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The Eligible Bachelors #1
The Man She Loves To Hate
Three reasons to keep away from Cole Rees…
1. My mom had a scorching affair with his dad—just think how awkward that "meet the family" would be…
2. His arrogance drives me mad—he might be a gorgeous billionaire, but I hate how he knows it!
3. Every time he touches me I go up in flames…and it's utterly terrifying.
Come on, a fling with the man I love to hate? Like that would ever work out…
1. My mom had a scorching affair with his dad—just think how awkward that "meet the family" would be…
2. His arrogance drives me mad—he might be a gorgeous billionaire, but I hate how he knows it!
3. Every time he touches me I go up in flames…and it's utterly terrifying.
Come on, a fling with the man I love to hate? Like that would ever work out…
192 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published August 9, 2011
55 people are currently reading
1395 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Hunter
277 books418 followersAustralian born Kelly Hunter is a three time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist, a USA Today Bestselling author and loves writing to the demands of the short category romance form.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
August 21, 2011
I truly loved this book. I was worried, because all my friends raved, and I didn’t want to be disappointed. But I can truly see why this is a hit. The depth of character, the intensity and emotion, the freshness, and the humor. I loved how this romance unfolded, the manner in which Jolie and Cole come back into each other’s lives as adults and get the chance to make a go of a relationship together. Their relationship wasn’t just about sex. It was about two people who met each other’s emotional needs and wanted to be loved for who they were, not who everyone assumed they were.
I loved that Cole and Jolie were so nuanced. Both of them suffered blows from their parents’ affair, twelve years’ worth. Both cast in the roles of villains because of the fact that they were the children of an adulterous pair. I thought I’d dislike Cole after what he did to Jolie when they were teens. He seemed kind of cold and arrogant at first, but pretty soon, I could see that he had to make a show of being tough to get through years of what his father had visited on his family. I have to say I loved him. I especially loved how he took a stand for Jolie numerous times. He turns out to be her Shining Knight and he slew more than a few dragons for her. And his proposal was gorgeous! As for Jolie, she’s my favorite Harlequin Presents heroine now! A real woman in every way. A woman I admired and cared about. I loved that Jolie set Cole straight and faced him head on. He scared her, but she was brave enough to say what needed saying. I was telling her “Bravo” loud and clear. I knew I adored Jolie at that point. I identified with her shyness, but her ability to do what needed doing. Sometimes you don’t get to choose to hide. You have to stand tall and fight. At the same time, I could understand how things got too much, and she had to run back to her corner. The process of Jolie going through her epiphany about her relationship with Cole was so beautifully written, my heart completely engaged. I think it took a lot of bravery to go to the party with Cole, and to face Hannah and call Christina the way she did.
I think adultery is about one of the worst things a married person can do to a family. I hate it, and I have personal reasons for doing so. I find it very hard to deal with this plot element, and I really hate when adultery is trivialized, brushed off, or rationalized. It’s wrong to me, end of story. I like that Kelly Hunter doesn’t try to justify Rachel or James’ behavior, but neither does she demonize them. Instead they are portrayed are humans with frailties, and hopes and dreams. And Christina Rees, the wife that was cheated on, isn’t just a martyr. She does her share of hurting others as well.
I honestly can’t find a thing wrong with this story. It made for an involving, entertaining, emotional read. I fell in love with Jolie and Cole as individuals and a couple. I felt their pain, and their joy. And that makes for a five star read for me!
I loved that Cole and Jolie were so nuanced. Both of them suffered blows from their parents’ affair, twelve years’ worth. Both cast in the roles of villains because of the fact that they were the children of an adulterous pair. I thought I’d dislike Cole after what he did to Jolie when they were teens. He seemed kind of cold and arrogant at first, but pretty soon, I could see that he had to make a show of being tough to get through years of what his father had visited on his family. I have to say I loved him. I especially loved how he took a stand for Jolie numerous times. He turns out to be her Shining Knight and he slew more than a few dragons for her. And his proposal was gorgeous! As for Jolie, she’s my favorite Harlequin Presents heroine now! A real woman in every way. A woman I admired and cared about. I loved that Jolie set Cole straight and faced him head on. He scared her, but she was brave enough to say what needed saying. I was telling her “Bravo” loud and clear. I knew I adored Jolie at that point. I identified with her shyness, but her ability to do what needed doing. Sometimes you don’t get to choose to hide. You have to stand tall and fight. At the same time, I could understand how things got too much, and she had to run back to her corner. The process of Jolie going through her epiphany about her relationship with Cole was so beautifully written, my heart completely engaged. I think it took a lot of bravery to go to the party with Cole, and to face Hannah and call Christina the way she did.
I think adultery is about one of the worst things a married person can do to a family. I hate it, and I have personal reasons for doing so. I find it very hard to deal with this plot element, and I really hate when adultery is trivialized, brushed off, or rationalized. It’s wrong to me, end of story. I like that Kelly Hunter doesn’t try to justify Rachel or James’ behavior, but neither does she demonize them. Instead they are portrayed are humans with frailties, and hopes and dreams. And Christina Rees, the wife that was cheated on, isn’t just a martyr. She does her share of hurting others as well.
I honestly can’t find a thing wrong with this story. It made for an involving, entertaining, emotional read. I fell in love with Jolie and Cole as individuals and a couple. I felt their pain, and their joy. And that makes for a five star read for me!
February 15, 2013
Queensland Gondola
★★★★½ Man-oh-man! I love my GoodReads app! (Who said I’m not ready for the New Millennium?)
I went out in the rain yesterday to run an errand for a friend. I figured, while I was out and about, I’d stop at the library (yeah, twist my arm). I checked out the “Friends of the Library” for-sale-books and there were a bunch of Harlequin Presents (my guilty pleasure!). I used my iPod/Touch and connected to GoodReads. I was able to see there were a bunch of 4 and 5 star reviews for this one entered by my friends from the Harlequin Presents Readers group, so I picked it up. So glad I did! I’m a sucker for a “trapped in a snow-storm” theme. This one is funny and poignant and well worth the 50¢ I spent – even more!
Reader Beware?: Some people don't like the adultery theme, but it is NOT between the main protagonists.
★★★★½ Man-oh-man! I love my GoodReads app! (Who said I’m not ready for the New Millennium?)
I went out in the rain yesterday to run an errand for a friend. I figured, while I was out and about, I’d stop at the library (yeah, twist my arm). I checked out the “Friends of the Library” for-sale-books and there were a bunch of Harlequin Presents (my guilty pleasure!). I used my iPod/Touch and connected to GoodReads. I was able to see there were a bunch of 4 and 5 star reviews for this one entered by my friends from the Harlequin Presents Readers group, so I picked it up. So glad I did! I’m a sucker for a “trapped in a snow-storm” theme. This one is funny and poignant and well worth the 50¢ I spent – even more!
Reader Beware?: Some people don't like the adultery theme, but it is NOT between the main protagonists.
July 7, 2011
I enjoyed The Man she loves to hate. Jolie Tanner's friends deserted her when it came out that her mother was having an affair with a married man and that has coloured her life ever since, people don't want to know her, they only judge her by the past and her looks, but she's learnt to deal with it, with different masks to hide her shyness, she doesn't trust that easily and doesn't work and stay in town.
She comes to comfort her mother after James Reese dies. Her mother loved him, and he loved her but his wife's bitterness stood in the way. Jolie is stranded with Cole Reese, his son, who she had a crush on. She gives him a nice piece over not knowing the truth and making judgments before knowing the whole truth.
I enjoyed the writing and the book, Cole was a good guy, he supported Jolie and didn't care that his family stood in the way. I enjoyed Jolie as well, how strong she was, how caring. It didn't seem like a HP to me when I read it, the characters were not jerks, nor that arrogant instead they felt real.
She comes to comfort her mother after James Reese dies. Her mother loved him, and he loved her but his wife's bitterness stood in the way. Jolie is stranded with Cole Reese, his son, who she had a crush on. She gives him a nice piece over not knowing the truth and making judgments before knowing the whole truth.
I enjoyed the writing and the book, Cole was a good guy, he supported Jolie and didn't care that his family stood in the way. I enjoyed Jolie as well, how strong she was, how caring. It didn't seem like a HP to me when I read it, the characters were not jerks, nor that arrogant instead they felt real.
June 7, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Presents Extra
Author’s Website: kellyhunter.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: No, but part of the Dirty Filthy Money "Extras"
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Okay the official blurb is pretty awful. While it covers the main points, it almost makes the book seem as though it will have a first person POV and it most decidedly does not.
When Jolie Tanner was young, her best friend Hannah Rees suddenly turned on her at the urging of her brother Cole, without so much as an explanation. So, too, did all of her other friends at school. Unable to understand what she had done to cause all of her friends to shun her, she went crying to her mother, only to discover that her mother was the cause of the problem. You see, her mother was having an affair with a married man — James Rees, Hannah’s father.
For the rest of her years, Jolie was treated as the daughter of a whore, fighting a reputation that she’d never earned and certainly didn’t deserve. The fact that she was the spitting image of her mother — gorgeous, redheaded, and innately sensual — only made things worse for Jolie.
Now a talented graphic artist, she has built a modest life for herself relying on her own hard work and talent. When James dies, she travels up to his old ski lodge to retrieve her mother’s items from the cabin before his family is forced to see them. Of course, things are never as simple as we might want them to be, and on the way down the mountain, not only is there a brutal snowstorm blowing in, but she must share the last ski gondola with the last man on earth who could tolerate her presence — Cole Rees, the son of the man whose marriage her mother wrecked so many years ago.
Trying (and failing) to hide her identity from Cole, their animosity and resentment towards each other reaches a boiling point just as the storm raging outside reaches its own peak, and their gondola crashes to the ground during an avalanche. Wounded and at risk for hypothermia, they reluctantly join forces to reach the safety of one of the ski outposts before they freeze to death.
Emotions are running high, and neither can resist the sparks of attraction crackling between them, and in the short wait for their rescuers, both are not only blindsided by the level of passion they find together, but also by the realization of just how much they’ve misjudged one another.
But can Cole and Jolie put aside the hostilities of the past, and build a future together when it will only bring pain to their families?
In the end, I absolutely adored this one. A beautiful heroine who knows that she’s attractive but is also painfully shy and despises the reaction that her looks attract was quite appealing, and of course, the Enemies to Lovers ploy is an all-time favorite of mine. There was also something lushly sensual about this book despite the fact that there were few graphic love scenes, and watching Jolie’s mother quietly grieving for her dead lover was strangely poignant even though I couldn’t help but to disapprove of her actions.
Recommended for fans of enemies who fall in love, heroines with an undeserved bad reputation and the cynicism that goes along with it, and selfish heroes who recognize that while sometimes you can’t have it all, you can have what’s most important to you.
A very solid 4.5/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Harlequin Presents Extra
Author’s Website: kellyhunter.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: No, but part of the Dirty Filthy Money "Extras"
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Okay the official blurb is pretty awful. While it covers the main points, it almost makes the book seem as though it will have a first person POV and it most decidedly does not.
When Jolie Tanner was young, her best friend Hannah Rees suddenly turned on her at the urging of her brother Cole, without so much as an explanation. So, too, did all of her other friends at school. Unable to understand what she had done to cause all of her friends to shun her, she went crying to her mother, only to discover that her mother was the cause of the problem. You see, her mother was having an affair with a married man — James Rees, Hannah’s father.
For the rest of her years, Jolie was treated as the daughter of a whore, fighting a reputation that she’d never earned and certainly didn’t deserve. The fact that she was the spitting image of her mother — gorgeous, redheaded, and innately sensual — only made things worse for Jolie.
Now a talented graphic artist, she has built a modest life for herself relying on her own hard work and talent. When James dies, she travels up to his old ski lodge to retrieve her mother’s items from the cabin before his family is forced to see them. Of course, things are never as simple as we might want them to be, and on the way down the mountain, not only is there a brutal snowstorm blowing in, but she must share the last ski gondola with the last man on earth who could tolerate her presence — Cole Rees, the son of the man whose marriage her mother wrecked so many years ago.
Trying (and failing) to hide her identity from Cole, their animosity and resentment towards each other reaches a boiling point just as the storm raging outside reaches its own peak, and their gondola crashes to the ground during an avalanche. Wounded and at risk for hypothermia, they reluctantly join forces to reach the safety of one of the ski outposts before they freeze to death.
Emotions are running high, and neither can resist the sparks of attraction crackling between them, and in the short wait for their rescuers, both are not only blindsided by the level of passion they find together, but also by the realization of just how much they’ve misjudged one another.
But can Cole and Jolie put aside the hostilities of the past, and build a future together when it will only bring pain to their families?
In the end, I absolutely adored this one. A beautiful heroine who knows that she’s attractive but is also painfully shy and despises the reaction that her looks attract was quite appealing, and of course, the Enemies to Lovers ploy is an all-time favorite of mine. There was also something lushly sensual about this book despite the fact that there were few graphic love scenes, and watching Jolie’s mother quietly grieving for her dead lover was strangely poignant even though I couldn’t help but to disapprove of her actions.
Recommended for fans of enemies who fall in love, heroines with an undeserved bad reputation and the cynicism that goes along with it, and selfish heroes who recognize that while sometimes you can’t have it all, you can have what’s most important to you.
A very solid 4.5/5 Stars
September 13, 2011
Absolutely Loved it,the story is similar as "After the Night",liked Cole a lot and my heart went out to Jolie she suffered so much for no fault of hers,Cole-Jolie-Hannah all have known each other from childhood,Hannah-Jolie were BFF but cause of actions of their parents Hannah broke her frindship with Jolie even Cole reacted badly which had an impact on Jolie after that she became a loner did'nt make much friends earned a reputation of a Whore for no reason it became very difficult
after few years Cole's father dies that is when Cole-Jolie meet again they get stuck up in at mountain,Jolie saves Cole's life and they end up spending the night together but they decide to act as if it never happened,Cole now realises that how his action has affected Jolie and regrets it,he even finds out how Jolie and his mother never took a penny from his father and then he is at cross roads there's his attraction for Jolie and other side is his family,
amidst all the issues and hurdles,Cole knows what they have is not a mere attraction its much more then that but before exploring it they have to balance out the lack of trust from between them,they start spending more time together,they realise their love for each other but still they have to first surpass the issues but their love wins and they have their HEA
I really adored and respect Jolie,she is one strong woman never once did she became weak she fought through and won,Cole was a jerk in the beginning but he comes to his senses soon,really enjoyed scenes between Cole-Jolie,their banters,disliked Hannah a little but overall enjoyed the book a lot
Good read
Recommend it
after few years Cole's father dies that is when Cole-Jolie meet again they get stuck up in at mountain,Jolie saves Cole's life and they end up spending the night together but they decide to act as if it never happened,Cole now realises that how his action has affected Jolie and regrets it,he even finds out how Jolie and his mother never took a penny from his father and then he is at cross roads there's his attraction for Jolie and other side is his family,
amidst all the issues and hurdles,Cole knows what they have is not a mere attraction its much more then that but before exploring it they have to balance out the lack of trust from between them,they start spending more time together,they realise their love for each other but still they have to first surpass the issues but their love wins and they have their HEA
I really adored and respect Jolie,she is one strong woman never once did she became weak she fought through and won,Cole was a jerk in the beginning but he comes to his senses soon,really enjoyed scenes between Cole-Jolie,their banters,disliked Hannah a little but overall enjoyed the book a lot
Good read
Recommend it
March 24, 2012
I'm still wondering what I didn't like it as much as I initially thought I would. Here are some possible reasons:
a) Cole was almost an adult when he pushed Jolie away from Hannah. He should have known better.
b) Having pushed Jolie away from Hannah, I found it weird that he lusted after her all the time and still treated her like %^&* all that time.
c) The switch on Cole's side from 'I-wish-you-were-dead (well, almost)' to 'I-can't-live-w/o-you' based on ONE physical encounter just made it a very temporary affair in my eyes
d) Although both Cole and Jolie are witty, I never got the sense that they discussed anything other than the problems plaguing their respective families. I wonder what they're gonna do now that that issue's resolved cuz all I got from them in that area was them going at it non-stop when they were alone.
e) Jolie's name... I'm sorry, I just conjured up Angelina and it didn't work for the story cuz she's portrayed as such a man-stealer (not gonna publicize my views on that but you get my negative intonation).May be it was deliberate, I dunno.
Nicely written book which kept my interest but most of the book dealt with the family issues and not enough angst or repentance, I guess.
a) Cole was almost an adult when he pushed Jolie away from Hannah. He should have known better.
b) Having pushed Jolie away from Hannah, I found it weird that he lusted after her all the time and still treated her like %^&* all that time.
c) The switch on Cole's side from 'I-wish-you-were-dead (well, almost)' to 'I-can't-live-w/o-you' based on ONE physical encounter just made it a very temporary affair in my eyes
d) Although both Cole and Jolie are witty, I never got the sense that they discussed anything other than the problems plaguing their respective families. I wonder what they're gonna do now that that issue's resolved cuz all I got from them in that area was them going at it non-stop when they were alone.
e) Jolie's name... I'm sorry, I just conjured up Angelina and it didn't work for the story cuz she's portrayed as such a man-stealer (not gonna publicize my views on that but you get my negative intonation).May be it was deliberate, I dunno.
Nicely written book which kept my interest but most of the book dealt with the family issues and not enough angst or repentance, I guess.
August 21, 2011
Another winner from Kelly Hunter. If you just ignore the little continuity errors that concern their ages at various points in the book, this is a great story. The characters seem so real as do the emotions. There are some amusing moments and the physical connection between Jolie and Cole is very hot. The hero is a great guy who sees what he wants and refuses to listen to any reasoning that doesn't get him the heroine. The whole story line about their parents being involved in an affair was different and I thought it was handled well. The writing was super as always from KH and I continue to wish she would move up to the regular mass market world.
March 26, 2017
That's a man I love to hate.
August 6, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
I have tears in my eyes as I write this because the ending of this story was so beautiful, romantic and it made me feel like I needed to hug somebody. I simply had to write this review right away. If a reader is looking for a book with characters they can believe in, then The Man She Loves to Hate is a winner.
The title can be a bit misleading, making a reader think it’s going to be full of angst, darkness and over the top conflict. It’s not. In fact, it’s about hope, redemption, determination and a celebration of life. Oh don’t get me wrong, there is a deep emotional conflict that colors and influences some of the actions in the book but what I found gratifying is the hero and heroine not succumbing to its poison. I am thrilled that Ms. Hunter wrote a story that is focused on two people falling in love in spite of and despite the past, the community perception of the heroine and the legacy of the hero’s father.
I loved how the author set up Jolie and Cole to meet again later in life in a situation that stripped away all of those nasty lies and gave them an almost clean slate to work with. It was the first time either saw each other for who they really were or who they could be, if they could only break the shackles of their mutual painful past. And what I liked was their willingness to try. That took guts, courage and of course, a healthy dose of lust and passion didn’t exactly hurt.
I liked Jolie a lot. I got the biggest kick out of her job. What a fun profession, although it’s clear from the book that she worked hard at it and it’s not without challenges as well as triumphs. She got there on her own through sheer determination and grit. The heroine is a strong character despite her internal doubts and insecurity. Jolie hides them well but the reader will see so much more. I enjoyed the creative outlet that the author gave the heroine when emotions were at a fevered pitch. It was insightful, fascinating and actually entertaining. And I adored (and I know I wore a loopy grin) when Cole made his comment about how he wanted one of the pictures to look.
As for Cole, I have to give the guy credit. Okay, more like Ms. Hunter, because she created a character worth rooting for, and worth admiring. Cole knows the score. So much is at stake and it’s not just his heart. And yet, the blinders come off throughout the course of the story and his worth as a hero grew before my eyes. He used to be just as cynical and condemning as the rest of his family and peers until that fateful day. His whole world turned on its axis when he figured out that the situation wasn’t exactly what he was told. Since he was a kid, he’d been hurting inside – bleeding for what he thought was lost. As an adult, Cole found out some truths and I was so proud of him when he stood up for what he knew was right and for what he wanted. It was such a powerful moment in the book and Ms. Hunter did it justice.
The ending and wrap up is what bowled me over. Everything that happened before fed into that ending making it one of the most poignant and beautiful reunions of two lovers ever. The dialogue, the passion, and the vibrant feelings - the author brought them all to life, and it left me blubbering into a tissue with happy tears misting my eyes.
There was even humor and my favorite part was the shower stall. Those poor tiles - what a genius idea! And then there was the part in the gondola – Jolie was so cheeky. What fun.
The Man She Loves to Hate is a huggable and lovable book. Romance readers are in for a treat while they watch two unlikely people fall in love against all odds with a passion and honesty that will stand the test of time. Ms. Hunter has written a book that touched my heart. If this is a sample of her consistent writing style, then I want more. I enjoyed her voice and the way she told this story. I guarantee that I’ll be looking for additional books from this talented author.
I have tears in my eyes as I write this because the ending of this story was so beautiful, romantic and it made me feel like I needed to hug somebody. I simply had to write this review right away. If a reader is looking for a book with characters they can believe in, then The Man She Loves to Hate is a winner.
The title can be a bit misleading, making a reader think it’s going to be full of angst, darkness and over the top conflict. It’s not. In fact, it’s about hope, redemption, determination and a celebration of life. Oh don’t get me wrong, there is a deep emotional conflict that colors and influences some of the actions in the book but what I found gratifying is the hero and heroine not succumbing to its poison. I am thrilled that Ms. Hunter wrote a story that is focused on two people falling in love in spite of and despite the past, the community perception of the heroine and the legacy of the hero’s father.
I loved how the author set up Jolie and Cole to meet again later in life in a situation that stripped away all of those nasty lies and gave them an almost clean slate to work with. It was the first time either saw each other for who they really were or who they could be, if they could only break the shackles of their mutual painful past. And what I liked was their willingness to try. That took guts, courage and of course, a healthy dose of lust and passion didn’t exactly hurt.
I liked Jolie a lot. I got the biggest kick out of her job. What a fun profession, although it’s clear from the book that she worked hard at it and it’s not without challenges as well as triumphs. She got there on her own through sheer determination and grit. The heroine is a strong character despite her internal doubts and insecurity. Jolie hides them well but the reader will see so much more. I enjoyed the creative outlet that the author gave the heroine when emotions were at a fevered pitch. It was insightful, fascinating and actually entertaining. And I adored (and I know I wore a loopy grin) when Cole made his comment about how he wanted one of the pictures to look.
As for Cole, I have to give the guy credit. Okay, more like Ms. Hunter, because she created a character worth rooting for, and worth admiring. Cole knows the score. So much is at stake and it’s not just his heart. And yet, the blinders come off throughout the course of the story and his worth as a hero grew before my eyes. He used to be just as cynical and condemning as the rest of his family and peers until that fateful day. His whole world turned on its axis when he figured out that the situation wasn’t exactly what he was told. Since he was a kid, he’d been hurting inside – bleeding for what he thought was lost. As an adult, Cole found out some truths and I was so proud of him when he stood up for what he knew was right and for what he wanted. It was such a powerful moment in the book and Ms. Hunter did it justice.
The ending and wrap up is what bowled me over. Everything that happened before fed into that ending making it one of the most poignant and beautiful reunions of two lovers ever. The dialogue, the passion, and the vibrant feelings - the author brought them all to life, and it left me blubbering into a tissue with happy tears misting my eyes.
There was even humor and my favorite part was the shower stall. Those poor tiles - what a genius idea! And then there was the part in the gondola – Jolie was so cheeky. What fun.
The Man She Loves to Hate is a huggable and lovable book. Romance readers are in for a treat while they watch two unlikely people fall in love against all odds with a passion and honesty that will stand the test of time. Ms. Hunter has written a book that touched my heart. If this is a sample of her consistent writing style, then I want more. I enjoyed her voice and the way she told this story. I guarantee that I’ll be looking for additional books from this talented author.
July 15, 2011
Jolie, the heroine, has returned to her hometown to help comfort her mother after her long term lover passed away. Although Jolie loves her mother, she has always hated the fact that her lover was a married man and the father of her former best friend, Jolie has faced a lot of scorn over her mothers actions as well. As a favour to her mother she goes up to collect some of her mothers stuff from the ski cabin that belonged to him, however she gets stranded on the mountain after an avalanche with the hero Cole, who is the son of her mothers lover and someone who hates Jolie. Cole is forced to change his opinion of Jolie after she saves him in the snow storm, he also finds himself very attracted to her and one thing leads to another and they begin an affair. Jolie has spent her life being judged by her mothers actions and is reluctant to make her and Cole's affair public, and Cole is also concerned about the reaction to it, but realises that his feelings for Jolie may be deeper than he realised.
Kelly Hunter has written a fantastic book here, with a really great twist on the 'forbidden love' theme. The confusion that both characters felt about their feelings for each other feels very real, and the message that love isn't always easy and people aren't perfect made the book very believable. Jolie is a fantastic female character, her strength and shyness are traits that gave her such depth and made me really like her. The whole book has a very passionate mood, and the chemistry between the characters, not to mention the love-scenes, sizzle!
A great book.
Oh, one last thing, I do wish the back cover blurb was different, I really don't like it and it actually put me off reading it. Obviously this is not down to the author and has no effect on my enjoyment of the story.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
Kelly Hunter has written a fantastic book here, with a really great twist on the 'forbidden love' theme. The confusion that both characters felt about their feelings for each other feels very real, and the message that love isn't always easy and people aren't perfect made the book very believable. Jolie is a fantastic female character, her strength and shyness are traits that gave her such depth and made me really like her. The whole book has a very passionate mood, and the chemistry between the characters, not to mention the love-scenes, sizzle!
A great book.
Oh, one last thing, I do wish the back cover blurb was different, I really don't like it and it actually put me off reading it. Obviously this is not down to the author and has no effect on my enjoyment of the story.
Originally posted at http://everyday-is-the-same.blogspot....
October 7, 2013
I wanted to love this book, I really did. But I could not get over the hypocrisy throughout it. Jolie was twelve when the affair came out to the public, TWELVE. Yet everyone blames her, not the father. Cole's housekeeper quit when she found out they were dating, but did she ever once comment on the fact that a married man cheated on his family with no regard to his families feelings? No. Neither Cole nor Jolie were in relationships. They were of legal age. There was no basis for the raging hatred the entire world had toward her. Um, hello! I'm pretty sure the bulk of the blame, anger, etc should be placed on the father's shoulders. But the story sure read that no one stood up to him to tell him to get his act together. Instead he stayed married to his wife and had his mistress on the side. But heaven forbid his UNMARRIED son and her UNMARRIED daughter date.
I could have seen all the hatred toward Jolie if Cole's father spoiled her. Or spent time with her. Or replaced his family with her. But did he? Nope. They had almost no relationship from what I gathered.
I just didn't love it. The story felt overly dramatic simply for drama's sake.
I could have seen all the hatred toward Jolie if Cole's father spoiled her. Or spent time with her. Or replaced his family with her. But did he? Nope. They had almost no relationship from what I gathered.
I just didn't love it. The story felt overly dramatic simply for drama's sake.
July 9, 2011
Cole Reese and Jolie Tanner have an unfortunate history. Cole's father and Jolie's mother had a long term affair that everyone in their town was aware of. It didn't help that Cole's mother did everything in her power to make things difficult for Jolie.
So when Jolie hears she'll be sharing a gondola ride down the mountain with Cole she is less than thrilled. It would've been bearable if it weren't from the avalanche and the snowstorm. It's one thing to stay civilized and polite during a ten minute ride and a totally different story when you're stranded together and have to share body heat so you could stay warm. With close proximity sparks come along. And they are hard to resist.
Cole spent most of his life trying to prove that he's not his father. It really doesn't help he fell for the daughter of his father's mistress. He's a bit self-centered and compromise isn't something he understands, but he's also patient and gentle and willing to fight for something, or someone, he wants.
The only thing Jolie wants to do is to get away from all the people that know of her mother's relationship. Don't get me wrong she loves her mother, but sometimes she simply doesn't understand her choices. And then she fell in love with Cole. And she understood.
I really liked Jolie. Even with her fears and the fact she left Cole alone to fight dragons, she was willing to step back and take a good look at her life. I love the way she came to the conclusion that Cole is worth it. Her pictures and her thoughts while she painted them made me cry.
Rating:
5 stars
*ARC received form NetGalley*
So when Jolie hears she'll be sharing a gondola ride down the mountain with Cole she is less than thrilled. It would've been bearable if it weren't from the avalanche and the snowstorm. It's one thing to stay civilized and polite during a ten minute ride and a totally different story when you're stranded together and have to share body heat so you could stay warm. With close proximity sparks come along. And they are hard to resist.
Cole spent most of his life trying to prove that he's not his father. It really doesn't help he fell for the daughter of his father's mistress. He's a bit self-centered and compromise isn't something he understands, but he's also patient and gentle and willing to fight for something, or someone, he wants.
The only thing Jolie wants to do is to get away from all the people that know of her mother's relationship. Don't get me wrong she loves her mother, but sometimes she simply doesn't understand her choices. And then she fell in love with Cole. And she understood.
I really liked Jolie. Even with her fears and the fact she left Cole alone to fight dragons, she was willing to step back and take a good look at her life. I love the way she came to the conclusion that Cole is worth it. Her pictures and her thoughts while she painted them made me cry.
Rating:
5 stars
*ARC received form NetGalley*
October 18, 2014
Jolie Tanner and Hannah Rees are best friends and Jolie has a bit of a childhood crush on Hannah's brother Cole.
This friendship comes to an end when a long lasting affair between her mother Rachel and their father James is made public. (he remains married to his wife for the Rees company)
Ever since that people treat the Tanners differently, especially Jolie.
The affair continues till James dies.
Jolie goes up to the cabin that James and Rachel used as their meeting place to collect things and takes the last gondola off the mountain.
In the gondola with her is Cole, she hopes he doesn't recognize her with a big hatt (covering her unmistakable Tanner red hair), goggles and ski clothes on.
But he does...
When the forces of nature puts them together in an avalanche, Cole has to change his opion about Jolie, instead of hating her, he is severly attracted to her.
After they spend the night together in a cabin, where they hide from the snowstorm, they begin a scorching affair.
Jolie has trust issues because of the past and Cole is the right person to help her with that!
Can Cole and Jolie get past their fears and differences their families have and find their own HEA?
This was the first book i read by Kelly Hunter and i absolutely loved it!
Her writing style is really refreshing and the characters she created were very real to me!
I could feel the chemistry between them spark and the book drew a big smile on my face!
Cole and Jolie were very likeable characters to me, i had no choice but to love them and understand them.
This book is really romantic!
Kelly Hunter goes on my favorite author list and i will be getting more of her books!”
This friendship comes to an end when a long lasting affair between her mother Rachel and their father James is made public. (he remains married to his wife for the Rees company)
Ever since that people treat the Tanners differently, especially Jolie.
The affair continues till James dies.
Jolie goes up to the cabin that James and Rachel used as their meeting place to collect things and takes the last gondola off the mountain.
In the gondola with her is Cole, she hopes he doesn't recognize her with a big hatt (covering her unmistakable Tanner red hair), goggles and ski clothes on.
But he does...
When the forces of nature puts them together in an avalanche, Cole has to change his opion about Jolie, instead of hating her, he is severly attracted to her.
After they spend the night together in a cabin, where they hide from the snowstorm, they begin a scorching affair.
Jolie has trust issues because of the past and Cole is the right person to help her with that!
Can Cole and Jolie get past their fears and differences their families have and find their own HEA?
This was the first book i read by Kelly Hunter and i absolutely loved it!
Her writing style is really refreshing and the characters she created were very real to me!
I could feel the chemistry between them spark and the book drew a big smile on my face!
Cole and Jolie were very likeable characters to me, i had no choice but to love them and understand them.
This book is really romantic!
Kelly Hunter goes on my favorite author list and i will be getting more of her books!”
November 12, 2011
Great storyline. I would have loved to read it as a longer novel. I adore reading about a couple that knew each other long ago and now have a chance to ignite something they couldn't 'way back when.' I didn't think I would like Cole because of the way he treated Jolie when they were younger. But you come to find it was more than just self preservation.
Jolie has lived in the shadow of her mother's affair with a very rich, very influential, and very married man who is also the father of her best friend and her blooming first crush, the best friend's brother. When the affair comes to light, she and her mother are shunned. Through no fault of her own, Jolie is forced into a friendless existence. Then Cole gets a chance to redeem himself, and the chance to find out what he really pushed away all those years ago.
I don't usually read these shorter romances, as I like to be really involved. This was still a lot better than I expected it to be. While I could have read quite a bit more about the people involved in the story, I felt very engaged in both main characters. And I guess if I'm saying that I wanted more, that's a good thing, right?
Jolie has lived in the shadow of her mother's affair with a very rich, very influential, and very married man who is also the father of her best friend and her blooming first crush, the best friend's brother. When the affair comes to light, she and her mother are shunned. Through no fault of her own, Jolie is forced into a friendless existence. Then Cole gets a chance to redeem himself, and the chance to find out what he really pushed away all those years ago.
I don't usually read these shorter romances, as I like to be really involved. This was still a lot better than I expected it to be. While I could have read quite a bit more about the people involved in the story, I felt very engaged in both main characters. And I guess if I'm saying that I wanted more, that's a good thing, right?
October 25, 2012
Oh my stars. I loved this! I started it in car line while picking up my girls and finished it this evening. I didn't even want to put it down for a potty break :)
Jolie and Cole knew each other as teens, she was best friends with his sister. All that came to an abrupt halt when Cole and his sister found out their father had been having an affair with Jolie's mom. Flash forward ten years and you have to people who are trying to live outside the shadow of their parents choices. They run into each other, get stranded during a snow storm and things heat up between them. The building of their relationship was real. They took it slow, kept it to themselves for a while and then let everyone know. When they let people know is when the shit hit the fan. Jolie's insecurities had her running. Thankfully Cole wanted her bad enough to fight for her. His proposal at the end was perfect.
This is something I'd read again. Just the right mix of angst and love. Now, I'm going add the rest of the author's works to my TBR :)
Jolie and Cole knew each other as teens, she was best friends with his sister. All that came to an abrupt halt when Cole and his sister found out their father had been having an affair with Jolie's mom. Flash forward ten years and you have to people who are trying to live outside the shadow of their parents choices. They run into each other, get stranded during a snow storm and things heat up between them. The building of their relationship was real. They took it slow, kept it to themselves for a while and then let everyone know. When they let people know is when the shit hit the fan. Jolie's insecurities had her running. Thankfully Cole wanted her bad enough to fight for her. His proposal at the end was perfect.
This is something I'd read again. Just the right mix of angst and love. Now, I'm going add the rest of the author's works to my TBR :)
September 18, 2011
Jolie grew up treated with the town judging her for her Mothers affair with a well known and wealthy resident. At the time it didn't matter that she was best friend with his daughter or admired his older son, they all shunned her as if she too were equally involved in the affair. Jolie became a strong woman and despite the constant rumors she was stunningly beautiful and could draw any man to her web, she was far from the rumored truth.
Years later Cole Rees is still angry with the aftermath of his fathers affair, now that he has passed he begins to realize that the accusations he made towards Jolie were unfair and untrue. The more he gets to know the woman, the harder he falls for the sensual beauty who has laid claim to his heart.
I thought this was a charming read, kind of a pride and prejudice style of book. There is a lot left in the book that could lead to another book.
Years later Cole Rees is still angry with the aftermath of his fathers affair, now that he has passed he begins to realize that the accusations he made towards Jolie were unfair and untrue. The more he gets to know the woman, the harder he falls for the sensual beauty who has laid claim to his heart.
I thought this was a charming read, kind of a pride and prejudice style of book. There is a lot left in the book that could lead to another book.
September 12, 2011
First let me say that back-cover summary doesn't give this story any justice. The story is hard, is strong and it's very emotional.
I expected a sort of light plot and I found myself in a story that I couldn't stop reading. Very very very good!
This book reminded me of another story like this, After the Night, another story I loved very much.
Kelly Hunter is a great author and her story deserves all 5 stars! I hope to read her again in my future.
I expected a sort of light plot and I found myself in a story that I couldn't stop reading. Very very very good!
This book reminded me of another story like this, After the Night, another story I loved very much.
Kelly Hunter is a great author and her story deserves all 5 stars! I hope to read her again in my future.
January 26, 2023
5+ Cole Rees stars!
I loved it!
I am in my hp landia this month, carefully searching for my next 'best of the best' HQ read.
And I am confident to say that this book is exactly it.
It did remind me a lot of After the Night by Linda Howard, another book I love with all my heart.
So this story is of Jolie and Cole.
They used to be friends as kids. Plus, Cole's sister Hannah.
But then they all found out that Cole's father had an affair with Jolie's mother.
And so, Cole's family, being as powerful as they were, practically alienated Jolie and her mother and the entire town treated them as pariahs and gave them the label of bedhopping whores.
10 years go by and Jolie and Cole meet again.
This time it's because of Cole's father's death.
Turns out the not-so-secret affair continued till his death and Jolie is back in town for a few weeks to help her mother pick up the pieces.
She starts with cleaning their cabin up in the mountains.
And that's how they bump into each other.
Because he came up to the mountain to escape the funeral and to say his goodbyes in peace.
Unfortunately, on the way down they get stuck in a gondola due to heavy blizzard and then they crash.
And she saves his life.
And that's how it all starts.
And I'll stop here because I don't wanna spoil the fun for anyone.
I'll just say this:
What needs saying is that this book is not your typical HQ.
The depth of the characters, the layers they have?
Yowza!
Plus, both the hero and the heroine are fantastic!
Smart, caring, deep.
Again, not something you see that often in hq fiction.
No, scratch that.
Not something you see that often in romance fiction at all.
To love both of them and root for them from the beginning till the very end.
And for that reason this baby lands on my 'favourites' shelf and I'm planning to reread it soon.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
I loved it!
I am in my hp landia this month, carefully searching for my next 'best of the best' HQ read.
And I am confident to say that this book is exactly it.
It did remind me a lot of After the Night by Linda Howard, another book I love with all my heart.
So this story is of Jolie and Cole.
They used to be friends as kids. Plus, Cole's sister Hannah.
But then they all found out that Cole's father had an affair with Jolie's mother.
And so, Cole's family, being as powerful as they were, practically alienated Jolie and her mother and the entire town treated them as pariahs and gave them the label of bedhopping whores.
10 years go by and Jolie and Cole meet again.
This time it's because of Cole's father's death.
Turns out the not-so-secret affair continued till his death and Jolie is back in town for a few weeks to help her mother pick up the pieces.
She starts with cleaning their cabin up in the mountains.
And that's how they bump into each other.
Because he came up to the mountain to escape the funeral and to say his goodbyes in peace.
Unfortunately, on the way down they get stuck in a gondola due to heavy blizzard and then they crash.
And she saves his life.
And that's how it all starts.
And I'll stop here because I don't wanna spoil the fun for anyone.
I'll just say this:
What needs saying is that this book is not your typical HQ.
The depth of the characters, the layers they have?
Yowza!
Plus, both the hero and the heroine are fantastic!
Smart, caring, deep.
Again, not something you see that often in hq fiction.
No, scratch that.
Not something you see that often in romance fiction at all.
To love both of them and root for them from the beginning till the very end.
And for that reason this baby lands on my 'favourites' shelf and I'm planning to reread it soon.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
September 6, 2011
Wow! What an amazing book. I read this story in one sitting, literally engrossed in every single scene. The emotional complexity is stunning, the characters and the course of their affair both brutally honest and richly involving. By the end I was choking back tears and yet smiling with heartfelt joy (my husband thought I'd gone mad!!)
Kelly Hunter has always been a writer I admire and whose books I know I'll enjoy... I mean, come on, three times RITA nominated, that didn't happen by accident folks. But this book is my favourite of hers, and that's a high standard to surpass. As I write for the same line myself I know how hard it is to juggle emotional depth with the light, flirty promise of Riva and you often end up having to sacrifice one for the other, but Kelly simply blew that whole juggling act away with this story.
Cole and Jolie are brilliantly complex and moving characters, both deeply scarred by their shared past — a long-term adulterous affair between his father and her mother — whose mutual attraction is only going to stir up all that old pain all over again. That's one hell of a conflict and I'm still in awe that Kelly dealt with in such depth and complexity in a 50,000 word book. Adultery is a tough subject to deal with in a romance, but the story faces it head on, and deals with the bitter aftermath. But alongside all the tough stuff Cole and Jolie have to deal with, there's also that beautiful connection between the two of them (and some HAWT love scenes!!) which shows that love really can conquer all - but in a believable way.
I loved this book, although I may have to hate the author, as she's now set the bar so darn high for the rest of us. Sheesh Kelly, thanx a bunch!!
Kelly Hunter has always been a writer I admire and whose books I know I'll enjoy... I mean, come on, three times RITA nominated, that didn't happen by accident folks. But this book is my favourite of hers, and that's a high standard to surpass. As I write for the same line myself I know how hard it is to juggle emotional depth with the light, flirty promise of Riva and you often end up having to sacrifice one for the other, but Kelly simply blew that whole juggling act away with this story.
Cole and Jolie are brilliantly complex and moving characters, both deeply scarred by their shared past — a long-term adulterous affair between his father and her mother — whose mutual attraction is only going to stir up all that old pain all over again. That's one hell of a conflict and I'm still in awe that Kelly dealt with in such depth and complexity in a 50,000 word book. Adultery is a tough subject to deal with in a romance, but the story faces it head on, and deals with the bitter aftermath. But alongside all the tough stuff Cole and Jolie have to deal with, there's also that beautiful connection between the two of them (and some HAWT love scenes!!) which shows that love really can conquer all - but in a believable way.
I loved this book, although I may have to hate the author, as she's now set the bar so darn high for the rest of us. Sheesh Kelly, thanx a bunch!!
August 23, 2011
The rave reviews are right. This book is quite unlike most HPs Ive read in that it was dark, heavy stuff. And it is excellent.
Ms. Hunter writes great, fully-fleshed characters. I loved both Jolie and Cole, especially Cole (He's MINE, Lulu, you can't have him!) And she is a fantastic storyteller.
But here's my catch: I hate, hate, hate adultery stories, and I'm rather extreme in my dislike of them. There are very few cases in which I think it is justified, and this book was not one of them. Although it wasn't the main focus of the story, it was pertinent enough to have a bearing on the the story. I did not feel it was dealt with properly. It marred my enjoyment somewhat.
So although I will enthusiastically go looking for more of Ms. Hunter's books, and although this is probably one of the top 10 HPs I've read, I won't be putting it on my keeper shelf, and I won't be rereading it. I guess Lulu wins Cole after all, :-(
Ms. Hunter writes great, fully-fleshed characters. I loved both Jolie and Cole, especially Cole (He's MINE, Lulu, you can't have him!) And she is a fantastic storyteller.
But here's my catch: I hate, hate, hate adultery stories, and I'm rather extreme in my dislike of them. There are very few cases in which I think it is justified, and this book was not one of them. Although it wasn't the main focus of the story, it was pertinent enough to have a bearing on the the story. I did not feel it was dealt with properly. It marred my enjoyment somewhat.
So although I will enthusiastically go looking for more of Ms. Hunter's books, and although this is probably one of the top 10 HPs I've read, I won't be putting it on my keeper shelf, and I won't be rereading it. I guess Lulu wins Cole after all, :-(
August 28, 2011
I think it's safe to say all of Kelly Hunter's books are five star classics for me.
I like that Danielle in her review describes the nuance in this book. Hunter writes with economy, but every word is laden with depth, and that's what makes the story and characters leap off the page. The first time I read one of her books I was overwhelmed – it read like a literary novel, like poetry. I don't say that to demean either genre, but it's just so rare that I've read a romance written so well. What works is in what isn't explicitly said. Hunter vividly and sincerely paints flawed but relatable characters in all colourful relationships. I especially like the metaphorical imagery she sometimes employs as a plot device, as with her visual artist heroine in this book.
And I know I've just rambled on quite generally, but trust me on this – this is a book you will love to love!
I like that Danielle in her review describes the nuance in this book. Hunter writes with economy, but every word is laden with depth, and that's what makes the story and characters leap off the page. The first time I read one of her books I was overwhelmed – it read like a literary novel, like poetry. I don't say that to demean either genre, but it's just so rare that I've read a romance written so well. What works is in what isn't explicitly said. Hunter vividly and sincerely paints flawed but relatable characters in all colourful relationships. I especially like the metaphorical imagery she sometimes employs as a plot device, as with her visual artist heroine in this book.
And I know I've just rambled on quite generally, but trust me on this – this is a book you will love to love!
September 29, 2020
What a beautiful read! Makes me want to revise the rest of my ratings, because I can’t give it more than 5 stars and this means I’d have to subtract a (half)star from almost every other book I’ve rated so far.
January 10, 2012
Great quick read. Loved it!
April 5, 2012
My Reviews: http://harlequinjunkie.blogspot.com/
LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
The Man She Loves to Hate is among my top 10 releases of 2011! The romance between Jolie and Cole though complex was completely believable and well written. This book had it all drama, conflict, passion and a great romance.
The characters in this book were well rounded, I liked that the author gave Jolie an unusual profession that also provided her a creative outlet when she needed one.
Cole is just gorgeous without being overbearing, he was not afraid to show his feelings and he was willing to risk it all in the name of love.
I liked the way the synopsis of the book was done - Unique.
I would give this book more than fire stars if I could, I highly recommend reading this book. It was engaging from start to finish.
LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
The Man She Loves to Hate is among my top 10 releases of 2011! The romance between Jolie and Cole though complex was completely believable and well written. This book had it all drama, conflict, passion and a great romance.
The characters in this book were well rounded, I liked that the author gave Jolie an unusual profession that also provided her a creative outlet when she needed one.
Cole is just gorgeous without being overbearing, he was not afraid to show his feelings and he was willing to risk it all in the name of love.
I liked the way the synopsis of the book was done - Unique.
I would give this book more than fire stars if I could, I highly recommend reading this book. It was engaging from start to finish.
October 28, 2011
ชอบช่วงแรกของเรื่องมาก โดยเฉพาะช่วงที่สองคนติดอยู่บนภูเขาที่หิมะถล่ม เพราะมันเดาไม่ได้ว่าจะเกิดอะไรขึ้นต่อไป หลังจากนั้นก็สนุกดีอ่านเพลินๆ เพียงแต่ความประทับใจไม่ได้เพิ่มขึ้น จบแบบหวานๆ อ่านแล้วอดคิดถึงเรื่อง After The Night ของ ลินดา โฮเวิร์ดไม่ได้ เพราะโครงหลักคล้ายกัน แม่นางเอกเป็นภรรยาน้อยของพ่อพระเอก ความรักของทั้งสองคนจึงไม่น่าเป็นไปได้ แต่เรื่องของเจ๊ลินดาเข้มข้นกว่าหน่อยค่ะ(และฮอทกว่าเยอะ)
October 27, 2012
So. That was pretty good.
September 7, 2011
Wow!
What a deep book. I never saw it coming.
What a deep book. I never saw it coming.
March 7, 2018
Having enjoyed a book of this author I decided to follow it up another book of hers and chose this one because I like the enemies-to-lovers trope, but while I liked both MCs, I didn't really enjoy the romance between them. While human frailties behind the adultery between Cole's father and Jolie's mother and its repercussions -- the lingering unhappiness and bitterness amongst all the key people connected to the two-- was well written, it however hovered like a dark cloud right through the book. Moreover, the MCs don't stay enemies for long. The book has a great start with the two caught in an avalanche after their gondola crashed and fight for survival where they end up succumbing to their deep-seated physical attraction for each other. Then, once they're rescued they go from lovers to falling for each other in no time. It was a good thing that both quickly realized they're not responsible for their respective parent's deeds and moved on to focus on their attraction and interest in each other, but the romance fell flat although I found Cole travelling from Queenstown to Christchurch every weekend to see Jolie very sweet.
The book then picked up a little with battle lines being drawn between Cole and his mother, who's unhappy about his relationship with the daughter of her nemesis and tries to stop him from becoming the CEO by raising a no-confidence motion against him and brainwashing other board members to vote against him. Cole, in his determination not to be like his father and hide the woman he loves, invites Jolie as his partner to the dinner that would sway the votes, knowing very well that majority of them do not have a very high opinion of Jolie and her mother, thereby risking his chance of becoming the CEO. Whereas, Jolie feels he's selfish like his father in forcing his mother and his sister, Hannah --who was once Jolie's best friend while at school, and whose vote was enough to put Cole on the CEO's seat-- into accepting his decision without talking to them about it, which is why after the dinner --where she received dirty looks from everyone gathered there and the truth from Hannah what Cole was ready to lose because of her-- she goes back to Christchurch, leaving him alone to fight for the two of them. Like him, I thought his bitter mother --who stopped her husband from divorcing her with a threat to destroy the company he'd worked hard for and who is now doing the same to her son-- was a complete lost cause, whereas Hannah was torn between the brother she loves and the mother she feels needs her allegiance because she was wronged, although Cole did make his feelings about Jolie very clear to her.
So, while I liked the emotional aspect of the book and felt drawn toward all the characters, was able to understand each of them, the book didn't give me a pleasant feeling. Moreover, the romance between such nice MCs was just so-so. However, I'd still recommend this book for a one time read.
The book then picked up a little with battle lines being drawn between Cole and his mother, who's unhappy about his relationship with the daughter of her nemesis and tries to stop him from becoming the CEO by raising a no-confidence motion against him and brainwashing other board members to vote against him. Cole, in his determination not to be like his father and hide the woman he loves, invites Jolie as his partner to the dinner that would sway the votes, knowing very well that majority of them do not have a very high opinion of Jolie and her mother, thereby risking his chance of becoming the CEO. Whereas, Jolie feels he's selfish like his father in forcing his mother and his sister, Hannah --who was once Jolie's best friend while at school, and whose vote was enough to put Cole on the CEO's seat-- into accepting his decision without talking to them about it, which is why after the dinner --where she received dirty looks from everyone gathered there and the truth from Hannah what Cole was ready to lose because of her-- she goes back to Christchurch, leaving him alone to fight for the two of them. Like him, I thought his bitter mother --who stopped her husband from divorcing her with a threat to destroy the company he'd worked hard for and who is now doing the same to her son-- was a complete lost cause, whereas Hannah was torn between the brother she loves and the mother she feels needs her allegiance because she was wronged, although Cole did make his feelings about Jolie very clear to her.
So, while I liked the emotional aspect of the book and felt drawn toward all the characters, was able to understand each of them, the book didn't give me a pleasant feeling. Moreover, the romance between such nice MCs was just so-so. However, I'd still recommend this book for a one time read.
July 16, 2020
Sebenarnya novel ini menjanjikan cerita dgn plot menarik. Jolie Tanner terpaksa mengakhiri persahabatannya dgn keluarga Rees krn ibunya berselingkuh dgn ayah Cole & Hannah. Apalagi sejak Jolie dan Cole terperangkap bersama saat badai es dan Jolie menyelamatkan Cole dari hipotermia.
Sayangnya, di pertengahan cerita mulai membosankan, dan endingnya adalah antiklimaks bagi saya. Jolie ternyata heroine yg cuma hebat beretorika alias pinter ngomong aja pdhl di lubuk hatinya dia adalah pengecut.
Cole jelas kepincut sejak ditolong Jolie, cuma gak dijelaskan apalagi yg membuatnya tertarik pd Jolie selain fisik yg menawan. Saya suka pd Cole yg berani "hadap depan" dgn ketidaksukaan ibunya pd ibu dan anak Tanner ini. Tapi saya tetap merasa heran si pengecut Jolie ini mendapatkan reward yg terlalu bagus utk usaha yg sangat minim.
Selain itu, apakah novel ini menyiratkan bhw perselingkuhan yg dilakukan James (ayah Cole) dan ibu Jolie adalah sesuatu yg wajar saja? Saya sih bisa bilang Cole memang bukan ibunya yg dikhianati dlm rumah tangga jadi gak tau rasanya dikhianati itu spt apa. Pemaafan itu gak segampang membalikkan tangan dan cuma di bibir saja. Walau James sudah mati, tapi sbg wanita saya mafhum rasanya disakiti dgn dikhianati selama 10 thn terakhir hidup James itu.
Sayangnya, di pertengahan cerita mulai membosankan, dan endingnya adalah antiklimaks bagi saya. Jolie ternyata heroine yg cuma hebat beretorika alias pinter ngomong aja pdhl di lubuk hatinya dia adalah pengecut.
Cole jelas kepincut sejak ditolong Jolie, cuma gak dijelaskan apalagi yg membuatnya tertarik pd Jolie selain fisik yg menawan. Saya suka pd Cole yg berani "hadap depan" dgn ketidaksukaan ibunya pd ibu dan anak Tanner ini. Tapi saya tetap merasa heran si pengecut Jolie ini mendapatkan reward yg terlalu bagus utk usaha yg sangat minim.
Selain itu, apakah novel ini menyiratkan bhw perselingkuhan yg dilakukan James (ayah Cole) dan ibu Jolie adalah sesuatu yg wajar saja? Saya sih bisa bilang Cole memang bukan ibunya yg dikhianati dlm rumah tangga jadi gak tau rasanya dikhianati itu spt apa. Pemaafan itu gak segampang membalikkan tangan dan cuma di bibir saja. Walau James sudah mati, tapi sbg wanita saya mafhum rasanya disakiti dgn dikhianati selama 10 thn terakhir hidup James itu.
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November 6, 202211/4/22 - I’m going back to some of the first ebooks I purchased and rereading them. I remember NOTHING about this book!
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