A review by tabberz
At First Hate by K.A. Linde
4.0
Our queen of angst has done it again. At First Hate was a roller coaster of emotions and a fun read of hidden Easter eggs. This should be read after at least reading the first book in the Coastal Chronicles, Hold the Forevers. This follows the second of the three best friends, Marley, and her long love-hate relationship with Derek Ballantine.
Marley and Derek meet in high school, where he's one of those "Holy Cross boys" (a Catholic all-boys school for rich kids). She hates him at their first meeting but in the many years to come they really do have a love-hate relationship where the push and pull lasts over a decade.
These two have a chemistry that is palpable and their banter is one of the fun parts of this book. The ways in which they come together and then to have them break apart is infuriating but also adds to the angst that is ever present in Linde's books.
When we get to the "present" of the book, which is where we start the book, Marley has lost her grandmother and Derek comes in with many conflicts but somehow they are pulled together by other circumstances. Will they finally get their stuff together and realize what they mean to each other or will it all fall apart like every other time?
The whole will they, won't they of the book keeps you turning the page until you get to the end. And all the fun Easter eggs/guest appearances by other Linde characters shows just how small their world is and I love the intertwining of all the worlds. It is so satisfying as a fan of all her books. It keeps you on the lookout! Loved Marley and how it is so fun to see a female character who is extremely smart, focused and capable and how she doesn't have to sacrifice any of that for any man. Can't wait to read Josie and Maddox's story! Keep them coming!
Marley and Derek meet in high school, where he's one of those "Holy Cross boys" (a Catholic all-boys school for rich kids). She hates him at their first meeting but in the many years to come they really do have a love-hate relationship where the push and pull lasts over a decade.
These two have a chemistry that is palpable and their banter is one of the fun parts of this book. The ways in which they come together and then to have them break apart is infuriating but also adds to the angst that is ever present in Linde's books.
When we get to the "present" of the book, which is where we start the book, Marley has lost her grandmother and Derek comes in with many conflicts but somehow they are pulled together by other circumstances. Will they finally get their stuff together and realize what they mean to each other or will it all fall apart like every other time?
The whole will they, won't they of the book keeps you turning the page until you get to the end. And all the fun Easter eggs/guest appearances by other Linde characters shows just how small their world is and I love the intertwining of all the worlds. It is so satisfying as a fan of all her books. It keeps you on the lookout! Loved Marley and how it is so fun to see a female character who is extremely smart, focused and capable and how she doesn't have to sacrifice any of that for any man. Can't wait to read Josie and Maddox's story! Keep them coming!