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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Ahhhhh the third book in this awesome series!!! The big football players at Waylon U are completely falling hard for their girls. We met Blaze and Charisma in the previous books, and I was sooooo ready for them. Their hate/love for each other made me so giddy with excitement! Blaze and Charm had a physical relationship, they had all the chemistry and completely let go and enjoy themselves. But as time went on, they caught on the feelings, but things ended on a sour note. Very very sour. So, Charm HATES him for what he did. But wants to show him that he doesn’t affect her.
I love Blaze and Charms banter, their chemistry, their gazes, EVERYTHING. I love love love how you saw Blaze’s feelings and how much he realized how deep she was and would affect his life. He grew up very different from her but he wanted that life so badly. I completely fell in love with Blaze. He is H.O.T. but also so much more than meets the eye with this sexy, cocky athlete. You just want to hug him and never let anything or anyone hurt him EVER!!! I didn’t think Ilsa would be able to top my man, Ryker, but its pretty close, they’re so different, but I love them both!!! It just keeps getting better and betterThis series is soooo good, I can’t wait for the next one!!!!
Once again, Ilsa Madden-Mills wields her magical pen and creates another FANTABULOUS read with I Hate You. I LOVE this author’s books. They always captivate and entice me from the first page to the last. I Hate You does just that. The characters are smart, funny, sexy, swoon-worthy and genuine. You’ve either known someone like them in your life, or wish you had. They are multi-dimensional and jump off the page into your head. Sexy, baggage-laden college football player, Blaze, brings all the heat you could ever want in a book. When he connects with Charisma, the beautiful, smart, sassy young woman he can’t resist, their chemistry sizzles right off the pages. They are so hot together, at times I thought my Kindle might burn up! This story is full of angst, funny, flirty, and filled with plenty of sexy times. If you like that type of book, and I do, then I Hate You is for you. It’s an easy, enjoyable, emotional, exceptional read you won’t want to miss. Five loving stars from me!
If you love Sports Romances look no further than I Hate You, it’s a brilliant romance filled with plenty of witty banter and lots of steamy passion and it’s a story that will captivate you. This emotional read will certainly give you all the feels you want in a great read, you will love the characters, you will hate the characters and at time you will want to bash their heads together, you will laugh, you will swoon and at times you will cry but every emotion you feel is worth it because Charisma and Blaze’s journey will blow you away…..
Blaze and Charisma are both broken but in different ways and seeing them both opening up and trusting each other as they learnt to become friends before they could become lovers captivated me.
I Hate You is a slow burn emotional read and I recommend to all Sports Romance Lovers as well as Romance Lovers please one click this must read.
Buy Link; http://bit.ly/IHYILSABOOK
Overall Rating: ++
“…but for the first time in my life, the walls around my heart were cracked, just a little, and even though I had my rules, I wanted him to be the one who stuck around. I wanted him to ask for more.”
Brokenness. Each of us carries parts of ourselves that have been broken by past traumas/experiences. To protect those broken parts, we have constructed a wall. Depending on the type of breakage, that wall may be thick and high, or it might be something that can be penetrated by another person. It really depends on the experience or trauma that broke us. This is a common theme in romance. For me, it’s a theme that pushes up against my own broken pieces or soul bruises. And when this happens, magic occurs in romance. At least, that’s the situation for me.
Ilsa Madden-Mills’s newest book, I Hate You, interrogates the idea of brokenness and insecurity. The book gives us the story of Blaze and Charisma. Six months prior to the story, Blaze publically breaks up with Charisma with only the comment that she “isn’t his type.” As the new school year approaches, Charisma, still struggling with Blaze’s actions, questions her self-worth from his perspective. On seeing each other for the first time since the break-up, it’s still clear there is chemistry between them. Blaze still has eyes for Charisma, and he decides to try to build a friendship with her, but nothing more because he finds completion near her. Both of them are conflicted as their friendship progresses. Charisma is still angry with Blaze because she has no real closure to the break-up, and Blaze believes he isn’t the right person for Charisma. Unfortunately, their chemistry is undeniable. Will Charisma and Blaze find peace together at the end of this story? That IS the question.
This story, my friends, is a slow burn. It’s the perfect building of two souls’ need for each other. Blaze and Charisma are the same person just with a different but similar issue. What I loved about this story the most is these characters. In the two books prior to this one, I Bet You and I Dare You, Blaze and Charm provide some of the humor in the story. Yet, in reading I Hate You, we realize that those are simply fronts to much deeper issues. I won’t share their brokenness here because I want the reader to experience it. I don’t want to spoil the depth of their hurts, but you must know that Madden-Mills has crafted these complex, profound characters to draw your heart into their story. I will say that these two, Blaze and Charisma, hit up against my “soul bruises” so much so that I connected with them deeply. I think every chapter found me with tears in my eyes as I empathized with their struggles and hurts. In fact, the final chapter before the epilogue found me lying in bed, bawling like a baby. To me, that’s what makes Madden-Mills a fantastic writer. I’ve read her entire book list, and I continuously go back to her because she realizes people like me on the page, even if their experiences are different from my own. That’s her writing genius.
I love both Blaze and Charisma, but my heart really belongs to Blaze. Madden-Mills gives him this external bravado, but a child-like broken spirit. As such, my heart rent for him time and time again as he missed Charisma’s soul trying to touch his own. This story is definitely about miscommunication. These two think they know each other, but they don’t really know how to read each other. This is what leads to the slow burn of this story. Their story takes most of the book to tell, and it’s really the last chapter before the epilogue where it finds its falling action resolved. Your heart will wrench for these two because they can’t see their potential for most of the book. But that’s the beauty of I Hate You. I’ve read other books that create this same tension, but it stops me at some point. It takes me a bit of time to finish reading the book. However, I picked this book up at 9 p.m. at night, and I didn’t put it down until 4 a.m. when I finished it. I was drawn into Blaze and Charisma’s story because Madden-Mills gives you characters that you need to know will be all right at the end. And, boy, does she offer that here.
In looking at her books, I Hate You is now probably my favorite Madden-Mills book to date. I never begin reading a book to find the “best” one. But Blaze and Charisma captured my heart from the first to the last page. In spending a couple of days reflecting on it, I’ve come to understand why I love it so much. It’s quite simple: my internal broken parts find themselves in the pages of this book. Ilsa Madden-Mills’s careful construction of these divine characters in I Hate You will find purchase in your heart. It surely did in mine. This book is like Charisma to Blaze: “a fire in my hands.”
“She knows my heart. Her name is written there.”
I really enjoyed Blaze and Charisma’s story. Blaze is one of those heroes you want to both hug and slap…sometimes simultaneously. He is sweet and vulnerable while also being strong and stubborn. Charisma is a smart beautiful girl but struggles to see it in herself. Together they have such an opportunity for happiness, but they have to be able to see out of their own issues and allow themselves to be and feel loved. This book was funny, sweet, and steamy. All my favorite things!
This book shows how love and hate really do go together. I loved every step these 2 took together. Both slightly broken but perfect fit for each other. Of course life hasn’t and isn’t just that easy. A collage second chance romance that everyone’s hearts can relate to.
After reading this book I HATE YOU will have difinetely new meaning for me… It won’t be thinking about this words without LOVE in my mind. Today the only thing I got i my head is : I LOVE You Mrs. Ilsa Madden Mills ! This book totally capitaved my heart. From the first paiges till the last ones. I just couldn’t put it down !
I like Ilsa’s books for a long time and someone could say that I’m not objective… but I can assure every reader – this book is really, really good. I haven’t feel bored even for one second and I devorued it in the speed of light !I hate You is perfect combination love, desire, hard moments with this good ones.
Blaze and Charm seduced me from the begining. They make me breathless.. They made me speachless. They have „common past”…. past which aren’t simple obviously, and little sinfull. They are wounded, but they want to be loved, they are just scared to sacrifice their hearts. I couldn’t understand every decision, which they made, specially Blaze… But I forgive them – they are young, and even if they have some expereinces in life, they still learning.
I Hate You is written at the finest, if You like college romances – this book is for You !
5 star Review of I Hate You (The Hook-Up #2) by Ilsa Madden-Mills
This is not normally a genre (YA/NA) that I read but having recently discovered this author and this series, I dove right in. This was a great read, with drama, humour and heat with a hero and heroine who you cannot help but fall for. I Hate You will keep you captivated from the first to the last chapter.
This book certainly evoked a myriad of emotions in me whilst I was reading. There were times that I laughed, I cried, I swooned and there were certainly times that I was frustrated with the characters, but through it all my attention was focused on Blaze Townsend and the woman whose heart he broke Charisma Rossi.
Both Blaze and Charisma are damaged souls who take a chance and through friendship find love. However Blaze is determined to focus on his goals and determines that he has to break up with Charisma. Choosing to do that in front of all her friends, Charisma is hurt and humiliated. Despite himself. Blaze is still drawn to her; will Charisma give him another chance? Will their pasts define who they are or will they take a leap of faith together?
I enjoy Ms. Madden-Mills style of writing, her characters were easy to relate to, strong and engaging. This book was one that had my emotions going all over the place but despite my palpitations at times, it was certainly worth it.
This book was everything I wanted and more! Ilsa really outdid herself with this book. It was everything I didn’t know I needed wrapped up in a great book. I Hate You follows the story of Blaze and Charisma (both who’ve been mentioned in other books). Charisma is a sassy, smart as hell, mischevious college student finishing up her last semester. Blaze is a player with dreams of making something for himself and a huge need to escape the past.
These two carry a lot of emotional baggage and pain that just hurt my heart. There were moments in the book that I wanted to crawl in and hug them! My goodness, this book tugged on my heartstrings. So much of what they went through shaped how their perspective. I loved the amazing banter between Charisma and Blaze, it’s had the Ilsa magic. They also had this intense chemistry. They were always drawn to each other regardless of circumstances. They had a deep emotional connection that no matter how much they tried to fight it, it was always there. This book was absolutely SWOON worthy!!
She exceeds in writing sports romances that make you just want to fall in love with your own athlete. This book had me in my feels the entire time! It was funny, sassy, HOT, amazing banter and oh so romantic. If Ilsa ever wanted to find me an Athlete, I wouldn’t argue with her . Actually, I’m requesting she does! I swear this woman is the master of heartfelt romances. I loved this book! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!!
This book ends in a HEA and it’s a complete standalone. There are reoccurring characters from her prior books. I give this book 5 swoon stars!
This book……OMG!! I totally loved I Hate You!! Such a fun, hot, and sexy enemies to lover romance that I just gobbled right up.
You have Blaze – a cocky, cool, sexy athlete who can’t get enough of the girl he let get away, but truly feels like he’s not loved or good enough. And then there’s Charisma -the beautiful and curvy nerd girl who attracted the attention of the star football player, who broke her heart. She has her own relationship issues, which totally do not mesh with Blaze’s at all. Despite their insecurities and rules, these two could not stay away from each other. It was like the two ends of a magnet coming together whenever they were close to one another. They definitely were a recipe for disaster, but once they got on the same page it was game on!
Such a great story and I highly recommend it!! Add it to your TBR RFN!!
And I can’t wait to see what she comes up next (hopefully) for Dillon – that’s going to be a fun one!!
I loved Charisma and Blaze! Hooked from the very first page, I couldn’t get enough of this absolutely addictive duo. When we met Blaze in a previous book I never would have thought I would fall head over heals for the mysterious playboy.
I surprisingly emotional read, there was nothing to Hate about I Hate You. Steamy and sweet, with a lot of laughs, this friends to lovers romance earned a spot on my reread list.
~ Kimberly Anne
Omg this book was everything! It’s a Second chance romance. You will fall in love with Blaze and all his broken ways. You can’t help but to love him. Charisma is such a strong woman yet a softy for Blaze. The cat and mouse game they play I think helps their relationship once it gets going. You will fall in love with this story. Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. Another 5 star read!
Grab a box of tissues because I Hate You is filled with ALL the feels!!! OMG Ilsa writes the best deeply-hit-you-in-the-heart sports romance.
When you meet Charisma/Charm you will instantly root for the girl to stick it to the college jock, Blaze, who dumped the feisty, curvy sprite because she wasn’t “his type” after three hookups. Especially when he shows up at the local bar with two stick thin Barbies attached to his arms. Jerk. He deserves whatever retribution she can dish.
But, then when you get a brief glimpse into Blaze’s background—have those tissues ready—-Blaze is going to melt you and make you want to wrap him up and bring him home never to let anyone hurt the big, strong football player ever again. And, Blaze may be big and tough, but his soft underbelly had my heart in knots right from the beginning.
Charm and Blaze’s chemistry is wicked hot, but it runs deeper than just the physical (p.s. whew…you will need a fan over their physical chemistry), but their chemistry is also emotional, mental, and I’d go so far to call as to call them soulmates. This book is filled with everything we love about Ilsa and the worlds she beautifully creates, along with so much emotional heart…don’t forget the tissues.
I Hate You is just amazing!! These two both have their hangups, but together perhaps they can be the answer to what they both have questions to.
Blaze and Charisma set the pages on fire with their hate for each other, but can they deny their insane chemistry. The back and forth banter between Blaze and Charisma will make you laugh and cry. Both Blaze and Charisma have been through some things that have impacted them and find it hard to move on, but know what they want, even if they can’t admit it. Blaze and Charisma take you on a wild ride filled with emotional and heartfelt journey they will have your rooting for these two to figure it out. Definitely read this story and find out what happens with Blaze and Charisma, you won’t be able not to fall for these two!
When you’re trying to prove to everyone after an embarrassing breakup that you’re over him, it’s not easy to do when he’s the one that’s clearly moved on while you’ve been hiding out. Or so it seems…
There’s so much more to these two than initially meets the eye, with pasts riddled with hurt that they don’t want to repeat. From hate to civil to friends…these two couldn’t seem to get out of their heads and listen to their hearts. Blaze is every girl’s dream BF and Charisma is every girl’s dream BFF, so I was cheering them on, needing them to quit second guessing each other’s feelings.
I laughed, I hurt, I fanned myself, I cursed, I learned some new acronyms, I swooned, and I cried happy tears. Enemies to lovers coupled with a sports romance written by Ilsa Madden-Mills…that’s a win win win!
Blaze & Charisma were fire and ice, oil and water…polar opposites in every way but you know what they say about opposites? ….. They attract && these two were GAH!
I could not put this book down! The emotional tennis match that was Blaze and Charisma had me ranging between screaming at my kindle, on cloud nine with all their sweet sweet moments &&& laughing out loud at all the wittiness and sass. These two wore their baggage as armor; each pushing the other away for their own reasons (que me screaming) but when they got out of their own way and really looked at their connection ya’ll SO GOOD!
Everything that Ilsa Madden-Mills writes I devour, each book quickly becomes my “new favorite” && I Hate You was no exception; the honest/real way that she tells a story always hooks me from page one. Please do yourself a favor and read I Hate You; it was so so good and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.
***ARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest Review/ Megan Scandalous Book Blog***
I’ve decided that Ilsa’s books are amazingly good because the characters are so relatable. I have some of the same insecurities that Charisma and Blase have, so it’s easy to have empathy for them. I was initially mad because it seemed as if the characters could stop their bickering by opening up to each other but I realized I’m not good at that either! Lol
HOT DAMN.
I Hate You is the latest novel from Ilsa Madden-Mills, and it solidifies why she is one of the best romance authors out there that I can’t get enough of! Welcome back to Waylon University where we get the story of Charisma and Blaze, two individuals whose chemistry and tension runs as deep as their past. After a socially crippling breakup at her own party, Charisma is done with Waylon University’s star football player, Blaze Townsend. Done with his stark determination, easy smile, and rock solid looks. Yup–she is done. But no matter what Blaze does to stay away from the girl he hurt three months ago, he just can’t keep himself from wanting her and her sassy personality.
I don’t know where to begin with this review where I don’t end up shrieking about how much I loved and enjoyed this story. The chemistry between our two main characters, Charisma and Blaze, is one where I was desperately reaching for something to fan myself–because oh my god was it intense and all consuming. The character development throughout this novel is so spot on that it left me more and more invested and connected to these characters than ever before.
It’s a rare occasion where I connect so deeply to a hero; but this novel had me doing just that. The struggle that Blaze goes through and fights against both internally and externally is something that deeply resonated with me. Coming from a hard and rough background where love was never expressed–emotions are a struggle for Blaze to communicate and opening up about anything personal even harder. This obstacle is something that stuck with me as I can relate so much to the struggle that Blaze faces in not only expressing emotions but also communicating his thoughts in general.
Ilsa knocks this story out of the park with her signature depth, humor and writing style. This story is as fresh as it is a classic. Deep as it is swoon worthy, I Hate You will give you all the toe curling feels. If you are itching for a contemporary romance that will have you swooning from start to finish–I Hate You is the story you need in your life!
Touchdown! Loved this book. Two unusually named college students. Blaze (yes that’s his given name) has his eyes on the NFL. Charisma has her eyes on her future career too. She’s a nerd with rules. No kissing, no strings, no broken heart. Blaze agreed to her terms. Read this great stand alone with an HEA to see what happens. You won’t be disappointed!
5 Stars
When it comes to sports romances, Ilsa Madden-Mills never disappoints. I Hate You is a college sports romance with a love/hate relationship that’s so much more. I was so pleasantly entertained, and immediately hooked from start to finish.
Charisma is smart, funny, and feisty. She wants to start the new semester fresh and put the very public breakup that happened during her party behind her. She wants to get back to the person she was before Blaze got his hands on her. There’s a reason why she’s set rules when it comes to “dating” and it’s to keep her heart safe. But Blaze managed to get through the walls she put up and for the first time has Charisma wanting more.
Blaze is beautifully broken. He didn’t have a good upbringing which effected him on some levels. It also caused deep rooted insecurities to take full force on whether anything good or anyone will ever stay in his life. He’s a big football star and the only thing he wants is to be good enough to play professionally. But along the way Charisma came into his life and she became something else he wants, but as much as he wants her, he has to keep her at arms length, because if he doesn’t he just might want her more than anything else.
Charisma and Blaze shared moments that meant more than either of them want to admit. They’re both stubborn to a fault. They have this flirty and fun banter that I lived for. But reading them both battle their insecurities was beautiful and emotional. I was rooting so hard for these two and wanting them to get the happiness they so rightfully deserved. Charm and Blaze most definitely captured my heart, I loved these two.
I Hate You had the right amount of angst and laugh-out-loud moments. It had me smiling nonstop. It was emotionally charged with genuine characters. Another winner by Ilsa and most definitely recommend.