A review by beate251
Love to Hate You by Jo Watson

emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Sera has had a messy childhood, and without JJ and Bruce, her two self-proclaimed gay Dads, she would probably be on the streets. Then she has a one-night stand with Ben, who later turns out to be her new boss.

What follows can only be described as stalking and sexual harassment. Ben is all the red flags - cocky, arrogant, inappropriate, possessive and obsessive, and yet, he's supposed to be the unapologetic romantic hero of this story. I would have called the police on him and his unwanted attention.

Seriously, what's up with this? I normally really like Jo Watson's books even if they are too spicy for my liking, but this was not ok. In this day and age, writers, especially female ones, should not write romantic heroes like that. This guy has serial killer vibes and wouldn't make me feel safe. "You're mine now" is sinister and creepy, nothing else.

When he was talking about punishment "for a very naughty girl" I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly broke them. I've read some five star reviews of this which I am utterly baffled by because none of this is cute and adorable. If women still find this behaviour sweet, they have seen too many Hollywood films in which it's seen as a manly trait to not give up, pursue and not take no for an answer, because a woman needs to be "won over". Ugh. He's her boss, nuff said.

So yeah, unnecessary drama, adolescent language, lovebombing - avoid and read Love at First Flight instead.

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