A review by bookishmillennial
Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese

emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews because I don’t like leaving them. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial 

I am extremely biased because I adore my fellow Virgo and neurodivergent honey, Chloe Liese! She writes romances and coming of ages (for adults) that speak to my soul, and push on bruises that I didn't particularly know were still sensitive. Her writing is so tender, authentic and moving. That is indeed the case for this stunning book too! 

I loved the ADHD and chronic migraine representation (would love to hear from reviewers who have chronic migraines, as I can only speak to the ADHD experience). I think Chloe always writes with such great care! 

I am a major retelling/reimagining slut, so this is my *catnip* !!! Taming of The Shrew retellings like 10 Things I Hate About You altered my brain chemistry, and so did this book - like the paintball scene, IS SHE KIDDING?! 

The part of the book that particularly pushed on an unhealed bruise was the way that Kate felt she wasn’t loved the way she needed to be by her family, even though they were indeed a tight-knit, kind and caring group who never guilted her or questioned her traveling lifestyle! She just felt like the odd one out :(

Steam was similar to past books, about a 3/5 with demisexuality representation 

cw: chronic migraine, struggles with ADHD, death of parent, grief, alcohol, medical content, car accident, injuries 
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