A review by kaykaysbookshelf
Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Berkley & Chloe Liese for this advanced copy. Unfortunately I had to read this as a ghost, as I had passed away when I received it. It made going to the next page harder, but I'd do anything for Chloe. I really thought I couldn't love Chloe Liese books more than I already do, and then she went and wrote this and I was proven oh so wrong.
What to expect: ADHD rep & demisexuality rep (her), chronic migraines rep (him), childhood enemies to lovers, age gap (6 years), modern Taming of the Shrew retelling (10 Things I Hate About You meets Anne & Gilbert), Anthony "You Are The Bane of My Existence & the Object of All My Desires" Bridgeton Energy (reformed rake)
I gave this book 5 starts because 6 wasn't an option. Chloe writes so well and I love it. To watch these characters grow together and learn to love themselves as they are AND how to love each other feels so special, like you almost shouldn't be reading it. Their hate for each other is established in Bea's book (Two Wrongs Make A Right) and their banter does not disappoint!
When it comes to the sexual tension and spice in this book, Chloe knocks it out of the park. The whole time you're yelling at these two to just kiss already!! When they eventually get there, it's perfect. They're both so understanding of each others needs and it's so intimate and romantic that I was just blown away with how perfect it was. This book also has some of the hottest non-sex scenes I've ever read, and I will be never be over them, I GASPED multiple times throughout this book.
While Kate & Christopher together is everything, seeing them grow as individuals was a treat. The representation in this book was so well done. When it came to them talking to each other about these topics, I loved the open communications and willingness to listen and learn. That is so important in relationships, and Chloe does an excellent job of showing that.
Chloe also does an ensemble cast SO WELL. To get glimpses of Bea and Jamie throughout this book was such a freaking delight and I love them with all of my heart. In addition to them, I was thrilled to see how often friends from the first book were in this story. I think having that group of people established and there to welcome Kate back after she returned from her travels was SO IMPORTANT. If there weren't so many people ready to just easily bring her back into the fold, she would have had a much harder time with her relationship with Christopher.
The ending of this book is also 10/10
Spice: 3 - note that it is so intimate and lovely and just perfect
What to expect: ADHD rep & demisexuality rep (her), chronic migraines rep (him), childhood enemies to lovers, age gap (6 years), modern Taming of the Shrew retelling (10 Things I Hate About You meets Anne & Gilbert), Anthony "You Are The Bane of My Existence & the Object of All My Desires" Bridgeton Energy (reformed rake)
I gave this book 5 starts because 6 wasn't an option. Chloe writes so well and I love it. To watch these characters grow together and learn to love themselves as they are AND how to love each other feels so special, like you almost shouldn't be reading it. Their hate for each other is established in Bea's book (Two Wrongs Make A Right) and their banter does not disappoint!
When it comes to the sexual tension and spice in this book, Chloe knocks it out of the park. The whole time you're yelling at these two to just kiss already!! When they eventually get there, it's perfect. They're both so understanding of each others needs and it's so intimate and romantic that I was just blown away with how perfect it was. This book also has some of the hottest non-sex scenes I've ever read, and I will be never be over them, I GASPED multiple times throughout this book.
While Kate & Christopher together is everything, seeing them grow as individuals was a treat. The representation in this book was so well done. When it came to them talking to each other about these topics, I loved the open communications and willingness to listen and learn. That is so important in relationships, and Chloe does an excellent job of showing that.
Chloe also does an ensemble cast SO WELL. To get glimpses of Bea and Jamie throughout this book was such a freaking delight and I love them with all of my heart. In addition to them, I was thrilled to see how often friends from the first book were in this story. I think having that group of people established and there to welcome Kate back after she returned from her travels was SO IMPORTANT. If there weren't so many people ready to just easily bring her back into the fold, she would have had a much harder time with her relationship with Christopher.
The ending of this book is also 10/10
Spice: 3 - note that it is so intimate and lovely and just perfect
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Mental illness
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Death of parent