Once upon a time, there was a monster.When the night falls, he comes out to harvest souls.He’s silent and invisible —no one notices when he strikes then retreats to the shadows.Our paths shouldn’t have crossed, but they do.One day he sees me.Then he can’t unsee me.Once upon a time, there was a monster, a killer, a devil.My stalker.This is book is a dark stalker romance and contains dubious … stalker romance and contains dubious scenes.
He Hates Me is part of a duet and is NOT standalone. The entire duet will be released two weeks apart.
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I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This is my first Isabella Starling book, but not my first Rina Kent. And holy WOW! This is the first book in the Hate Love Duet and it is so freaking intense that I am still feeling the after effects of it. I already know this one is a major book hangover. And I am not even mad about it.
So I feel as though I should give a warning. This book is dark. It is powerful. It has triggers. It will mess with your head in a way that is relentless and all-consuming. It will destroy everything you think you know. It will shred you into pieces and not even care if it puts you back together.
I am usually not huge on books as dark as this one. And there were times that I did flinch due to some of the graphic scenes it portrayed, but the intensity of the scene kept me there, regardless of what I wanted. You are drawn in completely, with disregard to what you like or what you don’t like. So if you don’t like intense dark with graphic scenes that you can literally see and feel while you read, this probably isn’t the book for you.
You will hate Jasper just as much as you want to love him. He will mess with your mind, tie you up in knots and still cause you to want more from him. He is the quintessential kind of dark romance hero, but is he really a hero if he is also the source of your greatest pains?
I won’t give anything away because it is a new release, but I will say that this is book one of the duet and the second book isn’t released yet. Soooo, if you don’t like cliffhangers.. you probably don’t want to read this one quite yet. I have come to appreciate a good cliffhanger. Especially when the book has you so intwined in the story. Isabella and Rina weave their words together so masterfully that you know you will be back for more when the next one comes out.
Five stars for this intense dark stalker romance that will probably destroy you more than it will ever heal you.
I did not see these twists and turns coming and I am loving this collaboration between these authors. This is a stalker romance that will have you guessing why you are enjoying this so much. The characters are well written however and that helps bring things to perspective. I can’t wait for the second book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What the fudge did I just read. This book is so freaking captivating. I have been hooked up till the beginning. Rina Kent and Isabella Starling has beautifully written this book. The duo left no stone unturned to create suprising plots and twists. I enjoyed the relationship between Jasper and Georgie and am excited to know what will happen. The ending was a stunning blow to us readers. Can’t wait to find out what happens next.
“She has always been mine to own, mine to break and to destroy.”
Mindf***. Dark. Sexy.
He Hates Me let my heart pumping and my mind reeling. So many twists and turns that had me so confused.
Jasper is definitely not your knight in shining armor. He’s the villain cloaked in darkness. He’s brutal. He’s a killer. He’s dark. He’s vicious. Don’t go into this story expecting rainbows and butterflies because you won’t find it here.
I enjoyed this story. I love dipping my toes into dark romance and this book almost took me under.
I thought it went around in circles for a little bit.
I give it 3.5 stars.
“Now that I’ve had a taste, there’s no way I’ll stop.”
Jasper…there just aren’t any words.
I will say this, there were a few twists I did not see coming.
Yes! I’ve been waiting for a good boundary-pushing book to come my way. I absolutely loved the gritty, perverse story that these two authors wrote. I’m a sucker for bad guys who fall in love/lust and this book delivered a brutally perfect story. I loved how sexy this book was and how it had me questioning my own wants and desires. I cannot wait for book 2!
Another duet by Rina Kent!
For this book-duet she teamed up with author Isabella Starling and it didn’t disappoint one bit!! I gotta say that I don’t usually love mafia themed books that much – only if they’re reaaally good! And that’s definitely the case with “he hates me”- couldn’t even imagine that I’ll love this book so much!
While I’ve read several Rina Kent books already, this one was my first Isabelly Starling novel! These two really killed it with the writing. Steamy, forbidden scenes that were sexy as fuck! And the characters … they found the perfect match between giving us all the information we need and not just pushing as much as possible into them. Peu à peu they unraveled their darkest secrets and desires and also left room for more exploring for the second book in this duet.
Especially after the last few chapters I can’t frking wait to get my hands on the conclusion!!
While I often find myself more drawn to the hero than the heroine, this book was a total surprise. I loved Georgina’s character! She doesn’t need no man in her life and is an independent young woman. We also saw glimpses of her female friendships and that made it pretty clear that she would do anything for the ones she loves
I’m just gonna say, well done ladies! Hopefully we’ll hear more from this iconic duo in the future!
If you love mafia themed books or darker romances, this is your book!
100% recommandation!
An intense captivating psychological thriller.
It’s the first of two books.
And it’s off to one mind blowing start!
This book had me on the edge of my seat.
It’s hot,it’s intense and it’s absolutely gripping.
It’s Jasper and Georgia’s story also interwoven with a mafia theme.
Filled with twists and turns.
And sizzling hotness!
Jasper and Georgina are explosive together!
Their heat factor and chemistry is off the charts.
Add into that mix some intense mafia scenes and drama and you are in for one thrilling tantalizing read.
Loved this dark gripping story!
He Hates Me by the truly wonderful and talented Isabella Starling and just as talented Rina Kent was a dark and thrilling read. It was probably the best read for me in a while. There is violence, deep secrets, fantasies, sex and a very wicked and sinful love story that only Isabella can write. Book 2 cannot come soon enough!I
This book has my mind blown, I love the darkness that Isabella brings to her books, I’ve never read Rina Kent before but my god these two together make beautiful dark magic together.
I was captivated from the first page, each character had me hanging on to everything, the twists and turns of this book had me on the edge of my seat.
I cant wait for book 2 to find out how this story unfolds.
Well done ladies, what a masterpiece
Let’s start off by saying this is a dark, intense, gritty story that is not for the faint of heart. It’s violent and twisty, with an obsessive stalker (who “takes care of things” for the mob) who wants who he wants, and the object of his obsession is a beautiful nurse that becomes infatuated with him. Their “relationship” is intense, combustible and . This story will take you edge and leave you hanging at the end. I don’t want to give anything away, I feel you should experience this on your own. And I cannot wait for part 2 to come out!
He Hates Me is the first book of the Hate & Love Duet, and it’s a collaboration between Rina Kent and Isabella Starling. Having read various books by RK, I knew that this was her element. But I never read anything by IS, so I didn’t know what to expect. Well, the result is really interesting.
In this dark romance, nothing is what it seems. But the main protagonist, Jasper, seems to know what lies behind the façade. Because he was trained to smell when something was off, and punish people because of their lies. When he sets his eyes on Georgina, whom he’s never seen before, he sees that her smile is fake just by looking at it. And, somehow, it intrigues him. Why? Good question.
Jasper was a psychopath through and through. From the moment the reader meets him, it’s clear that he is depraved and he doesn’t care. It almost seems as if he’s content with the life he leads, even if it’s not an easy life. Now I don’t want to get into details about what Jasper does for a living, but you find out early on. Let’s just say that you wouldn’t want him as your enemy. When Jasper sees Georgina, something ticks inside his head. You know, it’s like when time stops and you get stuck looking at something or someone, and you don’t even understand why. It’s like when a book “calls to you” (let me use this term) and you decide you want to know more about it, but are unable to tell yourself why it appeals to you. Maybe what Jasper saw in Georgina was her mask, and he decided he wanted to take that fake smile off her face. Literally. And yes, it sounds creepy, but when you’ll read the story you’ll realize I’m not exaggerating.
Georgina is a nurse, and she is a cat lady. She also leads a normal life and it seems her friends always want to set her up with somebody, but she doesn’t want to. She is very unlucky, and her luck runs even more out after she meets Jasper staring at her one day. But it depends on the point of view, because Georgina is also very lucky to have found somebody who understands her even if the circumstances in which people like Jasper get their background check is not really legal or upfront. Georgina was an enigma. She behaved in a way in front of other people and in another when she was with Jasper. Needles to say, Jasper was right that she didn’t show her true self in front of her friends, but she had her reasons and it was her personality. Which was to some level psychotic as much as Jasper’s.
This story was much darker than I anticipated and I honestly had a hard time reading some scenes, because they depicted something that I’m usually not acquainted with because maybe I read a lighter kind of dark romance. I thought that I wouldn’t be bothered by some things that happened, but I admit that I was, and this was part of the reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Some scenes really disturbed me to the point of wanting to stop reading, but I guess that was the intention of the authors, since they both write very dark romances. But still, I’m honest here. I had a hard time stomaching some behaviors of both Jasper and Georgina and at some points I couldn’t understand why they couldn’t let go, why they were so bound on doing that to each other. Now I don’t want you to put off reading this book, but there are some triggers that may upset other people like me, so you’d want to know.
The story ends with a cliffhanger and raises a hundred of questions, so we’ll have to wait two weeks to read how everything ends. I wish that we’ll see another side of Georgie and Jasper, because I think that they have a romantic side as well and not only a dark romantic side. Hopefully.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book.
4,5
He Hates Me is the first book of the Hate & Love Duet. It can’t be read as a standalone. He Hates Me Not is the second book in the duet. It will be release at April 23rd.
We can read it in present time from Jasper & Georgina’s POV.
Jasper is the number one hitman in maffia. Georgina is a nurse in a hospital. They’re both hiding serious secrets. Honestly, I feel double emotion. I hate and love this story in the same time.
Read my full review here: https://www.gcksbookreviewblog.com/2020/04/arc-review-release-blitz-he-hates-me-by.html?m=1
He hates me is the first book of Hate and love duet and is co-written by Rina Kent and Issabella Starling. I have never read stalker romance before but when I got to know Rina was co-writing it I knew I had to give it a shot.
Jasper Cain works for a mob Lucio and while he is on his job he comes across a nurse, Georgina. It is attraction at first site and after seeing her once he isn’t able to get her out of his head. I enjoyed his character as it was raw, unapologetic and dark.
Georgina is a nurse who isn’t how she supposes to be. Something about her character is mysterious and that’s what intrigued me to reading further.
However there were a few things that I did not enjoy about this book. Starting of the bat, lets talk about Jasper and Georgina’s chemistry. It took me long into the book to actually see the chemistry between them. I am not sure what exactly was lacking but the bond between them was not as intense as compared to other books I have read of Rina’s. I am not as familaiar with Isabella’s writing as much as I am with Rina’s which is why I am not able to comment on it properly.
I am not exactly sure about how the process is like of co-writing a book is but if I am not wrong, Rina wrote Jasper’s POV and Isabella wrote Georgina’s POV. This may be the reason why the characters weren’t so connected because it was like Rina wrote her character and Isabella wrote her character and they put it together.
Another thing that did not work for me were the sex scenes. I felt like a major junk of the book which could have been about the main plot was wasted in sex scenes. I haven’t read the second book yet but after the major plot reveal I am assuming that this duet could be cut short into just one book.
Now let’s talk about the parts that I did enjoy about the book. I liked the little twist that was brought up in the ending part of the book and I liked the characters as individuals. Obviously I was hoping to see character growth in this book however I guess that will be shown in the second part. I am a huge fan of plot twists and secrets being revealed so I did enjoy that part of the book. I felt like that was the point where everything in this book came together and gave my mind a kick start to foreshadow what may happen next.
Overall, I did not hate this book or love it. It was a good read for me in a nutshell. But with that being said I am still excited for the next one because I would love to know how Jasper and Georgina’s book plays out. I am not an experienced reader of stalker romance which is why I am not able to judge this book as accurately however if you are a fan of that trope then do give this book a shot! It may just work for you!
I am blown away. Boom! Gone! Rina Kent and Isabella Starling have left my mind spinning from this deliciously dark, twisted and oh-so-addictive story!
Can I just say right now that I love Jasper because OH. MY. GOD! He is the definition of anti-hero and I was here for it! I wanted to hate him, but he was so bad I couldn’t help but to love him.
My mind is reeling from the twisted, messed up romance I freaking devoured and loved. He Hates Me was amazing and now I just have to figure out what to do with my life as I wait for book two in this duet.
Fans of dark romance need this book! Rina Kent and Isabella Starling are a powerhouse. Wow. GET THIS BOOK! 5 stars.
I freaking loved this. I needed some dark in my life and this was exactly what I needed.
Georgie wanted everything Jasper was willing to give but I loved how she still yelled at him and never lost her sassy mouth. Jasper was the exact hero we shouldn’t love but do. The 2 of them together were the perfect storm, smoking hot chemistry that was leading both of them to a natural disaster. Twists, turns and surprises had me devouring the pages as fast as I could. I can’t wait to see what sort of crazy book 2 brings
WTF!!! That’s right I said WTF!!!!!! Wow this book will have you captivated from the very beginning. This writing duo has the ability to pull you in screw with your head and when you think you know what is about to happen they slap you in the face with one hell of a twist that will have your jaw hanging on the floor. It starts out fast paced and it doesn’t slow down at all.
Jasper is the type of character you are going to hate to love. He is dark, delicious, and guaranteed to make all your twisted dreams true. I mean come on with his profession of course he would be dark and delicious. Georgie or Petal as you will learn to call her as well is as sassy and tenacious as they come. As unconventional as their relationship is they fit perfectly together.
I understand I am not giving a whole lot about the characters, but I feel anything I tell you will not do either of them justice. Their journey is not for the faint of heart. If you do not enjoy a dark and winding road filled with a stalker chasing down his prey then you need to move on. This is not your typical cat and mouse game. Now all I have to do is sit here and wait for the next book. I need to know just how their love affair plays out.
Full disclosure: I have never read Rina Kent’s work before (my “friends” have been on my arse to read a book by Rina for MONTHS…. there! I’ve done it!)
Also, I flove Isabella Starling – hard.
But, what the actual fuck did I just read!? WOW!
This was without a doubt one of the absolute best books I have EVER read.
It’s dark, like twisted dark.
It’s interesting. There was soooo much more happening than first meets the eye.
And it’s crazy amazing. As in, I NEED the next book because…. OMG, that ending!
I just can’t even explain how freaking awesome it was.
Wow, Rina Kent & Isabella Starling really know how to start off a duet. This was one epic erotic, dark romance and it hits all the boxes you would look for in a stalker. 😉
I probably shouldn’t want this to happen in real life but….how do I get my own Jasper?? Lol! His feelings for the heroine from the beginning was off the charts and all his actions, as depraved as they were, it’s just what you’d expect from a stalker. And honestly getting into a sociopath/psychopath’s mind was the best part of this book! I loved seeing how unfeeling his thoughts were but then seeing it develop into a full out overwhelming obsession. I hated & loved him at the same time; exactly how a dark romance hero is meant to make you feel. And he is absolutely unapologetic about it too. & Ahhh Georgina, just like Jasper, I was getting a little obsessed with getting to know her too! I have a feeling we barely scratched the surface with her yet and I can’t wait to find out more. The two MCs, Jasper and Georgina were so different but yet so alike at the same time – their souls just seemed to speak to one another, they complemented each other. I loved the dynamic between the two of them.
This story did get pretty graphic at times so there may be a few triggers but if you can handle it, then you can be rest assured there are no dull moments in this story. This was a great opening to this dark stalker romance duet with push & pulls & twist & turns that you barely know how to process how you’re feeling before something new happens. Because I definitely have a book-hangover after that cliffhanger. I cannot wait for the second part!
Straight up warning that the authors even tell you about – if you don’t like dark, yeah, you’re going to want to skip this one. IF you do like dark, then this one might just be up your alley.
Georgina puts on a fake smile for everyone but there’s only one that really notices it. Someone that shouldn’t have seen it to begin with. She shouldn’t like him because he’s her stalker but he does something for her. Something that no one else ever has.
There’s more going on though with Jasper’s boss. Jasper does all of his dirty work for him, don’t get me wrong Jasper loves it. What he doesn’t love though is that his boss knows about his stalking that isn’t for the family. It’s personal for Jasper, he wants to keep her for now.
There’s secrets that they both don’t know and are just now starting to find out about each other. Glad the second part comes out in a couple of weeks!!