love towards the end of the book. While this wraps up nicely, there is a lot of blamed passed and the real message of the empowerment gets a little lost. I appreciate that there is a recognition of importance for female friendships. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 28, 2023
****eARC****
Thank you to NetGalley, Lizzie O'Hagan and Headline Books for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC! *All Views Are My Own*
Absolutely loved this read!
Enemies to Lovers office romance. Filled with enough plot, drama and romance to fulfil every reader's needs!
Every character was so loveable.
I enjoyed watching Kate and Harry go from arguing at every given moment to then falling so hard for each other.
But this wasn't just a romance book it was about the empowerment of women especially and trying to change the way the fashion industry runs. Making things more inclusive and building people up instead of breaking them down.
The character development was awesome and it showed some great lessons. Especially in not taking everything at face value as the reality can look much different.
Definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance book! (Especially enemies too lovers trope😍)
Thank you to NetGalley, Lizzie O'Hagan and Headline Books for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC! *All Views Are My Own*
Absolutely loved this read!
Enemies to Lovers office romance. Filled with enough plot, drama and romance to fulfil every reader's needs!
Every character was so loveable.
I enjoyed watching Kate and Harry go from arguing at every given moment to then falling so hard for each other.
But this wasn't just a romance book it was about the empowerment of women especially and trying to change the way the fashion industry runs. Making things more inclusive and building people up instead of breaking them down.
The character development was awesome and it showed some great lessons. Especially in not taking everything at face value as the reality can look much different.
Definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance book! (Especially enemies too lovers trope😍)
April 21, 2023
3.75🌟
Hate at First Sight is the second book I’ve read by @lizzie_ohagan the first being The Visa which I really liked as well!
I really enjoyed this book and have to admit I read it in one sitting which isn’t something I do often. The pace of this book was so fast and that make it such a smooth read. I really enjoyed the British setting! It was so nice to see a book set in London rather than America for once. I feel like that is such a rare thing with books nowadays and as someone from London I loved the little references to some British culture! I also loved the little Taylor Swift reference in there!
Okay, if you love enemies to lovers and a bit of office romance then you’ll love this one. I found that it had a great balance of fluff to angst, which I really enjoyed. I can��t stand a book that’s just pure fluff as it can be so boring. I need some angst to keep me on the edge of my seat! It make me smile and laugh but it also made me shed a tear or two.
I really enjoyed the ending of this book as it really focused on woman empowerment and coming together to achieve their goal (won’t say what as don’t want to spoil it!)
The only thing I found is that the main characters spent a lot of time being enemies and I would’ve liked to see them have a bit more time together!
I would like to thank @Lizzie_ohagan @netgalley @headlinebooks for the chance to read this ARC. Publishing date is 25th May!
Hate at First Sight is the second book I’ve read by @lizzie_ohagan the first being The Visa which I really liked as well!
I really enjoyed this book and have to admit I read it in one sitting which isn’t something I do often. The pace of this book was so fast and that make it such a smooth read. I really enjoyed the British setting! It was so nice to see a book set in London rather than America for once. I feel like that is such a rare thing with books nowadays and as someone from London I loved the little references to some British culture! I also loved the little Taylor Swift reference in there!
Okay, if you love enemies to lovers and a bit of office romance then you’ll love this one. I found that it had a great balance of fluff to angst, which I really enjoyed. I can��t stand a book that’s just pure fluff as it can be so boring. I need some angst to keep me on the edge of my seat! It make me smile and laugh but it also made me shed a tear or two.
I really enjoyed the ending of this book as it really focused on woman empowerment and coming together to achieve their goal (won’t say what as don’t want to spoil it!)
The only thing I found is that the main characters spent a lot of time being enemies and I would’ve liked to see them have a bit more time together!
I would like to thank @Lizzie_ohagan @netgalley @headlinebooks for the chance to read this ARC. Publishing date is 25th May!
April 21, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Lizzie O'Hagan and Headline Books for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC! *All Views Are My Own*
Absolutely loved this read!
Enemies to Lovers office romance. Filled with enough plot, drama and romance to fulfil every reader's needs!
Every character was so loveable.
I enjoyed watching Kate and Harry go from arguing at every given moment to then falling so hard for each other.
But this wasn't just a romance book it was about the empowerment of women especially and trying to change the way the fashion industry runs. Making things more inclusive and building people up instead of breaking them down.
The character development was awesome and it showed some great lessons. Especially in not taking everything at face value as the reality can look much different.
Definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance book! (Especially enemies too lovers trope😍)
Absolutely loved this read!
Enemies to Lovers office romance. Filled with enough plot, drama and romance to fulfil every reader's needs!
Every character was so loveable.
I enjoyed watching Kate and Harry go from arguing at every given moment to then falling so hard for each other.
But this wasn't just a romance book it was about the empowerment of women especially and trying to change the way the fashion industry runs. Making things more inclusive and building people up instead of breaking them down.
The character development was awesome and it showed some great lessons. Especially in not taking everything at face value as the reality can look much different.
Definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance book! (Especially enemies too lovers trope😍)
February 18, 2023
Although I wasn't completely convinced at first, the more I read, the more I enjoyed. I found the characters realistic and relatable, especially Kate, who is a bit of a cynic in some respects and not the 'oh so perfect' FMC you sometimes see in romance books. I also liked the way it's told from her POV but still paints her in a more complex way. The book definitely was a grower, I started off not so sure how I felt about it, but it really progressed well, and I found myself enjoying it more and more. It dealt with some issues around body positivity and insecurities well and had some strong female characters. There were some elements that felt like they could have been fleshed out more, some of the friendships especially, but overall, it was an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this ARC.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this ARC.
January 28, 2024
DNF’d. Hard. 60-something pages in. I tried to give it a go, but enemies to lovers being my TOP TOP TOOOOP trope, this disappointed me hard.
I don’t know why, books like this being set in the UK isn’t it for me. Not to mention the reason why Kate started to ‘supposedly hate’ Harry is because… they didn’t kiss and some weirdo woman ruined the party. Talk about major cockblock lmao.
I don’t know… this was ‘such a great plot but very poorly executed’. (Maya you literally scrambled my thoughts into words, thank you ;)) So, yeah. Disappointed. Maybe because I finished Reckless, and it being a bomb-ass book that made me so *giggles*, it just…. Didn’t do it for me, lmao.
Also, I didn’t really follow the style of writing. It wasn’t for me, unfortunately. Maybe in the future I’ll pick it up.
💋
I don’t know why, books like this being set in the UK isn’t it for me. Not to mention the reason why Kate started to ‘supposedly hate’ Harry is because… they didn’t kiss and some weirdo woman ruined the party. Talk about major cockblock lmao.
I don’t know… this was ‘such a great plot but very poorly executed’. (Maya you literally scrambled my thoughts into words, thank you ;)) So, yeah. Disappointed. Maybe because I finished Reckless, and it being a bomb-ass book that made me so *giggles*, it just…. Didn’t do it for me, lmao.
Also, I didn’t really follow the style of writing. It wasn’t for me, unfortunately. Maybe in the future I’ll pick it up.
💋
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
Hate at First Sight is a fun, fast paced romcom with more than a little of a ‘Mean Girls’ vibe. Kate and Harry have a meet-cute turned meet-disaster and, five years later, they have to work together on a new Gen-Z focused micro-site (whatever that is). Kate sees Harry and the rest of the people she’s forced to work with as shallow and superficial, but she is slowly absorbed into their world to save her job.
I would say this book is more ‘com’ than ‘rom’; the main plot was about Kate’s tumultuous relationship with her workplace and colleagues. As such, the love story became more of a sub-plot and Harry’s character felt a bit flat.
Reading ‘Hate at First Sight’ feels like sitting down to watch your favourite film (especially if that film happens to be ‘Mean Girls’). The ending is satisfying and the story will definitely appeal to romcom fans.
I would say this book is more ‘com’ than ‘rom’; the main plot was about Kate’s tumultuous relationship with her workplace and colleagues. As such, the love story became more of a sub-plot and Harry’s character felt a bit flat.
Reading ‘Hate at First Sight’ feels like sitting down to watch your favourite film (especially if that film happens to be ‘Mean Girls’). The ending is satisfying and the story will definitely appeal to romcom fans.
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