From the Bookshelf of Turning Pages At Midnight…

The Hate You Drink

N.R. Walker

Start date: July 9, 2019

Finish date: July 14, 2019

Discussion: Buddy Reads

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What Members Thought

May 07, 2019 Marion rated it really liked it

Shelves: challenged-heroes, can-t-wait-tbr, favourite-author, best-friends-to-lovers, buddy-read, lgbtq, family-drama, hurt-comfort, read-in-2019

4.25 Stars!
This was a very angsty read dealing with addiction, love, friendship and family.
I don’t normally enjoy angsty stories, but if NRW writes it, I’ll read it. She has yet to let me down.

8 likes · Like · see review

Jun 11, 2019 Sheri rated it really liked it

Shelves: amazing-yet-tragic, angst-fest, besties-to-boyfriends

Rock bottom. Monroe has just arrived or crashed would be more specific. The thing about hitting rock bottom is you have very little left to lose and very little scares you. But Monroe does have something or someone left to lose and that thought alone terrifies him. Erik has been sitting courtside during his best friend’s self-destruction and he simply can’t take it anymore. He never wanted to give him an ultimatum but he’s suddenly realized he is slowly killing himself watching Monroe torture hi Rock bottom. Monroe has just arrived or crashed would be more specific. The thing about hitting rock bottom is you have very little left to lose and very little scares you. But Monroe does have something or someone left to lose and that thought alone terrifies him. Erik has been sitting courtside during his best friend’s self-destruction and he simply can’t take it anymore. He never wanted to give him an ultimatum but he’s suddenly realized he is slowly killing himself watching Monroe torture himself. He has secretly loved Monroe but couldn’t risk losing him if he found out. Locking those feelings away, he has stoically stood next to him and braced every obstacle Monroe smashes through. But this last stunt drew a line in the sand. No more. Tough love is…well, tough. But if there is one thing that has never wavered it’s his unyielding love for Monroe. Walker lays it all on the table and it’s not pretty or easy. Alcoholism stems from many reasons. For Monroe, it’s not exactly that he’s addicted to alcohol but he’s addicted to the escape from reality that alcohol provides. He’s in so much pain and numbness grants him temporary relief. Diving back into the abyss before he can clear his mind is his daily goal. Nevermind anything or anyone that gets in his way. He’s not only drinking his hate but he’s drowning in it. Erik rescues him and it’s tragically beautiful.

What's to like: I came across this quote and I’m afraid I don’t know who penned it, but wow, it’s spot on. I can see Erik’s face and hear these words echo in his mind…

“I see that you are drowning,
but I have to walk away.
If I jump in to save you,
you’ll pull me down to stay.
When you see me turn around,
don’t think that I don’t care.
You can’t see the tears
through all your gasps for air.”

The battle Monroe is fighting could very well declare a ceasefire on the war he is losing. That is if he wants to. The startling reality that this time it’s “all or nothing” rattles him to his bones. It truly is the wakeup call he needed. However, good intentions are only that. He needs to follow through and walk the walk of a sober man if he wishes to keep Erik. Saul enters at this point and he was a marvelous addition to this story. Detox begins and so does their separation. Which is never my favorite thing. I had to shift my thinking here and grasp that this is much more of a personal journey than a romance. Once I had that mindset, things flowed much better for me.

What's to love: The best part of this story for me was Monroe and Erik. It was easy to be frustrated and even angry with Monroe. But it was also easy to admire his hidden strength and determination. Erik was a bright light in the darkness. I adored his infinite pool of love for Monroe. He was the anchor Monroe needed. When the fog lifted and Monroe recognized what he had been missing, it was as if the sun came out. I loved the tentative steps into their newly expanded relationship. I loved how they loved one another. I couldn’t get enough of the setting and very much enjoyed the strong secondary cast. And the ending was everything I needed and then some. This isn’t an easy lighthearted read and the road they travel doesn’t always move together. But there’s a hard-won victory that I enjoyed celebrating with them.

Beware of: An intoxicated beginning followed by an intense recovery. An authentic personal journey that will tug on your heartstrings. And a beautiful blossoming between two best friends that remind us friends make the best lovers.

This book is for: If you’ve ever been to an AA meeting or someone close to you has attended, this might hit too close to home. Walker fans should know this is a heavier story but contains all of her signature touches. There isn’t a better half with these two, but they certainly are better together.

Book UNfunk ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 10, 2019 Lisa Cullinan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-read, 2019

Heartfelt story

The Hate You Drink shows the rough and heartfelt journey of a wealthy young man, Monroe Wellman, and the love and help he receives from his even more wealthier best friend, Erik Keston, and Erik’s parents. From the way Monroe hits rock bottom to his detox and therapy and ultimately his recovery, my heart was filled with empathy and anxiety at the same time.

This is a very well-written book that does have a HEA.

3 likes · Like · see review