From Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson, a coming of age, enemies to lovers, contemporary romance filled with angst and all the feels. I couldn’t remember a time before her… Harley Jameson. Before she owned me.Hated Me.Needed me.Before I hated her…
Bully. Fight. Hate. It’s what we did.
Mind. Body. Soul. It’s how we loved.
I thought nothing would ever change that, until everything did.
She was mine.
Always had been.
Always would be.
Nothing altered that.
Not how much I hated her.
Not how much she hated me.
Especially, not how much I hated…
That I LOVED her.
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https://nanasbookreviews.blogspot.com/2019/09/review-hated-you-then-love-hurts-duet-1.html
I have been waiting for Jackson and Harley’s story and it is AMAZING! This book is filled with so much angst. The push and pull that they give just makes their story that much better. You will laugh, you will cry, and the cliff will have your gut sinking. This book primarily sets up for book two where Harley and Jackson will hopefully get their HEA.
Ahhhhhhhhh, I DEVOURED THIS. Holy…
Alright so this book has EVERYTHING. Angst, humor, heartbreak, great writing…all of it.
I can already tell that we are in for it in book 2. This does end on a cliffhanger and it’s pretty brutal lol.
This was a fantastic start to this duet, laying down the foundation of Jackson and Harley’s love story. It starts off with them as kids and follows them throughout their journey as they grow up. They hate each other from the moment they’re born but within that hate is a wild possessiveness that neither of them full understands.
Setting up their story, we follow the two of them through countless life altering moments, seeing how they both handle the emotions that come with each change. Some parts hurt like hell and had me sobbing, others had me smiling like a fool, but most of the time I just wanted to shake both Jackson and Harley for not getting their shit together and realizing they’re really just best friends who love each other. But it wouldn’t be a duet if everything was solved from the get go, now would it?
Also it’s a total bonus to see the other Good Ol’ Boys characters again. It all felt so bittersweet.
This is my favorite book by Monica to date and I’m SO DAMN EXCITED FOR BOOK TWO!!!!
*ARC kindly provided by the author and @wildfiremarketingsolutions in exchange for an honest review
There are so many things that did not work for me. Even though I kept reading to find out what would happen, this fell quite a bit flat.
Harley & Jackson did not talk or act like the young kids they were. I hoped we’d see more of a progression of their characters (and age) but it never happened. I’m sorry but I don’t want the majority of the story I’m reading to be about 6-12 year olds…I can’t, and won’t, connect with that.
This could, and should, have been so much better.
I’m giving it 2 stars simply because I kept reading to know what, if anything, would happen but overall this was simply a ‘meh’ read for me. The same behavior/words continued to happen over and over again, page after page. With zero progression for the characters and some of the ridiculous dynamics between Jackson and Harley, this just didn’t make any sense.
Jackson and Harley, what a chemistry! This enemies to lovers duet started so good, all the angst I love from this trope plus amazing characters. It captivated me from page one and didn’t let me go, I urgently need book 2 now. The intensity, mystery and all the heart wrenching moments are perfect. I absolutely recommend reading this little masterpiece. A more than deserved 5 star read!
Wow. I read about Harley and Jackson is the Pierced Hearts Duet but this book really shows their relationship with each other. Yes they hate each other but after learning about Jackson’s mom Harley does try to reach out. But boys will be boys and don’t know how to show or talk about their emotions. I can’t wait for the next book to find out what happens. This one ends on a cliffhanger after Harley gives Jackson something important.
Absolutely amazing! The emotion…. the back and forth… the PURE HATRED between the characters… Wow!!
This story was so emotional. I was sobbing…. when Jackson interacted with his Mum, some of those conversations and interactions were absolutely heartbreaking.
This story was everything. Although Jackson and Harley are full of so much hatred you can still see their connection, their friendship and the fact they are there for each other through their very worst times.
This story is everything and with the cliffhanger that it ended on I cannot wait for book two. By the time this book headed towards the end in was so invested in the storyline and the characters, that I neeeeeeeded to know that happens next!
I need more now!
***4.5 Stars***
OMG!!! I have been waiting for Hated You Then since I first caught a glimpse of Harley and Jackson’s drama in the Pierced Hearts duet!!! Now that it’s in my hands and I’ve finished reading it…. I don’t know what I’m going to do with that ending!!! M. Robinson pulled the freaking rug out from under me and left my flat on my ass… Monica… You’ve got some explaining to do!!
About Hated You Then:
Hated You Then is the first book in the Love Hurts Duet by M. Robinson. If you are new to M. Robinson’s work, have no fear this first book in the Love Hurts Duet can be read as a standalone. Hated You Then is a contemporary coming-of age romance told from both Harley and Jackson’s point of view.
Hated You Then takes us on a journey of the feud that is Harley and Jackson’s relationship. From the moment they can remember, they hated each other. It’s been an ongoing competition of reckless dares, stealing firsts, and an endless amount of groundings. As they grow older, their hatred starts to blur into lines of something they aren’t familiar with. Something that has the potential to either heal the previous scars they each have left on one another or leave more damaging scars that are hidden beneath the surface.
My Thoughts:
I was an instant fan of M. Robinson’s since the moment I finished Complicate Me (The Good Ol’ Boys #1) so imagine my excitement when I found out that Monica was taking us back to Oak Island! I can’t even tell you how loud I cheered when I found out Harley and Jackson where going to get a duet!
Harley and Jackson’s relationship is exactly how I envisioned it…. A COMPLETE DISASTER!! These two are fire and gasoline. You combine the two and you’ll get an immediate explosion. But through it all, I loved their endless banter and pranks. I loved the fact that Harley was such a badass. Even as a child there was no messing with this little one. Creed definitely had a hand at raising a VERY independent and FEISTY AS HELL little girl.
There is always one question M. Robinson always asks after she releases a new novel.
…BUT DID YOU CRY?… I can finally say, I did NOT cry!!! There were times when I was on the verge of tears but I kept my shit reeled in! FINALLY!
I do have to say, there were moments where I felt Jackson’s pain immensely. If you haven’t read The Pierced Hearts Duet, I’m going to make this as spoiler free as possible. But there were times where Jackson’s ‘family situation’ hit really close to home with me. I’ve watched an unbreakable family shatter after tragedy. Getting a glimpse into Jackson’s thoughts while he went through all he did was heartbreaking. Many times I was on the verge of tears, but they never left my eyes because I had a mission to accomplish, and dammit, I was hell bent on seeing it through!
I cannot wait for the older years of Harley and Jackson. Given the way Hated You Then ended, I’m thinking the drama is going to be escalated between these two!!! I cannot wait to see if these two can make it for the long haul! I never wanted to read a book more than I want to read Love You Now at this moment!!!
-Alecia @ The Staircase Reader
What a story! this book just takes you on a ride that you won’t see coming!! I can’t wait for book 2!
OMG! I loved this so much!
I fell in love with Harley and Jackson in the Pierced Hearts Duet, when they were angsty teenagers and immediately hoped we would get their story. It’s finally here! The first half of their story was an emotional rollercoaster that I wasn’t as ready for, as I thought I was!
The prologue of this book sucked me in and the story still hasn’t let me go. The angst in this story is everything! I was laughing so hard at moments and then my heart was breaking for these two who have known each other their entire lives and have done so much to each other. I loved every minute of this story!
I can’t believe I have to wait until November to see what happens with these two! I’m going to spend the next couple of months preparing my heart for the conclusion to this story because I know it’s going to take me on one heck of a ride!
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
This book had me in stitches, I laughed so hard in so many parts of this book that I just couldn’t with it anymore. M. Robinson really knew how to write these two characters very well.
How do two kids that grow up together, have known each other since birth can love and hate each other so much! Jackson is a very complex, angry and irritating child but Harley doesn’t deter and he doesn’t scare her. If anything, she knows how to give it right back.
I loved these two so much and I love this whole series overall. I have a special kind of love for the parents and/or grandparents of these kids because they are the ones who started it all. To have to continue on the journey of the next generations is so refreshing and so much fun to continue reading where this bunch will end up.
Even though Harley and Jackson may think they hate each other, deep down they both know they love each other. The only problem now is, how are they going to come to that conclusion!!
I did have one tiny problem with this story and I’m not changing my star rating for it though is that the way these kids were talking didn’t seem right to me. Like I was reading teenagers instead of kids with the way they spoke to one another. I found it hilarious and therefore, I’m keeping my 5 star rating for it, but I honestly felt like it was teenagers talking and not kids. I hope these 11-12 years aren’t talking the way these two were otherwise I have a lot to look forward to with my son when he turns that age (oh boy!)
I have to say M. Robinson keeps me on my toes all the time and I love each and every one of her stories I’ve read and I will continue to read her books because her writing style amazes me and I could never tire of her writing.
OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!!! What did I just read? Talk about ripping your heart out, M. Robinson has done it again. You would think I should know I’m going to need a box of tissues every time I read one of these books, but nope, just use the old t-shirt! LOL
This story of Harley and Jackson just did me in. The children of the Good Ol’ Boys are here and they will not disappoint you. They hate each other to the fullest extent, only to eventually find love. The roller coaster ride is full of memories of previous books, but you do not need to read them to get on board with these two firecrackers!!
5 Big Barf Stars
I did NOT expect what I got from this book. I started it with the intention of reading it during breaks between my life’s evening routine. But as soon as I started I was sucked into the war between Harley Jameson and Jackson Pierce. Let’s just say…nothing got done. I ended up reading this in one sitting.
There was so much animosity between Jackson and Harley and they were so young. They had me laughing so hard with their level of hatred at such a young age was comical in so many ways. All the name calling and pranks, it was pure entertainment.
But this story was all just teasing and laughs. There were some emotional bits that had me crying and I wasn’t even at the halfway point. There were just so many feels. Giggles, tears and heartache aplenty throughout this story. The characters were so lively they felt like I was in the same room with them. So much personality.
They say “It’s a thin line between love and hate,” and that line for Jackson and Harley is EXTREMELY thin – with a hate as strong as theirs? It’s bound to end up as their GREATEST love. I can’t wait for the conclusion to their story to watch it all play out.
Wow! Wow! Wow! I had no doubts that this book was going to be good but it definitely exceeded my expectations!! I had been looking forward to this book for what seems like an eternity. This was the perfect start to what it sure to be an amazing duet! It took me on emotional rollercoaster ride that had tears streaming down my cheeks! I need book 2 ASAP!!
New from M. Robinson!
4.5 Stars
Hated You Then is another emotionally-charged book from M. Robinson. This is an amazing start to the duet and am so anxious to see what happens in Love You Now.
If you have read her Pierced Hearts duet, then this story may seem like a tad of a repeat or the same story but from a different perspective, however it is so much more than that. It sets the stage for what’s to come and it is so needed, especially for anyone who did not read that duet.
Harley and Jackson were frenemies throughout their childhood and that’s because their families were so close. Jackson thrived in torturing Harley and Harley dished it right back. Here moto for him was pretty much “Anything Jackson can do, I can do better.”
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the antics these two put one another through. And Harley’s mouth – she was a spitfire as child and that only became more pronounced as she got older. Jackson is his dad through and through – no denying that and his actions, words and characteristics are proof of that.
I would love this to give this book 5 stars, but there was one thing that really bugged me and that was the actions versus the age of the characters. They acted older than they were at certain ages and it felt all wrong for me. However, I didn’t allow that to take away from the story as a whole.
Overall, I love how well Robinson is able to suck you right into the story and lives of these families. She does a great job of giving you a quick background on everyone without taking away from the story itself. But while doing so, she makes you want to go back and read the stories of everyone else and how they finally got their HEA.
I cannot wait to see how Robinson ends this duet and what she brings us next.
There hasn’t been an M. Robinson book I haven’t loved, and this one was no exception! The interactions between Harley and Jackson are epic, their banter and dialogue fresh, snappy, snarky, seemingly hate-derived but not really. This book had a bit of a comedic feel to it, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it a rom-com. And if you’ve read at least one M. Robinson book, you know she knows how to bring all the feels and while I was expecting it, it still managed to get me a bit teary-eyed. The fact that we get to see the Good Ol’ Boys again was awesome because hello? Each one of their stories is fantasticness! I’m practically vibrating with impatience to get the next book already!
This was my first book by M. Robinson. So sweet and heartbreaking. Their war, their pain was stolen my heart.
We can read this story from Harley & Jackson’s POV. Harley is a badass little girl and Jackson is a real rascal. I completely understand Jackson’s point, but I understand his father’s position too. He fights with everyone most of all with himself.
The author perfectly portrayed how complex this disease is. This situation is extremely painful.
Read more: https://www.gcksbookreviewblog.com/2019/09/arc-review-release-blitz-hated-you-then.html
4 STARS
M. Robinson is a new to me author and this is a great introduction to her work. I loved the love/hate relationship between Jackson and Harley. We follow them through their childhood and pinnacle moments throughout the years. This book gave me the feels, some moments I was laughing and then somehow I had tears in my eyes.
Hated You Then is book one in the Love Hurts Duet. I will warn you that it ends in a cliffhanger and now I am eagerly awaiting the release of book two. This book is a MUST read! Hated You Then by M. Robinson will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
I’m not sure M. Robinson can hurt my heart any more than she just did. I mean, holy hell…what she puts both Jackson Pierce and Harley Jameson through in this book filled with me with all kinds of anxiety and the need to scream out my frustrations at their continued torture of one another! Knowing a bit about their tempestuous relationship (and that is honestly putting it mildly) from the Pierced Hearts duet, I would have hoped their love/hate for one another, with hate being the crucial word here, would have subsided as they got a bit older. But Robinson kept them to their supposed true nature and with chapters at different times of their lives leading up to their mid to late teen years, the ‘hate’ only grew louder. It grew like a disease even when glimmers of love tried to hard to shine through. With everything swirling around them, from her Daddy’s MC club to his mother’s heartbreaking diagnosis, it’s like neither Jackson nor Harley could ever truly take a breath when the other was near.
The angst in this book is what I expect from Robinson, but somehow all the vitriol spewed was more than I could have ever bargained for. Even Harley was taken aback more than once, her own vulnerability seeping out of her tough as nails southern spirit, when Jackson would up the hate game. He was almost too conniving for his own good. But from what he goes through, first with his mother and then his absent father, I couldn’t necessarily blame him for lashing out. Because even with all the anger and disappointment seemingly at the surface, at his core he was still a confused and wounded little boy, just wanting his world to go back to normal.
They say there is a very fine line between love and hate and Hated You Then proves this notion perfectly. Everyone around them sees it, from the time they were toddlers. And even with those they trust most reminding both Jackson and Harley that beneath all the pain and suffering each has experienced at the hands of the other, there is a deep affection that won’t ever go away, they somehow refuse to believe. It’s truly something neither of them can quite grasp. At least not yet.
There is a ton of back and forth, push and pull and beyond frustrating encounters that had me reeling. And I’m sure the gasp I let out as the last words were read could be heard many miles away to where Robinson lays her head every night. She pulled me in with this well-written and wild ride and now I’m desperate and a bit afraid to find out what will happen in the conclusion in Love You Now.
Despite all the hand-wringing this author continues to put me through, I am beyond happy to have found M. Robinson and her unique style of storytelling.
Hated You Then deserves nothing less than huge 5 stars!