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Tell Me How You Hate Me
When life gives you your enemy, you make a deal with him…
Leo Wells is the last person I want to be skating with.
He’s aloof, abrasive… and stupidly attractive. Nevermind the fact that I had a lapse in judgment one night with him in the past.
We may not like each other, but I like winning more and if I want to do that, I need him.
We need each other.
Leo doesn’t like the idea anymore than I do, but we make a deal. We can put our differences aside and forget about our history so we can compete together.
It should be easy enough–after all, neither of us like the other.
But there’s a spark between us, one that reignites a burning fire we lit a long time ago.
The lines are blurring and melting like the ice around my heart.
Leo Wells is breaking through my walls, tearing them down one layer at a time.
And all I can do is tell him how I hate him…
Because I’m afraid I don’t hate him at all.
Leo Wells is the last person I want to be skating with.
He’s aloof, abrasive… and stupidly attractive. Nevermind the fact that I had a lapse in judgment one night with him in the past.
We may not like each other, but I like winning more and if I want to do that, I need him.
We need each other.
Leo doesn’t like the idea anymore than I do, but we make a deal. We can put our differences aside and forget about our history so we can compete together.
It should be easy enough–after all, neither of us like the other.
But there’s a spark between us, one that reignites a burning fire we lit a long time ago.
The lines are blurring and melting like the ice around my heart.
Leo Wells is breaking through my walls, tearing them down one layer at a time.
And all I can do is tell him how I hate him…
Because I’m afraid I don’t hate him at all.
Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2024
About the author
Cali Melle
22 books898 followersCali Melle is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes sports romance that will pull at your heartstrings. You can always expect her stories to come fully equipped with heartthrobs and a happy ending, along with some steamy scenes.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
In her free time, Cali can usually be found living in a magical, fantasy world with the newest book or fanfic she's reading or freezing at the ice rink while she watches her kids play hockey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 613 reviews
June 17, 2024
I really, REALLY wanted to love this, but I actually low key hated it. I think the three star rating is a bit generous, seeing as the more time I take to think about this book after finishing it, the more I find to complain about. As a former competitive figure skater, I was all for a figure skating romance! I didn’t expect this to be super technical or even scratch the surface of the complexities of this sport; but I did expect some sort of effort on the author’s behalf - which we got none of. I swear, the only things the author looked up were the names of two jumps and how to stop while skating. No spins, no actual pairs moves, nothing! Even the competition descriptions were completely wrong and this could’ve easily been researched for 5 minutes. At the level the main characters were supposedly skating at, you don’t just have one program and you’re done and it’s just a surprise who wins. Every score is meticulously tracked and recorded - people know exactly who’s going to be on the podium by the end of it. There’s also a short and long program, not just the one and done. Like I said, I didn’t expect it to go too deep in the technical side of figure skating, but I expected SOMETHING.
The story was mid and I absolutely couldn’t stand either main character. What was even their motivations being together?? They hated each other for essentially no reason and there was literally zero character or relationship development. Tell Me How You Hate Me was an absolute slog to get through and I would like my time back. I haven’t been so disappointed in a romance in a long time. I honestly should’ve DNF’ed, but I was hoping and praying something would redeem it.
Basically, just skip this and pick up From Lukov With Love, it’s much better and this was a poor imitation anyways.
Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for providing me an early copy.
Update: I moved my rating down to two stars because UGH I really was just being nice when honesty is def needed here.
The story was mid and I absolutely couldn’t stand either main character. What was even their motivations being together?? They hated each other for essentially no reason and there was literally zero character or relationship development. Tell Me How You Hate Me was an absolute slog to get through and I would like my time back. I haven’t been so disappointed in a romance in a long time. I honestly should’ve DNF’ed, but I was hoping and praying something would redeem it.
Basically, just skip this and pick up From Lukov With Love, it’s much better and this was a poor imitation anyways.
Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for providing me an early copy.
Update: I moved my rating down to two stars because UGH I really was just being nice when honesty is def needed here.
June 17, 2024
4.5 rounded up 🩵
this was my first book of Cali’s and boy oh boy i cannot wait to start going through her backlist after reading this, it has been so long since a book has captivated me from the prologue to the very last page 😩
i do want to start off with why i took .5 off of my rating. it is simply because i personally did not feel these two ever actually hated each other at all, past the prologue it felt more so like they hated themselves for wanting each other so bad.
THAT BEING SAID - it worked for me. thankfully i am someone who actually absolutely loves when this is the case LOL. however for this one i was realllly hoping for it to deep hate and having to partner up with one another then leading to hate s~x to real ily s~x, ya know?
the chemistry between leo and aria right off the bat and through the entire book was honestly out of this world. starting the book off with these two hooking up in the prologue was the most insane and best possible way ever to have started this book out and it in of itself proved they had the craziest chemistry, *chefs kiss* fr.
leo wells was the sweetest golden retriever man who in my honest opinion has been secretly and most likely begrudgingly been in love with aria for most of his life 😂 this man deserves the world and more for real. hes her brothers best friend, hes a cat dad and most importantly he says shit like this - "Your heart is an unattainable dream, Aria Reed. No one on this planet is deserving of it.” LIKE ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
aria our anxiety ridden black cat woman, bad ass and extremely down bad whether she wanted to admitted it or not (because who wouldn’t be fr and down bad is in the playlist after all) i really related to aria in a lot of aspects and i absolutely loved how the two of them worked through each others anxieties.
i also really loved how sports based this was. we dont really get to see competitive ice skating a lot so i loved that it was pretty in depth in that area without it being too complex for casual watchers of the sport like myself!!
the entirety of this book was so much fun, there are certain aspects i wish we wouldve gone a little more in depth on/gotten some more backstories but over all i had a wonderful time with this book and its made me even more excited to finally dive into her hockey series 😋
this was my first book of Cali’s and boy oh boy i cannot wait to start going through her backlist after reading this, it has been so long since a book has captivated me from the prologue to the very last page 😩
i do want to start off with why i took .5 off of my rating. it is simply because i personally did not feel these two ever actually hated each other at all, past the prologue it felt more so like they hated themselves for wanting each other so bad.
THAT BEING SAID - it worked for me. thankfully i am someone who actually absolutely loves when this is the case LOL. however for this one i was realllly hoping for it to deep hate and having to partner up with one another then leading to hate s~x to real ily s~x, ya know?
the chemistry between leo and aria right off the bat and through the entire book was honestly out of this world. starting the book off with these two hooking up in the prologue was the most insane and best possible way ever to have started this book out and it in of itself proved they had the craziest chemistry, *chefs kiss* fr.
leo wells was the sweetest golden retriever man who in my honest opinion has been secretly and most likely begrudgingly been in love with aria for most of his life 😂 this man deserves the world and more for real. hes her brothers best friend, hes a cat dad and most importantly he says shit like this - "Your heart is an unattainable dream, Aria Reed. No one on this planet is deserving of it.” LIKE ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
aria our anxiety ridden black cat woman, bad ass and extremely down bad whether she wanted to admitted it or not (because who wouldn’t be fr and down bad is in the playlist after all) i really related to aria in a lot of aspects and i absolutely loved how the two of them worked through each others anxieties.
i also really loved how sports based this was. we dont really get to see competitive ice skating a lot so i loved that it was pretty in depth in that area without it being too complex for casual watchers of the sport like myself!!
the entirety of this book was so much fun, there are certain aspects i wish we wouldve gone a little more in depth on/gotten some more backstories but over all i had a wonderful time with this book and its made me even more excited to finally dive into her hockey series 😋
June 24, 2024
This contemporary romance novel is set in the world of figure skating. It follows Aria and Leo, two skaters who have to work together despite not getting along.
The story idea is interesting: two rivals with a messy history must overcome their differences to succeed in their sport. The book tries to explore themes like balancing work and feelings, overcoming emotional hurdles, and turning rivalry into something deeper.
However, the book doesn't quite live up to its potential. The chemistry between Aria and Leo, which is key in a romance story, isn't very convincing. This makes it hard for readers to really care about the characters and their journey.
At times, the story gets boring, especially during some interactions between Aria and Leo. These slow parts make the book drag and can make readers lose interest.
While the "enemies to lovers" theme is usually popular in romance fiction, it doesn't work well here. The shift from dislike to attraction between Aria and Leo feels forced and lacks the depth to make it believable.
In short, even though the book has a promising idea, it falls short of expectations. The unconvincing chemistry between the main characters and the boring parts make the book less engaging than it could have been. It ends up being a forgettable read in the sports romance genre.
The story idea is interesting: two rivals with a messy history must overcome their differences to succeed in their sport. The book tries to explore themes like balancing work and feelings, overcoming emotional hurdles, and turning rivalry into something deeper.
However, the book doesn't quite live up to its potential. The chemistry between Aria and Leo, which is key in a romance story, isn't very convincing. This makes it hard for readers to really care about the characters and their journey.
At times, the story gets boring, especially during some interactions between Aria and Leo. These slow parts make the book drag and can make readers lose interest.
While the "enemies to lovers" theme is usually popular in romance fiction, it doesn't work well here. The shift from dislike to attraction between Aria and Leo feels forced and lacks the depth to make it believable.
In short, even though the book has a promising idea, it falls short of expectations. The unconvincing chemistry between the main characters and the boring parts make the book less engaging than it could have been. It ends up being a forgettable read in the sports romance genre.
July 20, 2024
No figure skating book could ever beat ‘From Lukov with love’
This book was fine not the best but I liked the concept
It would have been so much better if it was more slow burn
This book was fine not the best but I liked the concept
It would have been so much better if it was more slow burn
June 24, 2024
Tell Me How You Hate Me by Cali Melle
4.5/5 stars
Tell Me How You Hate Me is a captivating and sweet book about Aria and Leo who have a complicated relationship. I wouldn't necessarily describe it as enemies to lovers. I think that label doesn't suit this story at all. Both Aria and Leo are insecure and extremely hesitant and afraid to step outside of their comfort zones. And when one of them is stuck stationary for a while the other one is hurt. While they didn't actually mean to hurt the other one. And that feeds this vicious circle they are stuck in. And that is what this book is about.
Aria and Leo are both very talented figure skating talents. At the start of the book they have both lost their partners which they skated with for years. And their coaches set them up together. They are both hesitant at first.
"Just one skate and then we will decide what happens."
Leo Wells shakes my hand.
"Deal."
But after their trial run and the memory of the time they skated together as teens. They decide to give it a shot.
Meanwhile Griffin returns to town. Aria dated him for awhile in highschool and agrees to catch up with him over dinner.
I'm driving on autopilot, heading in the direction of the mall, except I'm not thinking about shopping. I'm not thinking about dinner with Griffin.
I'm thinking about Leo.
And I fucking hate it.
The more they skate together. The higher the fire starts to burn between them. And when they end up in the same room at a competition it cannot be contained any longer.
Reality comes crashing down around me when I realize I'm standing in the shower alone. Aria isn't in front of me on her knees with my cock down her throat. It's my hand wrapped around my length, not her lips.
But how do they navigate those feelings? And why is Leo's urge to push her away so strong?
There's a longing dancing in his eyes, but he doesn't call out for me. He simply watches as I'm pulled in the opposite direction of him.
And fuck me for wanting to turn around and run back into his arms.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I immediately fell in love with both Aria and Leo and my heart ached for the both of them.
I also adored Aria's brother Austin and her best friend Brynn.
"Did you like knowing I was fucking my hand thinking about you?" Her breath hitches. "I did," she admits as her hands fall onto my lap. She spreads her fingers on my thighs, gripping them through my pants. "I want to hear it again, but this time, I want to be the one making you come."
Jesus fuck, the mouth on her.
I was utterly consumed by their passion and their love.
"I hate you, Leo," I moan, my back arching as his balls smack against me and he starts to fuck me harder. "I hate the way you make me feel. I hate that you make me feel."
While breaking apart as well. Their growth and their character arc was amazing to read.
He doesn't think he's deserving of love. And he's determined to push away anyone that threatens that belief.
I did hope that the sport was represented a little bit better in this book. It felt rather 'easy' in this book. And I know how brutal and how hard this sport is. How difficult the competitions are and how much more there is to a competition than just the one skate that was written down in this book per event.
But overall a really addictive book and I was absolutely mesmerized by this amazing love story! 4.5 huge stars from me for this beauty!
4.5/5 stars
Tell Me How You Hate Me is a captivating and sweet book about Aria and Leo who have a complicated relationship. I wouldn't necessarily describe it as enemies to lovers. I think that label doesn't suit this story at all. Both Aria and Leo are insecure and extremely hesitant and afraid to step outside of their comfort zones. And when one of them is stuck stationary for a while the other one is hurt. While they didn't actually mean to hurt the other one. And that feeds this vicious circle they are stuck in. And that is what this book is about.
Aria and Leo are both very talented figure skating talents. At the start of the book they have both lost their partners which they skated with for years. And their coaches set them up together. They are both hesitant at first.
"Just one skate and then we will decide what happens."
Leo Wells shakes my hand.
"Deal."
But after their trial run and the memory of the time they skated together as teens. They decide to give it a shot.
Meanwhile Griffin returns to town. Aria dated him for awhile in highschool and agrees to catch up with him over dinner.
I'm driving on autopilot, heading in the direction of the mall, except I'm not thinking about shopping. I'm not thinking about dinner with Griffin.
I'm thinking about Leo.
And I fucking hate it.
The more they skate together. The higher the fire starts to burn between them. And when they end up in the same room at a competition it cannot be contained any longer.
Reality comes crashing down around me when I realize I'm standing in the shower alone. Aria isn't in front of me on her knees with my cock down her throat. It's my hand wrapped around my length, not her lips.
But how do they navigate those feelings? And why is Leo's urge to push her away so strong?
There's a longing dancing in his eyes, but he doesn't call out for me. He simply watches as I'm pulled in the opposite direction of him.
And fuck me for wanting to turn around and run back into his arms.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish. I immediately fell in love with both Aria and Leo and my heart ached for the both of them.
I also adored Aria's brother Austin and her best friend Brynn.
"Did you like knowing I was fucking my hand thinking about you?" Her breath hitches. "I did," she admits as her hands fall onto my lap. She spreads her fingers on my thighs, gripping them through my pants. "I want to hear it again, but this time, I want to be the one making you come."
Jesus fuck, the mouth on her.
I was utterly consumed by their passion and their love.
"I hate you, Leo," I moan, my back arching as his balls smack against me and he starts to fuck me harder. "I hate the way you make me feel. I hate that you make me feel."
While breaking apart as well. Their growth and their character arc was amazing to read.
He doesn't think he's deserving of love. And he's determined to push away anyone that threatens that belief.
I did hope that the sport was represented a little bit better in this book. It felt rather 'easy' in this book. And I know how brutal and how hard this sport is. How difficult the competitions are and how much more there is to a competition than just the one skate that was written down in this book per event.
But overall a really addictive book and I was absolutely mesmerized by this amazing love story! 4.5 huge stars from me for this beauty!
June 27, 2024
This was my first Cali Melle book and let me tell you, I LOVED IT! I'm a girlie who loves sports, and "Ice Princess" was my favorite movie growing up (seriously). This book brought me back into that world but with 🌶️ romance.
Aria is a perfectionist whose passion is figure skating, and she wants to reach the top, even if that means partnering up with her “enemy” to do it. Then there’s Leo, who understands how demanding figure skating is, so he never commits to love... little did he know that there’s a thin line between love and hate 💞👏🏼
I recommend this book to any reader who wants to see the lines blur between hatred and love because this book BROUGHT it all!
Tropes:
⛸️Sports romance (figure skating)
⛸️Rivals to Lovers
⛸️Forced Proximity
⛸️Only One Bed
⛸️Denial - from BOTH
⛸️Best friend's Sister
Thank you Valentines PR and Cali Melle for giving me an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.post-reading vibes⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
this was the perfect “we hate each other, but are addicted to one another” and the spice and tension was delicious 🥹
June 13, 2024
Leo + Aria
-ice skaters
-rivals to lovers
-forced prox
-one bed
-brothers best friend
honestly i am just soooo in love with these two!! the tension! the past! the jabs! the angst!! THE HEATTT!! god they're soooo hot & leo was so adorable i can't!!
This is where I want to stay forever. Right here, with her, irrevocably lost in one another. My soul has reached its final destination. And it's her. It’s always been her.
LIKE STFU
-ice skaters
-rivals to lovers
-forced prox
-one bed
-brothers best friend
honestly i am just soooo in love with these two!! the tension! the past! the jabs! the angst!! THE HEATTT!! god they're soooo hot & leo was so adorable i can't!!
This is where I want to stay forever. Right here, with her, irrevocably lost in one another. My soul has reached its final destination. And it's her. It’s always been her.
LIKE STFU
June 19, 2024
THIS STORY CHANGED MY BRAIN CHEMISTRY. THE ROMANCE? THE TENSION? THE CLOSE PROXIMTY? FIGURE SKATING?
this felt like watching the cutting edge and it gave me exactly what I needed. Like I need more books like this asap because I was giggling and kicking my feet so hard that I had to walk around my room after I finished it😔
Like help how come I didn’t learn to figure skate and have a hot partner that I can have so much tension with. LIFE ISNT FAIR.👊
this felt like watching the cutting edge and it gave me exactly what I needed. Like I need more books like this asap because I was giggling and kicking my feet so hard that I had to walk around my room after I finished it😔
Like help how come I didn’t learn to figure skate and have a hot partner that I can have so much tension with. LIFE ISNT FAIR.👊
July 10, 2024
Erm….
How awkward. I literally did a video on this for tiktok when I was at 100 pages saying I’m obsessed
Yeah…. That changed quite quickly 🤣🤣🤣
The spice scenes were good but the miscommunication was doing my head in. The constant push and pull was draining and then I got bored 🤣
Spice scenes were good tho
How awkward. I literally did a video on this for tiktok when I was at 100 pages saying I’m obsessed
Yeah…. That changed quite quickly 🤣🤣🤣
The spice scenes were good but the miscommunication was doing my head in. The constant push and pull was draining and then I got bored 🤣
Spice scenes were good tho
June 24, 2024
I really didn’t like this book. I was so excited for this release but this one just wasn’t for me.
I feel like after “the lie of us” was removed from her series for being “too dark” her work hasn’t really hit the same.
This book had so many tropes that it was honestly a little over whelming
Off the top of my head the tropes in this book were
childhood enemies (outside of skating)
childhood rivals (during skating)
enemies to lovers
best friends little sister
“workplace” romance
miscommunication
noncommittal
It just felt like TOO much was going on. TOO many plot points were trying to be hit i couldn’t handle it.
The plot also made NO sense it’s like these people hate each other for no legitimate or valid reason. they got their feelings hurt in high school and instead of communicating it they let it fester into this decade long hatred for no reason besides vibes ????
The story doesn’t even actually start till about 50% in. And even by that point they are barely even sleeping together and are still in this whole “i hate them” type of relationship.
The worst part is they don’t ever actually come out of this phase. It isn’t until the very very end of the book and I mean like 90/95% in the book where they actually tell each other they have feelings for each other that’s it’s all cleared up. Which is like ?!?!
Even during this whole exchange it’s just a literal cluster fuck of miscommunication.
The writing/dialogue in this book was also so bad, it was trying to be cute and romantic but just ended up sounding across like wattpad dialogue. It was genuinely cringey.
"You silly, silly girl," I whisper as I bite back my grin. Shaking my head, I chuckle softly. "You don't get it, do you? You're it for me. I promise there will never be a day in my life that I don't want you. Believe me when I tell you, I will never hurt you."
"That's the beauty of being human, Ari. We're all constantly a work in progress. We're fluid like water, changing shapes and forms. We're always evolving and growing."
I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately it didn’t deliver what i knew this author could.
I feel like after “the lie of us” was removed from her series for being “too dark” her work hasn’t really hit the same.
This book had so many tropes that it was honestly a little over whelming
Off the top of my head the tropes in this book were
childhood enemies (outside of skating)
childhood rivals (during skating)
enemies to lovers
best friends little sister
“workplace” romance
miscommunication
noncommittal
It just felt like TOO much was going on. TOO many plot points were trying to be hit i couldn’t handle it.
The plot also made NO sense it’s like these people hate each other for no legitimate or valid reason. they got their feelings hurt in high school and instead of communicating it they let it fester into this decade long hatred for no reason besides vibes ????
The story doesn’t even actually start till about 50% in. And even by that point they are barely even sleeping together and are still in this whole “i hate them” type of relationship.
The worst part is they don’t ever actually come out of this phase. It isn’t until the very very end of the book and I mean like 90/95% in the book where they actually tell each other they have feelings for each other that’s it’s all cleared up. Which is like ?!?!
Even during this whole exchange it’s just a literal cluster fuck of miscommunication.
The writing/dialogue in this book was also so bad, it was trying to be cute and romantic but just ended up sounding across like wattpad dialogue. It was genuinely cringey.
"You silly, silly girl," I whisper as I bite back my grin. Shaking my head, I chuckle softly. "You don't get it, do you? You're it for me. I promise there will never be a day in my life that I don't want you. Believe me when I tell you, I will never hurt you."
"That's the beauty of being human, Ari. We're all constantly a work in progress. We're fluid like water, changing shapes and forms. We're always evolving and growing."
I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately it didn’t deliver what i knew this author could.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
Trope - brother's best friend, grumpy × sunshine, sports romance, enemies to lovers, figure skaters, commitment-phobic MMC, angst, one-bed, forced proximity, "I hate you but I also want you", workplace romance, banter, mutual pining, small town, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1
I wanted something similar to From Lukov with Love by MZ, and damn I found the perfect book. The plotline was similar in various ways, but it also was unique. They had this attraction and rivalry which I didn't get a lot in FLWL, and it felt like reading an alternative plot. I just loved every second. This one was like a warm hug, I almost forgot I was reading a book. Everything felt realistic and original.
Leo and Aria both need partners for the upcoming competition and are assigned one another. The chemistry between them was just so hot, that they wanted to kill but also kiss each other at the same time. There was a constant push and pull between them - the mutual pining and angst were just what I needed to enjoy this book even more. The continuous bickering followed by soft and spicy moments were so satisfying to read. Those tiny moments of vulnerability followed by warmth, created the perfect balance. Yes, they had their insecurities and fights but those were necessary to bring them to the place they needed to be i.e. together.
Aria was a strong, anxiety-driven FMC who knew her worth. I loved how Aria could say and think anything about Leo but as soon as someone else tried doing it she was quick to defend him and show them their place. "No one gets to speak badly about that man and think I'll ever be okay with it." and she says she hates him, cute. FYI she too was in love with him - but wasn't aware.
Leo was a hidden golden retriever with a grumpy exterior - I just loved this guy. He was always in love with her, he just didn't know it. Ooh, those small moments where he would ponder upon his feelings for her and would say the most beautiful lines in the silence, those thoughts just made me fall in love with him, how can you say this guy has never been in love?
I liked how Aria was the first one to voice out her feelings for him, he was scared and this was a moment of realization for him - there were some hurdles after this confession, but what was fun to read was how Leo knew what needs to be done to get her back - this guy groveled efficiently, he knew what needs to be done and he did it silently.
Austin was a great brother, I just loved his character. He was a protective and responsible brother but he also was a great friend who knew what was best for Leo - like setting him up with his sister or helping his friend without any judgment. That's the kind of brother/friend you need and I couldn't help but notice his attraction towards Brynn and I can't wait for their book (if there is going to be one).
This whole book was so much fun to read, I loved every moment of it. From the banter to the spice to the touching moments. I just wanted a little more on the sports and feelings aspect, they were there but a little more would have been so much fun.
I really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend it if you want an ice skating, enemies to lovers book that is similar to From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata.
Overall 4/5, safe.
Spice - 🌶🌶🌶
Trope - brother's best friend, grumpy × sunshine, sports romance, enemies to lovers, figure skaters, commitment-phobic MMC, angst, one-bed, forced proximity, "I hate you but I also want you", workplace romance, banter, mutual pining, small town, HEA
Bonus chapter - 1
I wanted something similar to From Lukov with Love by MZ, and damn I found the perfect book. The plotline was similar in various ways, but it also was unique. They had this attraction and rivalry which I didn't get a lot in FLWL, and it felt like reading an alternative plot. I just loved every second. This one was like a warm hug, I almost forgot I was reading a book. Everything felt realistic and original.
Leo and Aria both need partners for the upcoming competition and are assigned one another. The chemistry between them was just so hot, that they wanted to kill but also kiss each other at the same time. There was a constant push and pull between them - the mutual pining and angst were just what I needed to enjoy this book even more. The continuous bickering followed by soft and spicy moments were so satisfying to read. Those tiny moments of vulnerability followed by warmth, created the perfect balance. Yes, they had their insecurities and fights but those were necessary to bring them to the place they needed to be i.e. together.
Aria was a strong, anxiety-driven FMC who knew her worth. I loved how Aria could say and think anything about Leo but as soon as someone else tried doing it she was quick to defend him and show them their place. "No one gets to speak badly about that man and think I'll ever be okay with it." and she says she hates him, cute. FYI she too was in love with him - but wasn't aware.
Leo was a hidden golden retriever with a grumpy exterior - I just loved this guy. He was always in love with her, he just didn't know it. Ooh, those small moments where he would ponder upon his feelings for her and would say the most beautiful lines in the silence, those thoughts just made me fall in love with him, how can you say this guy has never been in love?
I liked how Aria was the first one to voice out her feelings for him, he was scared and this was a moment of realization for him - there were some hurdles after this confession, but what was fun to read was how Leo knew what needs to be done to get her back - this guy groveled efficiently, he knew what needs to be done and he did it silently.
Austin was a great brother, I just loved his character. He was a protective and responsible brother but he also was a great friend who knew what was best for Leo - like setting him up with his sister or helping his friend without any judgment. That's the kind of brother/friend you need and I couldn't help but notice his attraction towards Brynn and I can't wait for their book (if there is going to be one).
This whole book was so much fun to read, I loved every moment of it. From the banter to the spice to the touching moments. I just wanted a little more on the sports and feelings aspect, they were there but a little more would have been so much fun.
I really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend it if you want an ice skating, enemies to lovers book that is similar to From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata.
Overall 4/5, safe.
June 26, 2024
Leo & Aria
*ARC review
Dual POV- chefs kiss for this alone! so good!
I'd like to start by saying I know nothing about ice skating / figure skating so that plays no basis for my rating. After viewing some negative reviews it seems many mention the inaccuracies of the sport which reflects their rating. I understand that in the way I am a nurse and my eye-rolling, curse out loud feelings when I watch Grey's Anatomy. I am basing this purely on my feelings while reading this.
Not really an enemies to lovers, but more so rivals and competitors. They wanted to hate each other. They really really tried and their banter and inner dialogue showed it. They had this push and pull to them and they struggled to keep their innermost feelings at bay. Their chemistry would melt the ice they skated on. Close proximity is nothing compared to being partnered together to figure skate. The trust and chemistry must be top notch for competition purposes.
When this pair find themselves out of country for a competition and the air conditioning is stuck on in Aria's room she is somewhat forced into Leo's room so she can stay warm and keep her muscles relaxed. Leo was pure gentleman and I found myself cheering him on! Leo was also friends with Aria's brother and I loved how he was protective yet supportive and how he cheered on Leo going after Aria.
*sports romance- figure skating
*close proximity
*siblings friend
*rivals to lovers
*golden retriever mmc
*anxiety rep
** What I disliked- drinking and driving. Aria who is known to be petite and not a drinker. She already had been drinking when she took a sip of beer then shotgunned it and immediately got her keys and drove home. No waiting, no question if she was sober. No excuse for this! It was poor taste and someone on the authors team should have caught this and said nope.
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving a review voluntarily. Many thanks to publisher, author, and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read and review early.
Release date: June 24, 2024
*ARC review
Dual POV- chefs kiss for this alone! so good!
I'd like to start by saying I know nothing about ice skating / figure skating so that plays no basis for my rating. After viewing some negative reviews it seems many mention the inaccuracies of the sport which reflects their rating. I understand that in the way I am a nurse and my eye-rolling, curse out loud feelings when I watch Grey's Anatomy. I am basing this purely on my feelings while reading this.
Not really an enemies to lovers, but more so rivals and competitors. They wanted to hate each other. They really really tried and their banter and inner dialogue showed it. They had this push and pull to them and they struggled to keep their innermost feelings at bay. Their chemistry would melt the ice they skated on. Close proximity is nothing compared to being partnered together to figure skate. The trust and chemistry must be top notch for competition purposes.
When this pair find themselves out of country for a competition and the air conditioning is stuck on in Aria's room she is somewhat forced into Leo's room so she can stay warm and keep her muscles relaxed. Leo was pure gentleman and I found myself cheering him on! Leo was also friends with Aria's brother and I loved how he was protective yet supportive and how he cheered on Leo going after Aria.
*sports romance- figure skating
*close proximity
*siblings friend
*rivals to lovers
*golden retriever mmc
*anxiety rep
** What I disliked- drinking and driving. Aria who is known to be petite and not a drinker. She already had been drinking when she took a sip of beer then shotgunned it and immediately got her keys and drove home. No waiting, no question if she was sober. No excuse for this! It was poor taste and someone on the authors team should have caught this and said nope.
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaving a review voluntarily. Many thanks to publisher, author, and Valentine PR for the opportunity to read and review early.
Release date: June 24, 2024
July 10, 2024
Tell Me How You Hate Me is an enemies to lovers, brother’s best friend, figure skater romance! This cover absolutely sold me, as soon as I saw it months ago I have thought of nothing else. So when it dropped on KU, I had to jump in! This was my first read from this author and sadly this didn’t quite live up to my expectations/hopes.
I was expecting a true enemies to lovers setup and really didn’t feel that at all. Sure the characters constantly say they hate one another, but like there is no proof of this supposed hate (besides their words). It was just never that believable to me and I still don’t know why they didn’t like one another to begin with. 🤷🏼♀️ They’ve been in one another’s circle for a while, from highschool and him being her brother’s best friend for 20 years, as well as running in the same figure skating competition ring. Aria and Leo are both in need of new partners and end up going from competing against one another to skating together now!
The story opens with a one night fling and they hook up off and on throughout the story, all while touting the hate they have for one another and trying to keep their hands off one another…besides when it comes to skating together of course. I just wanted more in general with this one, it’s an easy to fly through read but I didn’t get the depth I wanted from the characters, the hate, the chemistry, or the figure skating world. It wasn’t terrible by any means, it just didn’t hit for me like I had hoped. The cover however is still one of my favorites I’ve seen this year!
I was expecting a true enemies to lovers setup and really didn’t feel that at all. Sure the characters constantly say they hate one another, but like there is no proof of this supposed hate (besides their words). It was just never that believable to me and I still don’t know why they didn’t like one another to begin with. 🤷🏼♀️ They’ve been in one another’s circle for a while, from highschool and him being her brother’s best friend for 20 years, as well as running in the same figure skating competition ring. Aria and Leo are both in need of new partners and end up going from competing against one another to skating together now!
The story opens with a one night fling and they hook up off and on throughout the story, all while touting the hate they have for one another and trying to keep their hands off one another…besides when it comes to skating together of course. I just wanted more in general with this one, it’s an easy to fly through read but I didn’t get the depth I wanted from the characters, the hate, the chemistry, or the figure skating world. It wasn’t terrible by any means, it just didn’t hit for me like I had hoped. The cover however is still one of my favorites I’ve seen this year!
June 24, 2024
4.25
This was the book that I needed.
I simply adore when it's an enemies to lovers and a sports romance.
This was such a enjoyable read: pretty fast paced, funny and a fast burn between two enemies with figure skating involved!!
This book took me out of a reading slump and I can't recommend it more if you're looking for something to read fast and addictive. I couldn't put this book down since I was truly curious about it.
They are enemies since forever, he's also her brother's best friend AND they are force to skate together. Everything I love!
Thank you so much for this ARC, Valentine PR and Cali Melle 🩷
This was the book that I needed.
I simply adore when it's an enemies to lovers and a sports romance.
This was such a enjoyable read: pretty fast paced, funny and a fast burn between two enemies with figure skating involved!!
This book took me out of a reading slump and I can't recommend it more if you're looking for something to read fast and addictive. I couldn't put this book down since I was truly curious about it.
They are enemies since forever, he's also her brother's best friend AND they are force to skate together. Everything I love!
Thank you so much for this ARC, Valentine PR and Cali Melle 🩷
June 15, 2024
Thank you to Cali Melle & ValentinePR for giving me the opportunity to be an arc reader for this new release & providing me with this reader copy of Tell Me How You Hate Me in exchange for an honest review! 🤍
Overall Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 2.5/5🌶️
If you’re been looking for that one romance that’s giving tessa virtue x scott moir level of figure skating partner chemistry & long awaited yearning for the pairing (THE GIRLIES THAT GET IT, GET IT!!!!!!!) LOOK NO FURTHER because this is absolutely the book you’ve been waiting for!!!
YALLLL this may be my favorite read of june because DAMNNNNN i loved every part of this. One of my highly anticipated reads & i’m soooo happy i was chosen for an arc because i dropped everything immediately to read this one, just having a gut feeling it was gonna be good (AND IT WASSSS)!!
first of all, not only is the plot just sooo good with the enemies to lovers + forced proximity mix, the spice was spicing!!!! and something about both of them being pro figure skatings just had me jumping for joy and kicking my feet the whole time - out of all the sports romances out there, figure skater x figure skater just hits so good to me!
Aria & Leo are to die for. their chemistry, on and off the skating rink, was UNMATCHED and you can feel their (sexual) tension the whole entire time! They have a complicated history and claim to hate each other for reasons… but can’t seem to stay away from one another the longer they work together. line of hate seems to blur into something more the longer they spend time together while dying for their common goal of winning competitions & going for gold! Their journey was so fun to experience, I was absolutely giddy the whole time for them and found myself screaming (to myself) as the grew closer and their animosity turned into affections and tenderness 🤍
I’ve been wanting to read Cali Melle’s books for so long, and as this was my first Cali Melle read, I will DEFINITELY be reading more of her works. so fracking phenomenal.
What to expect in Tell Me How You Hate Me:
🤍 enemies to lovers
🤍 brother’s best friend
🤍 pro sports romance
🤍 forced proximity
🤍 enemies with benefits
🤍 only one bed
🤍 mental health & anxiety representation
🤍 he takes care of her & washes her hair
🤍 both in denial of their feelings
🤍 he’s a cat daddy
🤍 “just one taste” / just once to get it out of our system
🤍 he cooks for her when she’s sick
I recieved in ARC copy of Tell Me How You Hate Me and all thoughts & comments on this review are my own!
Overall Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice Rating: 2.5/5🌶️
If you’re been looking for that one romance that’s giving tessa virtue x scott moir level of figure skating partner chemistry & long awaited yearning for the pairing (THE GIRLIES THAT GET IT, GET IT!!!!!!!) LOOK NO FURTHER because this is absolutely the book you’ve been waiting for!!!
YALLLL this may be my favorite read of june because DAMNNNNN i loved every part of this. One of my highly anticipated reads & i’m soooo happy i was chosen for an arc because i dropped everything immediately to read this one, just having a gut feeling it was gonna be good (AND IT WASSSS)!!
first of all, not only is the plot just sooo good with the enemies to lovers + forced proximity mix, the spice was spicing!!!! and something about both of them being pro figure skatings just had me jumping for joy and kicking my feet the whole time - out of all the sports romances out there, figure skater x figure skater just hits so good to me!
Aria & Leo are to die for. their chemistry, on and off the skating rink, was UNMATCHED and you can feel their (sexual) tension the whole entire time! They have a complicated history and claim to hate each other for reasons… but can’t seem to stay away from one another the longer they work together. line of hate seems to blur into something more the longer they spend time together while dying for their common goal of winning competitions & going for gold! Their journey was so fun to experience, I was absolutely giddy the whole time for them and found myself screaming (to myself) as the grew closer and their animosity turned into affections and tenderness 🤍
I’ve been wanting to read Cali Melle’s books for so long, and as this was my first Cali Melle read, I will DEFINITELY be reading more of her works. so fracking phenomenal.
What to expect in Tell Me How You Hate Me:
🤍 enemies to lovers
🤍 brother’s best friend
🤍 pro sports romance
🤍 forced proximity
🤍 enemies with benefits
🤍 only one bed
🤍 mental health & anxiety representation
🤍 he takes care of her & washes her hair
🤍 both in denial of their feelings
🤍 he’s a cat daddy
🤍 “just one taste” / just once to get it out of our system
🤍 he cooks for her when she’s sick
I recieved in ARC copy of Tell Me How You Hate Me and all thoughts & comments on this review are my own!
August 11, 2024
Great spicy sports romance
Tell Me How You Hate Me is a sweet and alluring spicy romance about Aria and Leo. Both are very talented figure skaters, but they have a complicated relationship, stuck in a vicious cycle of hurting one another (although not intentionally). Leo's also her brother's best friend. When they both lose their skating partners at the same time, their coaches decide they're to be one another's partner. Due to their history, both are reticent initially, but decide to give it a trial run. When their trial run brings back memories of them skating together as teens, the more a different kind of tension builds. Can they navigate those feelings without interfering with their skating competition? What would that even look like? Why is Leo's urge to push her away so strong?
I enjoyed this one a lot. I felt their love and passion, but I also hurt for them.
The plot was good. I would say it was more character than plot. Pace was on the fast end of medium.
Characters were well developed and had a lot of growth. So much tension and angst!
Melle does a great job with dialogue, I love their banter. Prose, in general, was great. Flowed well and was a quick, easy read.
Spice was well written and realistic.
If you like sports-romance, especially of you love tension and angst, this one is for you. You'll feel all the emotions the characters are feeling. I'm not sure I would say they're really enemies, but it's a fun, sweet, spicy read and I didn't care if they were true enemies, or not. 😄
I read this via gifted eARC from the author and Valentine pr. This is my unbiased review that I'm leaving of my own freewill.
Tell Me How You Hate Me is a sweet and alluring spicy romance about Aria and Leo. Both are very talented figure skaters, but they have a complicated relationship, stuck in a vicious cycle of hurting one another (although not intentionally). Leo's also her brother's best friend. When they both lose their skating partners at the same time, their coaches decide they're to be one another's partner. Due to their history, both are reticent initially, but decide to give it a trial run. When their trial run brings back memories of them skating together as teens, the more a different kind of tension builds. Can they navigate those feelings without interfering with their skating competition? What would that even look like? Why is Leo's urge to push her away so strong?
I enjoyed this one a lot. I felt their love and passion, but I also hurt for them.
The plot was good. I would say it was more character than plot. Pace was on the fast end of medium.
Characters were well developed and had a lot of growth. So much tension and angst!
Melle does a great job with dialogue, I love their banter. Prose, in general, was great. Flowed well and was a quick, easy read.
Spice was well written and realistic.
If you like sports-romance, especially of you love tension and angst, this one is for you. You'll feel all the emotions the characters are feeling. I'm not sure I would say they're really enemies, but it's a fun, sweet, spicy read and I didn't care if they were true enemies, or not. 😄
I read this via gifted eARC from the author and Valentine pr. This is my unbiased review that I'm leaving of my own freewill.
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June 11, 2024Rtc
July 21, 2024
3 stars.
"Tell Me How You Hate Me" by Cali Melle is a brother's best friend, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance full of spice, angst, and rivalry. The main characters, Aria and Leo, have some wonderful, sometimes catty banter with each other. Once they "do it once to get it out of their system," they both catch feelings and FAST. Even though they have known each other for years, the story still feels a little insta-love-y. My main complaint is that, while Aria and Leo clearly have a severe disdain for one another, there's not really a straightforward *reason* why they hate each other. They constantly *say* they hate each other, but there's not one specific instance pointing to *why.* It seems like everyone around them also feels the same way? Like they have no clue why they hate each other and no one ever says why!?? There's not a lot of development before or after Leo and Aria get together... they just bone *a lot.* This feels like a book that was built around bonin'. If you're looking for something to read with a ton of spice, this will fit the bill. I like spice just as much as the next person, but I would have liked a little more character development. For a book that is as long as this one, it gets a little repetitive. If you want to read a deep-rooted deep-dive relationship-driven romance, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Cali Melle for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Tell Me How You Hate Me" by Cali Melle is a brother's best friend, enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity romance full of spice, angst, and rivalry. The main characters, Aria and Leo, have some wonderful, sometimes catty banter with each other. Once they "do it once to get it out of their system," they both catch feelings and FAST. Even though they have known each other for years, the story still feels a little insta-love-y. My main complaint is that, while Aria and Leo clearly have a severe disdain for one another, there's not really a straightforward *reason* why they hate each other. They constantly *say* they hate each other, but there's not one specific instance pointing to *why.* It seems like everyone around them also feels the same way? Like they have no clue why they hate each other and no one ever says why!?? There's not a lot of development before or after Leo and Aria get together... they just bone *a lot.* This feels like a book that was built around bonin'. If you're looking for something to read with a ton of spice, this will fit the bill. I like spice just as much as the next person, but I would have liked a little more character development. For a book that is as long as this one, it gets a little repetitive. If you want to read a deep-rooted deep-dive relationship-driven romance, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.
Thank you to Valentine PR and Cali Melle for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
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June 24, 2024Me lleve una gran decepción, la historia es un caos y al final no entendí lo que intento hacer Cali.
El Leo de este libro no es el mismo que salió en Written de ice.
Spoilers ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️
- Se supone que son enemigos, pero al final no hay una razón por la que él la odie. En la adolescencia compartieron un momento en la pista de hielo y Aria pensó que sería el principio de algo, sin embargo, él la ignoró; ella sin entender que pasó siguió con su vida, se hizo novia de la competencia de Leo y por esa razón él la odia ¿? Aria realmente no lo odiaba, pero el tipo era un idiota y pues ella no se dejaba.
- Todo el libro vemos a Leo siendo grosero y alejandola. Me imagino que para intentar arreglar el desastre, Cali puso 1-2 escenas de Aria siendo "grosera" para que al final pudiera decir que ambos eran los culpables de su mala relación.
- Estaba emocionada porque tendría escenas de patinaje sobre hielo, pero no hay ni una descripción de las coreografías, justo cuando empezaban a entrenar o era una competencia se saltaba esa parte.
- Todo el libro es de ellos teniendo sexo y la verdad no entiendo como llegaron a la cama si no había tensión sexual.
El Leo de este libro no es el mismo que salió en Written de ice.
Spoilers ⚠️ ⚠️ ⚠️
- Se supone que son enemigos, pero al final no hay una razón por la que él la odie. En la adolescencia compartieron un momento en la pista de hielo y Aria pensó que sería el principio de algo, sin embargo, él la ignoró; ella sin entender que pasó siguió con su vida, se hizo novia de la competencia de Leo y por esa razón él la odia ¿? Aria realmente no lo odiaba, pero el tipo era un idiota y pues ella no se dejaba.
- Todo el libro vemos a Leo siendo grosero y alejandola. Me imagino que para intentar arreglar el desastre, Cali puso 1-2 escenas de Aria siendo "grosera" para que al final pudiera decir que ambos eran los culpables de su mala relación.
- Estaba emocionada porque tendría escenas de patinaje sobre hielo, pero no hay ni una descripción de las coreografías, justo cuando empezaban a entrenar o era una competencia se saltaba esa parte.
- Todo el libro es de ellos teniendo sexo y la verdad no entiendo como llegaron a la cama si no había tensión sexual.
June 17, 2024
2.5/5 ⭐️
Firstly, I’d like to mention that I’m grateful that I was sent an ARC of this book. It’s always an honor discovering new authors and getting a chance to review their work. However, I’ll always be honest about what I feel when I read.
Sport romance, figure skating, rivals to lovers. Count me in. The thing is, I never really saw the rivals part. There was never a genuine reason for the main characters to dislike eachother, and they were already obsessed with eachother from the very first moment, which came as a surprise to me.
This story felt like a bunch of cute scenarios put together, not like a story of two individuals that learn how to accept and work with eachother. I may have my own expectations to blame, but it’s hard noticing the chemistry between two characters when I couldn’t really connect with them individually.
This was a sweet and light read, and although it may not have been for me, I can see how many could find it to be entertaining. So don’t hesitate to give it a try
Firstly, I’d like to mention that I’m grateful that I was sent an ARC of this book. It’s always an honor discovering new authors and getting a chance to review their work. However, I’ll always be honest about what I feel when I read.
Sport romance, figure skating, rivals to lovers. Count me in. The thing is, I never really saw the rivals part. There was never a genuine reason for the main characters to dislike eachother, and they were already obsessed with eachother from the very first moment, which came as a surprise to me.
This story felt like a bunch of cute scenarios put together, not like a story of two individuals that learn how to accept and work with eachother. I may have my own expectations to blame, but it’s hard noticing the chemistry between two characters when I couldn’t really connect with them individually.
This was a sweet and light read, and although it may not have been for me, I can see how many could find it to be entertaining. So don’t hesitate to give it a try
July 1, 2024
A true hate to love romance between two figure skaters. I really liked the back and forth between these characters
Shelved as 'life-is-too-short'
July 6, 2024I tried this PURELY on the cover.
The writing style is not for me, too much telling me how they are.
The writing style is not for me, too much telling me how they are.
July 28, 2024
petition for more figure skating romances pls!!
June 16, 2024
⛸️🤍
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the ARC
"Your heart is an unattainable dream, Aria Reed. No one on this planet is deserving of it."
A short and cute read, enemies to lovers and the angst is 🔥 I loved the dual POV, they so badly wanted to hate each other.
Leo and Aria have a difficult past, they aren’t fans of each other, one thing they have in common is wanting to win. When they’re forced together, both needing a skating partner, they can no longer avoid each other. They have undeniable chemistry, but they don’t want to give into the feelings.
I enjoyed this book, the push and pull between Aria and Leo. I could picture them skating together, I could feel the chemistry they had on the ice. I also loved the side characters, I loved Brynn and Austin, I would love more about them 😍
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the ARC
"Your heart is an unattainable dream, Aria Reed. No one on this planet is deserving of it."
A short and cute read, enemies to lovers and the angst is 🔥 I loved the dual POV, they so badly wanted to hate each other.
Leo and Aria have a difficult past, they aren’t fans of each other, one thing they have in common is wanting to win. When they’re forced together, both needing a skating partner, they can no longer avoid each other. They have undeniable chemistry, but they don’t want to give into the feelings.
I enjoyed this book, the push and pull between Aria and Leo. I could picture them skating together, I could feel the chemistry they had on the ice. I also loved the side characters, I loved Brynn and Austin, I would love more about them 😍
June 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up)
2.5 🌶️
Leo and Aria find themselves without skating partners just weeks before a competition, these two life long rivals end up partnered up to skate together. They “hate” each other and only get together to skate…. But the chemistry between them is undeniable on the ice to EVERYONE.
The banter and tension was fun. Although I wish we got more of the “hate” they each claimed to have for each other. I don’t believe either of them actually hated each other, they were just that…. Rivals in their profession which made them “untouchable.”
Not to mention that Leo is down bad for his best friend’s little sister, let’s tie that into the mix.
You’ll enjoy this if you like-
• (Not so)enemies to Lovers • Brother’s Best Friend •Figure Skater MMCs • Forced Proximity • One Bed • Boy Obsessed
2.5 🌶️
Leo and Aria find themselves without skating partners just weeks before a competition, these two life long rivals end up partnered up to skate together. They “hate” each other and only get together to skate…. But the chemistry between them is undeniable on the ice to EVERYONE.
The banter and tension was fun. Although I wish we got more of the “hate” they each claimed to have for each other. I don’t believe either of them actually hated each other, they were just that…. Rivals in their profession which made them “untouchable.”
Not to mention that Leo is down bad for his best friend’s little sister, let’s tie that into the mix.
You’ll enjoy this if you like-
• (Not so)enemies to Lovers • Brother’s Best Friend •Figure Skater MMCs • Forced Proximity • One Bed • Boy Obsessed
July 10, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
I was wanting a skating romance, but this didn’t really live up to expectation. Not much actually happened in the story and the writing was very immature and stilted. The miscommunication was so bad I didn’t really understand why they hated each other or their actions. I didn’t like either of the main characters. That being said, I also compare all skating stories to From Lukov With Love which are high expectations.
I was wanting a skating romance, but this didn’t really live up to expectation. Not much actually happened in the story and the writing was very immature and stilted. The miscommunication was so bad I didn’t really understand why they hated each other or their actions. I didn’t like either of the main characters. That being said, I also compare all skating stories to From Lukov With Love which are high expectations.
June 13, 2024
This couple has been one of my favorites!! The tension between them and the underlying heat from it all was incredible! I was invested from page one and Aria and Loe had me captivated! Scenes from this book will live rent free in my head and I definitely recommend it!
June 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
⛸️ Enemies to lovers
⛸️ One bed
⛸️ Brother's best friend
⛸️ Forced proximity
The chemistry and understanding that Aria and Leo have on the ice isn't the same outside of it.
They've known each other since school; Leo and Aria's brother are best friends, but they can't stand each other. Or at least that's what they tell themselves.
When they both end up without partners and the only option is to team up, they have to spend more time together than they'd like. After all, they don't like each other and absolutely feel nothing when they touch, and they definitely don't remember that night...
The chemistry and banter between them were so fun to follow, and while I was reading, I kept thinking, for God's sake, realize that what you feel isn't hate. 😅
I loved Aria so much. Seriously, she's amazing, and I liked how the story portrayed her anxiety. As for Leo, well, I admit I wasn't sure about him at first, but he won me over. He showed his protective side and how much he cares about her, and I melted. 🤭
They had cute moments that made me smile, but when they allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other, those were my favorite scenes.
Thank you so much, Valentine PR, for sending me this ARC.
🌶🌶
⛸️ Enemies to lovers
⛸️ One bed
⛸️ Brother's best friend
⛸️ Forced proximity
The chemistry and understanding that Aria and Leo have on the ice isn't the same outside of it.
They've known each other since school; Leo and Aria's brother are best friends, but they can't stand each other. Or at least that's what they tell themselves.
When they both end up without partners and the only option is to team up, they have to spend more time together than they'd like. After all, they don't like each other and absolutely feel nothing when they touch, and they definitely don't remember that night...
The chemistry and banter between them were so fun to follow, and while I was reading, I kept thinking, for God's sake, realize that what you feel isn't hate. 😅
I loved Aria so much. Seriously, she's amazing, and I liked how the story portrayed her anxiety. As for Leo, well, I admit I wasn't sure about him at first, but he won me over. He showed his protective side and how much he cares about her, and I melted. 🤭
They had cute moments that made me smile, but when they allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other, those were my favorite scenes.
Thank you so much, Valentine PR, for sending me this ARC.
July 13, 2024
Rating:⭐️4/5
Spice:🌶️4/5
Read in June 2024:🍉17/20
Goodreads Challenge:📚149/240
♥ [𝙰𝚛𝚒𝚊 & 𝙻𝚎𝚘] ♥
📌enemies to lovers
📌partners on ice
📌forced proximity
📌there's only one bed
📌enemies with benefits
📌angst
📌brother's best friend
📌spicy
🇺🇸The minute I started reading this book, from the very first scene to the end, I was totally and simply hooked.
The relationship between the two main characters is deep and complex. From rivals and enemies who also share an intense connection, it was fascinating to witness.
The fact that they end up having to work together and be partners on the ice added an extra layer of interest to the story, making it even more gripping, and watching their relationship evolve around their partnership was hypnotizing. Their push-and-pull was so enticing and made me want to read more and more.
The drama in this book was everything and absolutely absorbing. I wished we could have more insight into their individual stories, to understand more why they’re so reluctant to commitment, why they don’t believe in love, and why they’re unable to trust each other with their heart.
The story was so gripping, it was a pain to stop reading and it’s everything I wanted from this book.
Hopefully, there’s a story coming for Austin and Brynn because I’ll definitely read it!
🇫🇷Dès que j'ai commencé à lire ce livre, de la toute première scène à la fin, j'étais totalement et tout simplement accro.
La relation entre les deux personnages principaux est profonde et complexe. C'était fascinant de voir ces rivaux et ennemis partager ce lien si fort.
Le fait qu'ils finissent par devoir travailler ensemble et être partenaires sur la glace a ajouté une couche supplémentaire d'intérêt à l'histoire, la rendant encore plus captivante et voir leur relation évoluer autour de leur partenariat était hypnotisant. Leur 'fuis-moi je te suis' était parfois un peu trop poussé, mais moi ça m'a juste donné envie de lire de plus en plus.
Le drama de ce livre était tout et absolument captivant. J'aurais aimé que nous puissions avoir plus d'informations sur leurs histoires individuelles, pour comprendre davantage pourquoi ils sont si réticents à l'engagement, pourquoi ils ne croient pas en l'amour et rejettent cette relation malgré leur magnifique alchimie.
L'histoire était si captivante que c'était pénible d'arrêter de lire, alors vraiment, je vous encourage à lui donner une chance. J'ai adoré !
J'espère qu'il y aura une histoire à venir pour Austin et Brynn parce que je l'attends de pied ferme !
Spice:🌶️4/5
Read in June 2024:🍉17/20
Goodreads Challenge:📚149/240
♥ [𝙰𝚛𝚒𝚊 & 𝙻𝚎𝚘] ♥
📌enemies to lovers
📌partners on ice
📌forced proximity
📌there's only one bed
📌enemies with benefits
📌angst
📌brother's best friend
📌spicy
🇺🇸The minute I started reading this book, from the very first scene to the end, I was totally and simply hooked.
The relationship between the two main characters is deep and complex. From rivals and enemies who also share an intense connection, it was fascinating to witness.
The fact that they end up having to work together and be partners on the ice added an extra layer of interest to the story, making it even more gripping, and watching their relationship evolve around their partnership was hypnotizing. Their push-and-pull was so enticing and made me want to read more and more.
The drama in this book was everything and absolutely absorbing. I wished we could have more insight into their individual stories, to understand more why they’re so reluctant to commitment, why they don’t believe in love, and why they’re unable to trust each other with their heart.
The story was so gripping, it was a pain to stop reading and it’s everything I wanted from this book.
Hopefully, there’s a story coming for Austin and Brynn because I’ll definitely read it!
🇫🇷Dès que j'ai commencé à lire ce livre, de la toute première scène à la fin, j'étais totalement et tout simplement accro.
La relation entre les deux personnages principaux est profonde et complexe. C'était fascinant de voir ces rivaux et ennemis partager ce lien si fort.
Le fait qu'ils finissent par devoir travailler ensemble et être partenaires sur la glace a ajouté une couche supplémentaire d'intérêt à l'histoire, la rendant encore plus captivante et voir leur relation évoluer autour de leur partenariat était hypnotisant. Leur 'fuis-moi je te suis' était parfois un peu trop poussé, mais moi ça m'a juste donné envie de lire de plus en plus.
Le drama de ce livre était tout et absolument captivant. J'aurais aimé que nous puissions avoir plus d'informations sur leurs histoires individuelles, pour comprendre davantage pourquoi ils sont si réticents à l'engagement, pourquoi ils ne croient pas en l'amour et rejettent cette relation malgré leur magnifique alchimie.
L'histoire était si captivante que c'était pénible d'arrêter de lire, alors vraiment, je vous encourage à lui donner une chance. J'ai adoré !
J'espère qu'il y aura une histoire à venir pour Austin et Brynn parce que je l'attends de pied ferme !
June 24, 2024
˚₊‧꒰ა DNF @ 40% ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
I decided to go against my usual rule of staying FAR away from instalust books and I was rewarded with... this? This felt like a bad fanfic of From Lukov with Love (that book is the blueprint I fear).
˚₊ · »-♡→ the romance
It was going so good for the first 2 chapters and then I don't know what happened. The first chapter being him eating her out should have been red flags to me but I was like hmmm I see the rival tension here so decided to give the book the benefit of the doubt and a chance for development, but it never came. Their relationship felt so surface level, it was 'I hate him/her!' every 2 sentences but why did they even hate each other? I have no idea, and I should have known by 30% in but we have no such details. Leo just found Aria hot and he hated that, that's it. Aria didn't have a personality outside of Leo as well. Leo ate her out ONCE (in the first chapter) and didn't allow her to 'return the favour' so she never stopped thinking about it. Like girl, stand UP. He ghosted you after eating you out and plays hot & cold with you after intimacy and you STILL are excusing his actions? They had no chemistry and the romance was toxic.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ the plot
I could tell the author watched a handful of videos on pair skating and called it a day. The plot is unfortunately Leo being horny. The one decent thing in this book is that the writing style was okay.
ˋ°•*⁀➷
Overall, this was bad. It's a shame because I've been looking for a good figure skater x figure skater romance since FLWL (I'll accept no criticism for that book✋). This is unfortunately not it. If you like books centred around horniness and toxicity, this one is great but it's not for me I'm afraid.
"I want to wrap my arms around her and fall back asleep with her. My cock wants me to wake her up and slide inside of her."
I decided to go against my usual rule of staying FAR away from instalust books and I was rewarded with... this? This felt like a bad fanfic of From Lukov with Love (that book is the blueprint I fear).
˚₊ · »-♡→ the romance
It was going so good for the first 2 chapters and then I don't know what happened. The first chapter being him eating her out should have been red flags to me but I was like hmmm I see the rival tension here so decided to give the book the benefit of the doubt and a chance for development, but it never came. Their relationship felt so surface level, it was 'I hate him/her!' every 2 sentences but why did they even hate each other? I have no idea, and I should have known by 30% in but we have no such details. Leo just found Aria hot and he hated that, that's it. Aria didn't have a personality outside of Leo as well. Leo ate her out ONCE (in the first chapter) and didn't allow her to 'return the favour' so she never stopped thinking about it. Like girl, stand UP. He ghosted you after eating you out and plays hot & cold with you after intimacy and you STILL are excusing his actions? They had no chemistry and the romance was toxic.
-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈ the plot
I could tell the author watched a handful of videos on pair skating and called it a day. The plot is unfortunately Leo being horny. The one decent thing in this book is that the writing style was okay.
ˋ°•*⁀➷
Overall, this was bad. It's a shame because I've been looking for a good figure skater x figure skater romance since FLWL (I'll accept no criticism for that book✋). This is unfortunately not it. If you like books centred around horniness and toxicity, this one is great but it's not for me I'm afraid.
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