They call him the devil. When I crash-landed into him on my first day at Loyola Academy, I was sure that couldn’t be true. He was the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen in real life. Little did I know he was also the cruelest. I went from starstruck to stunned the moment his cynical eyes cut through me. I can’t tell you what it was that made him want to punish me. But from that day forward the … to punish me. But from that day forward the brooding recluse of a man made it his goal to torment me.
I want to loathe him, and some days, I do.
But good or bad, nobody’s attention has ever tasted so sweet.
What do you do when you have a hate crush on your bully?
Worse yet, what do you do when he’s also your teacher?
Hate Crush is a full length standalone age gap bully romance with a complete ending.
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Holy Crush!! Ahh! Zavarelli has done it again! Hate Crush is EVERYTHING!! Just what my little black heart was dying for! A dark bully/forbidden romance with all the SEXY! Mr. Carter, do your worst…sigh, He was so horribly wonderful! I couldn’t get enough of him! Zavarelli knows how to make her readers obsessed! And that’s what I am folks, completely out of my mind with this Book boyfriend! He’s mean, and when I say mean I’m talking unbelievably cruel! He’s delicious, the kind of temptation only the Devil can be responsible for! He’s dark and unstable, that only villains are capable of achieving with the need to claim and posses! I was hooked from beginning to end, hanging on to every word! Stella was beautiful and brave. She can’t catch a break and is desperately trying to stay afloat. I loved her. She was so unprepared for Sebastian, but she was everything he needed! This book was devastating and amazing! So much transpires and it really hit me in the feels! I loved the ending, and these characters so much! This story was incredibly sexy and dirty! The character’s connection was intense and nerve-racking! I swallowed this book whole and I can’t for everyone to devour it! Easily a Favorite of mine this year! I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely crushed it
Wow, this book is amazing….it has all the feels going on, some serious behind the scenes drama and one non-labelled taboo relationship…..what’s not to loveThis book wasn’t anything that I expected it to be when I first started reading, but much like a flower in spring it bloomed and I was entirely captivated watching as it all unfolded
Stella and Sebastian were everything I never expected to find in this story and I absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down. Suffice to say this is one I highly recommend
Thank you to A. Zavarelli for my advanced copy for which I voluntarily leave my honest review
I’m so glad that I have found A. Zavarelli and that Hate Crush was my introduction to her as a writer. Hate Crush is one of those books where the words enter your brain and then keep travelling straight to your heart to repeatedly shatter it under their vice like grip. However, you happily keep reading and enduring such torture because there is beauty in the pain. True love stories aren’t a direct line to the happily ever after. As the saying goes “The strongest steel is forged by the fires of hell”, so too does love grow stronger through adversity.
Zavarelli writes like a poet and is a master at complex characters. Stella and Sebastian are layered, dysfunctional, and broken in the most exquisite ways. Hate Crush checks all sorts of romance trope boxes, we have teacher-student, age gap, bully, erotica and more that I can’t tell you for fear of spoilers. The book also changes POVs which is one of my favorite writing styles. If you want an easy fluffy romance read you’re going to have to look somewhere else. If you want a book that will shatter you into a million pieces and put you back together stronger than how you started, then Hate Crush is the perfect book for you! Absolutely a 5 star must read in my book!
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Hate Crush is PERFECTION!
Sebastian & Stella are sizzling teacher/student taboo romance. I have always loved this particular trope. A few of these books are even my favorite all time reads. So when Ashleigh announced this story – I was so freakin’ excited because I knew she’d totally nail it and exceed any expectation I had. Let me tell you – this book is FANTASTIC! Full of delicious angst, an amazing complex storyline that unfolds beautifully and surprised me throughout, and some of the most magnificent encounters ever written. These two characters grow throughout their journey and it’s glorious! The writing, as always, is absolutely magnificent. I love everything about this author’s work. I grab every book of hers without having to read the blurb. So talented & brilliant!
Grrr Sebastian’s character is one I just hate to love – he is so cruel. Devastatingly handsome but known as the devil for good reason. Easy on the eyes, not so easy on the heart. He is definitely the poster boy for a tortured hero. No one should live with the guilt he carries. It has made him the closed off jerk that he is. His point of view is so impeccably written – made this book the top read that it is.
Stella – sighs – just needs someone in her corner. Stella has grown up to be strong, independent, smart but maybe a touch naïve and trusting. Thank heavens for her friend Sybil. Supporting characters are everything. Despite Stella’s terrible family life complete with the weak façade of wealth and upper class, she’s somewhat resigned in her fate. Accepts the path laid out for her and puts her own desires aside to try and appease her father especially. I can truly relate to a heroine needing some acceptance and approval from someone, anyone really – it does not make us weak, it makes us human. I kinda wanted to throat punch her greedy awful mother though because gah she was a true well written villain in this story.
This entire story is soooo good I didn’t want it to end. That says it ALL. I read a lot and only a few of the very best books leave me feeling this way.
Wow! Sebastian and Stella are something else. This was different for me than other bully romances I’ve read. Not only is he her bully but also her teacher so it gives it a different feel. I was on edge the whole time but I also felt frustrated. I wanted Stella to be more assertive and some of the things Sebastian did was questionable for a teacher but I couldn’t put it down.
Stella LeClaire attends Loyola Academy, a very prestigious boarding schools. Well more like sent there because of her past behavior. It should be a breeze to finish school here and graduate right? Well, maybe not…between her AP research teacher, Sebastian Carter and what she is going through personally it might not be easy at all. He thinks she is another trust fund brat but he is in for a surprise! Can this grumpy teacher stay professional? He is 27…she is 18 but there is something about her that brings life back into his sad existence. This isn’t your average bully, teacher/student romance. This has depth and a back story that makes you want to learn more about these two troubled souls. I’m usually not a fan of bully romance but I truly enjoyed this as there is more to the story than just that. Poor Sebastian is so damaged I want to hug him. A very enjoyable and forbidden romance with some suspense. Told in dual POV
Holy hotness Batman!! I’m a sucker for a good forbidden romance and I tell you what, A. Zavarelli didn’t let me down. I was worried that my kindle was going to catch on fire several times while reading this one.
So, here am I, clearly in the minority…
I’ve been a huge fan of Mrs Zavarelli’s work for years. Her mafia stories never fail to enthrall me to no end.
Stella is barely 18 when she starts her senior year in her boarding school, Loyola. Her path seems all traced by her parents. But, failed by her dysfunctional family, she adapts, fights for what she thinks is best for her.
Sebastian is her teacher. Moody, versatile, cruel, he is looking for the student who will stand up for themself, their passions and their dreams. When he meets Stella, the challenge arises, and the game is suddenly on. Her light tickles his darkness, her determination plays with his demons.
Mrs Zavarelli wrote two amazing lead characters. I loved Stella’s resilience. A true fighter, she never lets go. I could totally feel her struggle and pain, her loneliness.
If I only rated the emotions, the emotional pain and Sebastian’s dangerous games, I would have given Hate Crush 5 shining stars. Unfortunately, the storyline felt rather anticlimactic; I actually caught myself rolling my eyes at several scenes, which led to a certain loss of interest. You know that moment when you say “No, just no”, and your reading bubble explodes? That’s what happened…
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK. THANK YOU!!!
Sebastian and Stella’s story is a roller coaster of emotions with a high dose of angst, passion and intense chemistry of these wonderful characters
Stella is a lost soul, her parents don’t care about her or anything at all just about money and appearances. Both have to drag her to their own mistakes and illicit ways but there was always an angel around ready to save her at the most heartbreaking moments let’s just hope this angel doesn’t break her too
Sebastian is lost after losing what he loved the most, his family is now gone and his father left him with so much anger that he is having a hard time to open up again and be ready for love.
Hate Crush is an intense read with a lot of side characters trying to sabotage Stella and Sebastian’s life, blackmail, betrayal, bulking jealousy so many things are against them but life will make everything work for these too because love conquers all.
I felt somehow like the Main characters needed a little more time to fall in love and to feel that chemistry but other than that Hate crush was a great read with great character that will keep you wanting more.
Overall it was a great read and a great story!!
Stella’s about to spend her senior year in hell. Her fellow students are mean girls and her teacher is the biggest bullying dick to cross her path, ever. But there’s something delicious about him, and she can’t resist, even though she knows she should, knows getting involved with his coldhearted ass could mean she’ll lose everything. EVERYTHING.
Sebastian is not a happy man. He’s got a past that’s broken him inside and he’s numb and cold to the world. Until he comes across a little people-pleaser student named Stella. He knows he can’t get involved with her, but he can certainly break her. So break her he does. What it really is is bullying, have no doubts about that – he’s a bully, even if he knows better. He can’t resist her anymore than she can resist him, though. And holy smokes, it’s hot. Really hot.
But is it love? Is it worth Stella (and Sebastian) losing everything over?
I’m not sure it was love, but it’s more than lust. I think they have the potential for it to turn to love, further down the road in their relationship, though. He’s broken and she’s too young and immature for him, even aside from being his student, but there’s something about her that gives Sebastian peace, which he desperately needs. And he gives her, I hesitate to call it this, but a sort of daddy type care. It’s not exactly daddy kink, but it’s something akin to it.
In the end, I decided I really like Hate Crush. Bully romances are iffy for me, I’ve loved very few other than Vicious and Siobhan Davis’ new Rydeville High Elite series, but the twist being that the bully is her teacher makes for a really compelling read. It’s super hot like I said, it’s delicious in its forbidden angst, and both characters have lots of layers, especially Sebastian. I wonder if there’s more to come in this Loyola world. If so, I’ll be the first one to read!
Oh my Gods, this book is so wickedly decadent, and so, so good. I loved the story of Sebastian and Stella. Even when I didn’t so much like the characters themselves.
“As far as Sebastian Carter is concerned, I have no doubts there will always be pleasure and pain.”
~Stella~
Sebastian, wow he is so many things. Total alpha a$$hole being one. When he wants something he gets it, nothing standing in his way. At times totally irredeemable, but at others just broken. Sebastian has been through some things that have left him a very cold person.
“This isn’t a love story, baby. It’s just a tragedy.”
~Sebastian~
At times, I’m not too sure about exactly how deep things go for either Sebastian or Stella because it seems so surface, but other times you can’t help but feel what they’re feeling for the other. Stella sees Sebastian as someone to look up to. She wants to make him proud. I think it’s because of her own parents abandoning her. She needs that authority figure. Sebastian sees Stella almost as his redemption. Someone that can maybe heal his own wounds. Someone to save.
Will someone as damaged as Stella, and someone as cold as Sebastian, be able to beat the odds against them though? Something you have to read to find out. It is absolutely worth. You won’t regret one single minute.
If the lure of forbidden temptation gets your adrenalin pumping you need this book.
If you can’t resist an older guy and younger girl steamy teacher romance, then Hate Crush will seduce your senses in the most delicious way.
I love, love, loved Sebastian and Stella and I know you will too. They will get under your skin as you read their highly volatile and explosively passionate journey.
It’s a thrilling unpredictable battle of wills with plenty of heat to satisfy your naughty side.
A fantastic story that kept me gripped from the beginning.
Hate Crush is a bully romance with a Student/Teacher twist. It also has a character that is not so enjoyable (Sabastian, the teacher bully), but that fits his personality; we were not supposed to like him in the beginning. Stella on the other hand was sweet and a bit of a pushover. She had a great voice, I just wished she stood up for herself more. The dynamics between these two were great, but they never really “came together” in my opinion. There was always space and I never felt their connection. The story is an enjoyable one, it just didn’t have the depth of feelings that I normally get from this author. If you are looking for entertainment with a bit of heat then you will enjoy this story. I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
I want to start by saying that I am a big fan of A. Zavarelli’s books, especially the Boston Underworld series. So, of course, I was eager to read ‘Hate Crush’ and see how she would take on a bully romance. And just like Stella, I was left with a serious hate crush for Mr. Sebastian Carter.
Bully romances are never sweet and nice, I understand that, but Sebastian’s level of bullying is really evil and sometimes bordered on creepy. There were times when I questioned why Stella even wanted anything to do with him when he barely showed a scrap of sympathy for her. She is so naïve and weak when it comes to Sebastian that it’s not really surprising, but I still would have liked to see her stand up for herself.
I wanted to love this forbidden bully romance, but Sebastian ruined the story for me.
3.5 stars
5 Smoking Hot Stars!
I have a thing for bully books lately. When I found out this was not only a bully book, but a forbidden one at that, well I just had to read it!
Oh my goodness I devoured this book! The chemistry between Stella and Sebastian was sizzling hot and was completely off the charts!
Stella is just starting a new private school where mean girls are the least of her problems. Her biggest one is in the form of Sebastian Carter aka one of her new teachers.
Stella was a very likeable character. She is a strong minded, witty woman who you can’t help but love.
Sebastian, well he is definitely a character who you can’t help but hate to love. Some of the things he does had me wanting to smack him upside the head. But as for any bully, he has his reason for why he is, the way he is.
This story had my emotions all over the place. One minute I’m angry, the next my heart feels like it’s going to break. If like me, you love a good bully book. Then I highly recommend this one.
A. Zavarelli is one of my favourite writers. She has a way with her words which always has me so captivated. Hate Crush was a sexy student-teacher bully romance. Sebastian and Stella were hot together. I found their banter was great and it keeps you entertained. The attraction was instantaneous. If you enjoy this trope I recommend this book! This was an easy and quick read.
“I want to feel his pulse inside of me until I turn to dust.”
I could not put Hate Crush down!! It kept me guessing where the story was leading and is full of plots on top of plots. I absolutely loved the possessiveness and obsession in this book. It also contained one of my favorite tropes which made me super giddy!!
“He is undoubtedly Satan, but I want him, no matter the cost to my soul.”
This quote sums up my feelings for Sebastian Carter completely!! He is cruel, damaged, full of hate but I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to fix him, hold him and slap him until all the rage was gone. Stella is smart, resilient but still a little broken. She has been given a plan and will make sacrifices in order to please other people in her life. Both of their lives are filled will horrible tragedies that made my heart hurt for them. If you are a diehard bully romance fan or if you are new to the genre I highly recommend this book!!!
“I knew you were poison the first time I saw you, but I wanted to drink you anyway.”
~ Read on behalf of Two Darlin Dolls and a Book Review Blog