A rare moment of weakness.A burning desire impossible to deny.Forbidden words I should never have spoken…Seven years ago, I confessed my darkest secret to my brother’s girlfriend. When she broke up with him and walked out of our lives, she took my secret with her.But, with my band set to go on tour around the world, I have a problem. I need a nanny for my autistic daughter. And unfortunately, … for my autistic daughter. And unfortunately, Viola Starr, my brother’s ex, is the perfect fit.
Now, there is no escaping her. Or our past.
Especially when my brother seems determined to win her back.
Five months and she’ll be out of my life again.
Five months of ignoring lingering, heated glances.
The fire she draws out of me. The way she loves my daughter.
Five months… And my world is about to come crashing down around me.
Part one of this sexy single dad, rock star, nanny duet.
Duet Reading Order
Love to Hate Her (#1)
Hate to Love Him (#2)
Other books in this series: Reckless Love
more
I always have a hard time with “love triangles” especially when it’s between brothers. The one who should get the girl always seems to think he needs to step aside and give up his happiness. This book was no different. I was frustrated with both Viola and Jasper at the beginning. Jasper for being a cold hearted idiot and Viola for not discouraging Gus (it’s obvious this book isn’t a love triangle. We know who the hero and heroine are so the fact that she kept giving Gus hope he could win her back was annoying). As the story progressed I started to like them both a bit more. Viola was amazing with Adalynn (that girl is adorable!! You can’t help but fall in love with her). Jasper’s sweet side, not only with his daughter but with Viola as well, came out more. The special moments with the two of them were few but they were still wonderful to read. The other band members were so sweet, even though Gus’ no care attitude irritated me to no end. Then there was Jules. I don’t like Jules. I have my suspicions about her and I have a feeling she’s gonna piss me off more. This was a sweet read but I’m hoping that the next book won’t keep me pulling out my hair. After all this time these two deserve their HEA and they deserve it with each other. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
This is book 1 in the Wild Minds Duet. And let me tell you, this book is taking you on a wild mind ride!
Viola, is almost broke and looking for a new job, when opportunity arises, and she gets the offer to be a nanny for a little girl with special needs. Little does she know that the father of that little girl is no other than Jasper, well known rock star, her ex boyfriend’s brother.
Jasper doesn’t want to hire Viola, because of what happened that night she broke up with his brother, but she’s simply perfect for the job. And his little girl is taking an instant liking to her. So, 5 months being on tour with a nanny can’t be that hard right?
This book is written in DPV which I love immensely. So you can get better in the head of the main characters. And boy do you get into Jaspers head. He’s pouring out so much love, but also hurt. It’s intense! I seriously am in love with him he comes as the broody gruffy rockstar, but there’s so much more to him!
Viola is like a sister to the other band members, except for the 2 brothers. Gus claims that he wants her back, because he’s still in love with her, but does he really? Viola herself will always love Gus, he owns a piece of her heart. But will she go back to him?
Unfortunately, for the conclusion which brother she chooses, we have to wait for book 2!
I’m ready for the second book already, lol, and can’t wait! This is one great rockstar romance! I totally recommend this Duet!
I kindly received an arc from the author and voluntarily left a review
Whenever we see ‘duet’ as part of a series title, that’s a clear sign the first book might reach an ending but the story continues in the next. I don’t like cliffies any better than the next romance lover, but there are a handful of authors I’ve come to trust with my heart, knowing their words are like breath to my soul, and this is one of them. So while I’m not happy having to wait a month for the rest of the story, I knew I had to read this book. And I’m so glad I did, because this is easily Saman’s best work yet.
Recently I read a quote that said, “A good book makes you want to live in the story. A great book gives you no choice.” And that, reader friends, is the magic of a J Saman book. It sweeps you up and carries you away, giving your heart and soul no choice in the matter, and ekes out every drop of emotion from you along the way. Vi, Jasper, and Gus’s story (sorry MFM lovers, it’s not that kind of book) is already unforgettable, and this is only the first half. It’s sweet, touching and poignant, but so complicated, complex and heart wrenching.
Twin brothers, Gus and Jasper Diamond, met Viola Starr when they were eight years old, and both boys fell in love with an angel. Gus worked hard to make Vi his and then ruined it by living the stereotypical rock star life when their band, Wild Minds, became famous in the blink of an eye. Vi was like a fifth band member, close to all the guys, and it was like losing her family after she broke up with Gus.
Jasper was always cold and distant while Vi and Gus dated, but his stoicism hid some deep still waters. Now he needs Vi to be his special needs daughter’s nanny and travel with the band for their first tour in four years. The guys are delighted to reunite with Vi, Gus is determined to win Vi back, Jasper’s three-year-old adores Vi, and Jasper is a big, hot mess. Vi thinks he hates her, and his actions and words are harsh at times, but she’s forgetting that there’s another side to the love/hate coin.
Oh, my heart. These characters. This story. They’re so deep inside me now it’s like my heart knows them and my soul answers their call. I’m smack dab in the middle of their triple-decker angst sandwich and dying for more. Then add in adorable little Ady to the mix, and the small, remaining piece of my heart is now held fast in her sweet little hand. They all own me, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next. The ball is in Jasper’s court, and it’s time to man up.
Read this book now, or wait for the second part and read them together, but either way, read this book! Yes, you’ll feel like your heart was used as the ball in a volleyball tournament, the way it’s tossed all around, but you’ll love every last angsty minute. These characters will effortlessly capture your heart with their exceptional, memorable story, and this is one you don’t want to miss!
I was sucked in, transfixed and unable to stop reading this story, that’s how wonderful it was. I was curious how this story played out and I was not disappointed. The writing flowed smoothly and was easy to read. The characters were well developed, leaving more to be revealed as the story continued; and I loved that.
Viola is such a sweet girl with an amazing heart. With all that she has overcome, she’s still a kind-hearted woman that could’ve been bitter about life. Instead, she’s a ray of sunshine and optimism. Jasper is so incredibly complex and fueled by guilt to the point my heart hurt for him. When these two get together it’s both beautiful and frustrating.
I enjoyed this book immensely and found myself thinking about these characters long after the story was over. I am incredibly excited to read the conclusion to see how this story concludes.
This is a really interesting take on how one handles the obstacles life throws at you. Loved the characters and how they developed as the story continues. Although there are some great steamy scenes in this romance, the family dynamic that they all have is what really held my attention throughout this book. I can’t wait for the next book to see the conclusion!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
WOW, what a beautifully written roller coaster. Viola shared her first kiss with Jasper when they were fourteen and then he started ignoring her. She gets together with Gus, Jasper’s twin brother, but she breaks up with him because he can’t keep it in his pants. Seven years later, Viola accepts a nanny position for a touring rock star. Her new boss is none other than Jasper Diamond, the lead singer of Wild Minds. Viola falls in love with Jasper’s daughter, Adalyn, and her love/hate feelings for Jasper come back. Gus claims he’s still in love with her and wants her back, but he still can’t keep it in his pants. Will Viola end up with Gus or Jasper or will she leave them both, when the tour is over? I won’t leave any spoilers, but I will say, if you love single dad stories as much as I do, you will love this steamy read. I can’t wait to see what happens next, after what Viola told Jasper. I’m Team Jasper. Which team will you be pulling for? Grab your copy and make your choice. Also, see if you agree that Jules isn’t as good of a best friend as Viola thinks she is.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I really enjoyed reading Love To Hate Her by J. Saman. Viola, Gus and Jasper are friends and Gus and Jasper are brothers. Jasper gave Viola her first kiss. Jasper was in love with her and is in love with her, but Gus started dating her. Gus cheated on Viola and she confronted him about it and broke it off. It had been 7 years and her life is not at all like she planned it. I feel really bad for Jasper because he has waited on the sidelines for Viola all while she was dating his brother. Viola feels Jasper hates her even to to this day with all the dirty looks and bad tempers. But Jasper needs her to care for his child who is special needs. The band that the brothers are in are very popular right now and they are going on tour and Jasper needs a nanny to care for Ady his daughter. Things are intense and gets heated up. There is a cliffhanger, so I am wondering what is going to happen now. Will Jasper step up to the plate and tell Viola how he really feels? I sure hope so, this is a very steamy book with undeniable feelings that I hope get resolved. It is a great 1st book with some steamy scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am so in love with this story, it was just the perfect mix of everything – love, sadness, angst, hotness, sexiness, and more love. Jasper and Viola’s love started out in a forbidden way that brought out all the feelings. The love Jasper had for his daughter while also fighting his feelings for Viola, who was his brother’s ex girlfriend, was heartbreakingly beautiful. Sometimes, thinking with your head instead of with your heart can prove to be the smartest and worst thing you can do to yourself. Jasper’s first choice was always to sacrifice for those he loved most, and it ended up workout against him in a way. Him workout things out with Viola ended up also being the catalyst to healing his relationship with his brother. The ending was beautiful and it really brought a tinny, tiny tear to my eye. My heart was happy
Viola is tired. She just got off a long flight and is now fighting to get through all the drugs and sex going on around her so she can say goodbye to her past. Her boyfriend’s band just made it big and to find out he was cheating was just too much. It’s time to end this before she starts to hate him. But, saying goodbye to him means goodbye to the rest of the band members too. Guys that she grew up with.
As she leaving, Gus’s fraternal twin, Jasper, follows her out only to tell her that the whole album was hers. That he wrote all the songs about her. Why would he tell her this? And why now when she was leaving? When he has always kept his distance from her.
Seven years later Jasper needs a nanny for his three-year-old daughter, Adalyn, who was just diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is enraged when he finds out his assistant hired Viola without telling him. Hell, Viola hadn’t even been told whose child she would be caring for and didn’t even know she would be working for him! Viola, the only woman he has ever loved and why he’s never been in a relationship.
NOOOOOOOO!!!! I love this book so much only to be left with a cliffhanger. So mean J. Saman! The pull and tug of Jasper’s emotions is heartbreaking. The love and dedication to his daughter makes you love him even more. All of the characters are amazing and you just want to hug all over Adalyn. I love the storyline and having a special needs child on top of adding Gus into their story was amazingly written.
Highly highly recommend this book and look forward to Jasper and Viola’s continued story. J. Saman is definitely going on my must buy author list.
I was engrossed in the story of Viola, Gus and Jasper relatively quickly and couldn’t put the book down. Love to Hate Her is book 1 in the Wild Minds duet and Hate to Love Him is the 2nd. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger, but book 2 is also immediately available and the story seamlessly transition to the 2nd book. A lifetime love triangle technically between Viola, Gus and Jasper; but in a loving way as Gus and Jasper are twins. Actually, their full band has feelings for Viola which is captivating. I found myself wondering if I was going to stumble into a mmf situation, but it’s not like that, yet is feels more like brotherly love too.
I loved it. I could sure get wrapped up in being loved by the band members of Wild Minds. I would call this a slow burn, angsty, story of loss, heartache, love, hot chemistry; a swoon-worthy romance. I loved it and recommend it! Both books in this duet!
Beautifully written love story with strong characters and an emotional story line. The author does a fantastic job building the story and had me glued to the pages with the emotional roller coaster ride she takes them on. She brings the story to life with her detailed and descriptive writing ,painting her scenes vividly. She moves the story fluidly and brings all the feels in this must read story. I loved and would highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Viola and Jaspers story gave me all the feels!! These two along with his brother have been friends since childhood but it was always meant to be these two until he backed away and his brother stepped in and when he breaks her heart she walks away from everyone until several years later she needs financial help and Jasper needs help with his daughter and enter the woman who he never stopped thinking of only problem is his brother hasn’t either
“The album,” he answers slowly, reluctantly, like it pains him to confess this, his darkest secret. “Every song on it is yours. All of them, I wrote about you.”
5 millions stars!!! I can’t even begin to describe how amazing this book is!!! Gah!!!
Vi has been friends with the members of Wild Minds since they were kids. Her first kiss was with lead singer Jasper, but she’s dates his brother Gus for four years… but after him cheating on her dozens of times while on the road, she’s decided enough is enough and she walks away from him and the band. Leaving Jasper, who secretly loves her with a broken heart. Cut to seven years later, when Jasper hires Vi to be his adorable daughter Ady’s nanny/teacher. Ady is on the spectrum and since Wild Minds is a HUGE band now, they are heading out on the road, and Jasper needs someone to watch over her daughter, but he never expected all his feelings for Vi to come rushing back. Vi in the last seven years has had a rough go… not to mention unresolved feelings with Jasper that she’s had since 14, so the last thing she wants is to deal with the brooding lead singer, but the minute she sees him with his daughter, all bets are off. Then you throw in his brother Gus, who’s also still in love with Vi and yep you guessed… TROUBLE!
OMG that cliffhanger was everything!! I need to know what happens… like yesterday!! I love a good rock star book, but this one really has heart in it. You see the love all these characters have for each other, and you can feel the emotions coming off the page. And let’s face its Jasper is sexy as sin with a dirty mouth! I dare you not to fall in love!! I can’t wait to read more and I’m now off to go one click more J. Saman’s books, because if this book is an indicator of her writing, then I’m hooked!!!
This ticked so many boxes for me. Hate to love. Second chance. Single dad/nanny. Angst. Drama filled. Rockstar. Tropes I love and to have them all in one place with such sparkling writing and flawed but loveable characters (not all of them obviously) I couldn’t put this down and it kept me up till 5am reading it. I need book 2 now.
I requested a copy of this from Wildfire marketing and I volunteered to leave an unbiased review. All opinions are my own
Loved this book, it sucked me in until the end!!
Jasper is the lead singer of Wild Minds and secretly wanted Viola forever. Only one thing stands in the way his twin brother Gus.
Vi went to college and the guys went onto becoming rock gods. Only one small problem with this is that Gus can’t stay faithful. Vi ends things with him and moves on with her life and “forgets” about the band/guys.
Now 7 years later, things are going to change big time. She is thrust back into their lives to help with Jasper’s daughter. How will this affect the way they feel? Will Gus be able to win her back over? Will Jasper be able to watch this unfold or will he eventually win his dream girl?
Can’t wait for book two.
This is the 1st part of a duet and what an amazing tale this is! Viola, Jasper and Gus grew together, and Jasper is her first kiss but when he starts ignoring her, she starts dating Gus. When she breaks up with Gus and walks out Jasper catches her and throws a curveball at her which has her reeling. Fast forward several years and Jasper is a single dad to an adorable little girl, and the band is successful and going on a 5-month tour. Jasper knows that he will need a nanny and when Viola’s name comes up, he has no choice but to agree to her being a nanny to Adelyn. This is a beautifully written tale which has great dynamics, engaging characters, and filled with witty banter, and love. I cannot wait to read the 2nd part and I highly recommend this for all readers.
3.5 Stars
I’m a sucker for rockstars and single dads to get them both in one book makes me a happy reader. Viola and Jasper are like magnets drawn to each other. You can feel the tension and all those unsaid words everytime they are in a room together. I absolutely loved Jasper as a father he’s protective and supportive but above all else he loves her with his whole being. I really liked Viola but wish she had stood up for herself more. I am hoping Jasper redeems himself in book two because sometimes he acted like a complete moron.
I’m a lover of Rockstar stories and this is so much more than that! This story deals with a real life issue and the author handles it with grace and dignity. It also is a story of unrequited love that will hold you captive from beginning to end! I literally read this in one sitting! Jasper is in a band with his brother and friends. Viola has been friends with all of them for a very long time and was with Gus, Jasper’s brother. But when things didn’t go so well with Viola and Gus, Jasper told her something that literally rocked her world.
Many years later Viola comes back into their lives to help Jasper and causes a whirlwind of emotions between the brothers and the band. Can Viola hide her true feelings? Did Gus ever really get over her? And what about Jasper? I loved the interactions between all these characters, including the bandmates. I feel a little in love with each of them and can’t wait to read more about them! If you are a Rockstar lover like me, then this book is for you!
WOW l absolutely loved Love to Hate Her! Viola and Jasper l wish these two would just talk about their feelings, there was so much insane tension going on between these two! Oh and Adalyn is so adorable! So glad l have book2 to jump into because l need more of Vi & Jas!
Maybe she was too young to understand his message, but seven years before, Viola fell in love with Jasper’s brother, and he held his tongue, even when Viola broke up with Gus for good reason. Now she is back, a nanny for his autistic daughter and his heart is once again on overload, because he never stopped loving her. Can her risk his secret now or has time and circumstances spoiled any chance they had for a happily ever after?
Yes, this is a rockstar romance, but it is also so much more, a second chance to find happiness, a family and everything that even money couldn’t buy Jasper. Even if it doesn’t’ work out, at least he had his chance and his young daughter found a caring advocate.
LOVE TO HATE HER by J. Saman may be this author’s best work to date! Often painful to witness, sharing Jasper’s innermost thoughts, then sharing Viola’s, it’s hard not to want to see these three as a family unit. Still, there is unfinished business with the past, old jealousies and treachery in the shadows, and we must wait for the second half of this romantic duet.
Highly, highly recommended for the characters, the plot and the magnetic style of writing from J. Saman as she stitches this romance into something to warm the coldest heart.
I received a complimentary ARC edition from J. Saman! This is my honest and voluntary review.