WSJ bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills returns with an all-new, enemies-to-lovers second chance romance between the football hottie and the feisty nerd girl he can’t forget. I want you . . . even when I hate you. Blaze Townsend: I hate you.Charisma Rossi: I hate you more. She’s been expecting this ever since their latest showdown. She had good reason. Hottest guy she’s ever seen.Former fling.… had good reason.
Hottest guy she’s ever seen.
Former fling.
Dumped her in front of all her friends.
At her own party.
So no, she’s not about to forgive and forget just because he sits next to her in class. He thinks all he has to do is turn on those baby blues, and she’ll melt right back into his arms. Please. She’d be crazy to let this cocky player affect her again. (Tell that to her body.)
Charisma Rossi.
Brainy girl with a dash of bad.
The one who got under his skin.
The one he cut loose.
Blaze knows she’s the riskiest prospect at Waylon University, but none of the interchangeable girls he hooks up with have ever made him feel the way she did. There’s absolutely no way he can have the girl and the game.
So why can’t he stop trying to win her back?
Can this wide receiver score the girl or will he make the biggest fumble of his life?
*Steamy and flirty with all the emotional feels, I Hate You is a new adult standalone romance.
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Ilsa Madden-Mills once again delivers a funny, sexy and emotional story that will suck you right in. It has everything I love in a good story…..a strong heroine, an alpha male, chemistry up the wazoo and scenes that made me laugh out loud.
Oh, how I loved Charisma! She is sassy and fun and speaks her mind. She’s strong yet vulnerable which truly made her easy to relate to. Her love-hate relationship with Blaze was awesome. Their witty banter was such a treat! Blaze was hilarious and I loved how he used his past to motivate his future. Together, these two were dynamite. Add in an appearance by Vampire Bill and I was giddy!
Madden-Mills brought back favorite characters while introducing a host of new ones. I love the world she’s built and can’t wait to see what’s next in this series of standalone stories. 5 stars
Wow! Charisma and Blaze are such great characters. This is not your typical enemies to lovers book. The depth of emotions these two take you through is incredible. I enjoyed every twist and turn. Another great installment in this series. But can certainly be read as a stand-alone.
Another amazing story by Ilsa Madden Mills.
She introduces us to new characters Blaze and Charisma, Their story of heartache and finding how they try to find a middle ground being in each other’s lives. Emotions fly high in this book.
Fire in my hands! OMG! I love this series! Such wonderfully emotional writing with characters that are TDF. I just have to use the acronyms as a shout-out to the fabulousness that is Charisma. I loved her from the start of this series with her sass and fearless attitude. And the beautiful hottie Blaze with a personality that matches that sexy name. So confident and talented. Or so it seems in both cases. What lies underneath is so different than what you see on the surface. Body image issues and both damaged by parents have Blaze and Charm running from their feelings even when their bodies are in sync. I loved these two as they struggled and fought to find their way to love each other and overcome their fears. So romantic when Blaze finally finds his words but his actions were wonderful too. The push/pull of this relationship twisted my heart on more than on occasion. Just the right amount of angst for a couple of hot young adults. This is a terrific addition to this fantastic college series with panty-melting football players and the women that slay them. Great epilogue and I can’t wait for the next installment. Hope it’s surfer boy Dillon! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC. 4.5 stars
DREAMY’S REVIEW
There’s a thin line between love and hate.
I Hate You is an enemies to lovers, college romance that gave me passion and heat, an undeniable push and pull, and flirty banter that I fully enjoyed!
Here’s a little back story: these two had a “thing.” A three week “thing.” Blaze then suddenly broke up with Charisma without any type of explanation publicly, cue the reason why Charisma is upset.
Rightfully so.
With their short fling, these two got under each others’ skin more than they’d like to admit.
Now let’s get to Charm, Blaze, and their story… now!
Charisma Rossi is my type of girl!! She’s smart, sassy, feisty, outspoken, knows what’s she worth, and is part bad-ass chick and a nerd! The perfection combination! I loved her so much! She has some doubts, but what girl doesn’t?
Blaze Townsend is so utterly beautiful and broken. His insecurities played a huge role in how he is with the relationships he has with people. He has his own baggage to carry. His story broke my heart a few times and I swear, I shedded a tear or two.
Both of them are scared of love.
And when they meet again… these two can’t escape each other. I swear, it’s fate!! When he shows up to her class… can you imagine the feels? Even though she’s holding a grudge and totally hating him, she still wants him.
These two together.. what could possibly go wrong? Love has a funny way of knocking on your door and saying… HEY, RIGHT HERE! They make you want to knock their heads together and let them see and accept what’s in front of them. No matter how flustered I felt with these two, I had to see their HEA through!
When I say I loved and enjoy this book, I ABSOLUTELY DID! I loved the fun and flirty moments between these two and their heated and passionate moments as well! I wasn’t expecting this much emotion, but Ilsa brings it!
I’ve kicked myself a few times wondering how in the world this is my first book by this author! But I’m glad to have rectified that situation with I Hate You! I cannot wait to read more from this author because I thoroughly enjoyed this mega sexy, fun-filled book!!
Five dreamy stars:
Binged this in one session. Absolutely loved it! The kind of story that meant my family got toasted cheese sandwiches for dinner & I have no remorse.
Blaze is so beautifully broken by his past and Charisma drops into his life with her list of rules and her own baggage – what could go wrong? Together they’re a hot mess of emotions and I fell for them hard. I flip flopped between wanting to hug them & throttle them!
This one had me smiling, sniffling & ranting at different points. These characters are genuine and their love story isn’t an easy one. It’s honest and raw and seriously hot.
I love how this author writes smart sports romance with a twist.
In this sorta second chance romance the hero is not so much broken or damaged, as is innocent to what a normal relationship is like. Never having a real family, he tends to keep his emotions to himself. The heroine hasn’t had a terrible relationship herself, but has seen how easily it is for men to stray and has built a wall up to protect her heart, never allowing herself to get too close to a man. Both are strong characters, though we see more vulnerability with him. Both want to deny their feelings, but both are just what the other one needs to get over their individual hurdles. There is a little angst. There is a little bit of humor. There are several sweet moments. Some that make ya wanna just hug them. We are talking college kids, so of course there are parties and sex, though for the most part, they are more on the side than the main attraction. I wouldn’t say this is a fun story, because there is so much deep emotional thoughts from the characters, but it isn’t necessarily a heavy/dark read. There are some lighter moments throughout, giving it a good balance. It’s a well written story that is easy to read, and hard to put down.
*I received an ARC of this book.
So good it took me a minute to really get into the the first couple of chapters. But when the drama really starts to unfold and you find out the reasons behind all the hate, your heart melts and you want to kick Blaze in the shins and shake Charm a bit. LOL. I really liked the story behind Blazes life and what he had to overcome, and it’s awesome when he finds someone who will love him. Can’t wait to see what next. Hopefully more from Vampire Bill
4.5 Stars! I am a fan of Waylon University and the books that take place in it. Ilsa did not disappoint with Blaze and Charisma story. Blaze is one person on the outside but on the inside he is so broken. His parents were drug addicts and caused trouble for him, he was raised by his aunt and uncle who were not expressive with feelings. He feels he is unworthy of love and compassion. Then you have Charisma who grew up in a loving family but she has a complex that men cheat so she needs to keep them all at a distance. Blaze and Charisma dated/seen each other for three weeks prior and it did not end well. Neither could get over the other and worked out perfectly because fate has their paths crossing. I loved the emotions between their relationship. I loved how they needed to work though on how to make it work. I thought that the characters were portrayed really genuinely. I loved how the story flowed and the emotions it provoked. I recommended this book, job well done Ilsa!
Charisma and Blaze: a feisty, smart heroine that keeps walls around her heart and a hot football player with a tortured past. I Hate You delivers scorching, all-consuming chemistry, spirited banter, and heart-tugging angst. Add in a hilariously foul-mouthed parrot with great comedic timing and you’ve got an irresistibly charming, emotional, steamy and swoon-worthy read.
Ilsa Madden-Mills Ilsa Madden-Mills Ilsa does it again with this amazing story. I devoured it in one sitting I could not put it down.
Charisma Rossi our heroine is one woman I would love to be friends with, she’s feisty, funny, smart and says whatever is own her mind she’s one bad ass chick but also deep down has some insecurities from her past so she has rules in place to keep her heart safe, especially from our hero Blaze Townsend the football hunk and her ex hook up, the guy everyone wants to be friends with. He’s funny, sweet and totally sexy from the outside world he looks like he’s got everything sorted but he’s also had a bit of a rough past and try’s to keep his feelings at bay and not let anyone in.
I fell in love with these two so hard. They had sexual tension like no other. The push and pull to fight their feelings for each other. I was rooting for them from the first moment I meet them in I Bet You.
I Hate You had everything I want in a book. It had angst, sweet moments the seriously hot steamy scenes and some laugh out loud moments I couldn’t get enough of it.
I can’t recommend this book enough and I hope we see more people in this world find love at Waylon University x
I received an ARC for an honest review.
“My hands are tied, My body bruised, she’s got me with, nothing to win and nothing to lose. And you give yourself away…with or without you…I can’t live, with or without you.”
With or Without You by U2
Ilsa captures us again with this spirited enemies to lovers and second chance romance. It’s filled with witty responses, plenty of snark and enough tension to melt your socks off.
I love you. I hate you.
He’s a football player, the hottest guy on campus and he was hers…sort of…until he dumped her at her own party. She’s feisty, she’s scorned, she wants revenge,
and she still wants him.
“…I give him my own Miss America wave – only it’s really a one-finger salute.”
He’s hot and he’s cold. It goes back and forth, over and over again. He wants her but he has his own battles to deal with. Under the swagger, the chiseled muscles and the sexy edge, he’s damaged, hurting and he doesn’t think he can have both. He’s been the only one he can ever count on.
“You is all you have.”
She tries to stay strong. He’s hurt her once before but she wants him, all of him. He tries to push her away, to not let her in, but he wants her, all of her. It could be the most important game of their lives. She is the fire in his hands and he knows that she sees him, always.
“Because once you know a girl sees you for the man you are, once you know she’s never leaving, she wants you forever, and she’ll take a chance on you, it’s easy to let the words out.”
“She knows my heart. Her name is written there.”
Another fantastic romance from Mills. You want this book! This is a definite one-click that will leave you with a smile on your face and happiness in your heart.
4.5-loved it stars!
I absolutely loved, loved I Hate You by Ilsa Madden-Mills. It was an emotional and charming friends-to-lovers to-enemies to lovers sports romance with all kinds of feels. Blaze Townsend knew Charisma Rossi was trouble from the start. Football was his life and he could not afford to be distracted and Charisma was a huge distraction. So, he dumps her in the worse and most humiliating way possible. He broke her heart and then she hardened it.
He should let her go. She wants nothing to do with him and yet he can’t seem to let her go. I loved Blaze. He was cocky, sexy, determined and yet vulnerable. His backstory broke my heart and yet he preserved any way he could. Charm was just as strong and determined. She kept others, especially men at bay, but something about Blaze snuck right into her heart. But can she trust him with her heart again? Though they tried to keep each other at arm’s length, their chemistry and connection was undeniable.
I Hate You by Ilsa Madden-Mills was a story about second chances, love, friendship and learning let go and opening up. I loved it from start to finish. The chemistry between Blaze and Charm was off the charts, even as they tried to deny it! Another great read from this author!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Blaze and Charisma had a connection between the sheets but when the football star thinks he is not worthy of a girl like her he breaks it off and breaks her heart. But what Charisma does not know is the family life he has had to endure and just how broken he really is. Can the two come to an agreement to just be friends? Or will the sparks fly again, even though they have to get past the hatred for each other? There are so many layers to both characters. Parts were heart wrenching and others were heart warming, but from start to finish this was a great read.
This is my third ARC from the author. I was hooked when I read the blurb. College romance and enemies to lovers trope is my jam.
I had just finished the book actually… This story is about Waylon University football star Blaze and student extraordinaire Charisma. I honestly practically spent 50% of the time frustrated with these two… I hated that both of them seemed indecisive and had misplaced prides. They both keep on crossing the line but wouldn’t commit. At one point I thought Blaze was taking advantage of Charm’s feelings and she was just too low-key in love to resist… I didn’t like that and it went that way for quite sometime which was frustrating for me… I’m just saying…
But in all fairness, as the story progressed I got to know them more and understood them better… why they were the way they were.
This book will teach you about resilience, fortitude, and perseverance.. and that communication is key to any successful relationship. It will also make you see that taking risks is necessary when it comes to life and love.
It’s a little bit angsty because of the push and pull but its technically an easy-read and a page turner. It’s something I’d pick up during the weekends…
If you’re a fan of Allie Everhart, Sara Ney, Tamara Webber or Abbi Glines, this is the book to pick up next.
Hate. Love. Both are passion. Opposite ends of the spectrum with the same undercurrent. Deep red in color and emotion.
Charisma Rossi tells herself she hates Blaze Townsend. She needs to tell herself that to leave him in the past where he put himself.
Blaze Townsend tells himself he can only have one passion – football. What happens when a city girl like Charm tilts his world on its side?
Welcome to the third chapter of Waylon University. Meet old friends and new as Ilsa Madden-Mills grabs you from the first chapter until the epilogue. Fiery hot scenes filled with laughter, a foul mouthed parrot named Vampire Bill, and an epic love story.
Blaze and Charisma jump off at the page and grab your heart. Ilsa’s latest venture to Magnolia, Mississippi continues to show her prowess in capturing steam, heart, and humor in a happily ever after package!
I honestly don’t know where to start!
This story just blew me away!
The broody Blaze, my heart was in my throat for that man!! He has an absolute heart of gold but bottles everything up inside and I wanted to hug him so badly!
Charisma was a girl that didn’t know whether she should hate him or love him!
I loved the way she tried, her friends, her family and Vampire Bill!
All I will say is you definitely should pick this beautiful heartwarming book up! Yes your heart might break and things will get dicey but arent all relationships hard work and sometimes all we need is a really great story to read and characters to fall in love with!!
Absolutely amazing book!
Rate: 4,5 / 5 stars
Ilsa does it again. I freaking devoured this one. My head was fucked the next day due to lack of sleep because I was up until the wee hours of the morning reading this book. It was so good, I just couldn’t stop.
I loved the fact that this was a second chance/ enemies to lovers romance. And it’s Charisma’s book. I had been waiting for this. I was so excited to be inside her mind. She is legit awesome. I so loved her and her badassery. Watching her pine for Blaze was heartbreaking but also exciting because she brought on her sass and bombarded him with it. You could tell from miles away that there was still so much between these two. They tried to play the cards of ‘I hate you’ after how their fling ended but it was undeniable that they still wanted each other BAD.
Charisma struggles with love. She doesn’t think it’s for her, specially not after what Blaze did to her. Yet she can’t seem to stop thinking about him, even months after he broke it off and when he suddenly is thrust back into her life on a daily basis and wants to be friends… the air heats up and tension grows higher. Blaze is a bit broken, he didn’t have a good upbringing and he has a lot of insecurities when it comes to his future and letting anyone into his heart. Watching these two struggle with their feelings for each and the insecurities that tore them apart in the first place is a bit of an angst filled ride but one with some crazy fun and scorching moments that will hook you in, line and sinker.
I Hate You is a sports/college romance you do not want to miss out on. Ilsa never ever disappoints and this baby is as full packed with laugh out loud moments, crazy entertaining banter and all the emotion you need as her other books.
New enemies to lovers sport adult romance book from Ilsa Madden-Mills. Yes, please!!!
Author delivered me exactly the level of feelings that I look for in the book!
At first I didn’t know what to expect from this book, because it was my very first reading from this author but she sucked me right in from the very first page and I totally loved it. Author wrote not only romance book but also told us deep and profound story about young couple who’ feeling and life was so complicated.
Charisma Rossi and Blaze Townsend were two young people who’s adult life was just getting started and they were trying to find their path in the life. Despite their young age, they have complex and strong characters.
I loved this story. It reminds me of my young adult life and heartbreaks in high school. It was so good to dive into this story and feel it all over again through this book and let me tell you that this couple made me feel whole range of emotions.
They were two different personalities but something strong pulled them toward each other.
I loved the angst and chemistry tossed between them. I loved how author build the anticipation in their relationship.
I was biting nervously on my nail when they pushed and pulled one another and also cheering them on to finally find each other in the middle of this hard journey called love.
Both of them were also struggling with terrible experiences from their childhood. It’s not easy to fall for someone or give them fully your heart when you’ve got a baggage on your shoulder already. My heart was breaking so many times during the reading.
I absolutely love that intense, emotional and funny romance story and spent a really good time with that book.
Doesnt matter what age you are, this story is for every book addicted Lovers.
I have been a fan of Ilsa’s since I first read Very Bad Things. I love the depth with which she writes her character’s mixed with undeniable humor. And this story is no different. I loved everything about Blaze and Charisma especially their witty banter that was prevalent throughout. This story hit’s you in the feels and takes you on a swoon inducing ride. If you like enemies to lovers/second chance romance look no further.
“Forget facing him. I’d rather touch a hundred wolf spiders on my pillow while having a root canal with no anesthesia than see him with Dani.”
I freaking adore Blaze his intensity and humor all come wrapped in a glorious piece of Alpha Male. Ilsa wrote him so completely relatable, his faults will endear you to him, he’s not perfect and doesn’t claim or try to be. Watching him throughout the story try to overcome what he’s been preconditioned to believe will absolutely tug on your heart strings. I fell for him hard and fast, but I have always had a soft spot for damaged hero’s trying to be better.
“The artist side of me was always drawn to the colors I saw when he spoke, shades of gold and gray, one side of him sunny and easy, the other part was wrapped in fog and smoke.”
Charisma is fantastically funny with all her acronyms for almost everything. She’s a tough character she is hard on the outside, having built up walls so she wouldn’t get hurt. But you know she just needs to let her guard down so that she can fully give herself. She has these rules that she implemented so she wouldn’t get hurt and all it managed to do was to hurt Blaze and their potential.
“He’s everything. He’s everything I never knew I wanted. He’s perfection wrapped in a dark, deep lake, and I ache to swim in those waters, to discover his secrets and let him delve into mine. ”
The build up between these two was angsty deliciousness. Watching as they both grow and mature together and then find what they’d always been looking for in each other soothed my needy heart. I could not get enough of these two. Ilsa wrote them so well you feel what they feel. The ache, longing and self-destruction is so real your heart and emotions will be all over the place, wanting to hug them one minute and then shake some sense into them the next. I highly recommend this book, Ilsa is the Queen of College Sports Romance and she most definitely scored with this one!!!
Received this as an ARC for an honest review.