For fans of Lauren Layne and Kristan Higgins comes a delightfully “fun bit of fluffy entertainment” (Publishers Weekly) in the first book of a charming new series, in which a young woman is forced to help her old friend revamp his image for the upcoming mayoral elections…and discovers that she might not be as immune to his charms as she once thought. When Emmanuelle Peroni’s father–and … Peroni’s father–and current mayor of Hope Lake, Pennsylvania–suggests she help with Cooper Endicott’s campaign, she’s horrified. Cooper, one of her (former) oldest friends, drives her crazy in every way possible. But he’s also her father’s protégé, so Emma reluctantly launches her plan to help him win the local election.
It’s not as easy as it looks. Cooper’s colorful love life is the sticking point for many voters, and his opponent is digging up everything he can from his past. It seems that every time Emma puts out the flames from one scandal, another one flares up. Emma knows that if Cooper wants to win, he needs to keep his nose clean. The only problem? She might just be falling in love with the one person she promised never to pursue: the mayoral candidate himself.
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Started this book late last night and couldn’t put it down until it was finished. Nini Bocci has a writing style that is light, witty, and totally easy to read in one sitting. The story flows effortlessly and her characters are well developed. Nice beach or poolside read!
This is the first book in the Hopeless Romantics series and it takes place in the small town of Hope Lake, Pa. Emma and Cooper had been friends their entire lives — they even work together as city employees trying to bring more business to their town. Emma had a major crush on Cooper when they were younger but something happened in college to turn that love into hate — maybe not hate but extreme dislike! They both have a strong love of their home town and are able to put their feelings for each other aside when they are working together. Emma’s dad is mayor of Hope Lake but is retiring and he asks Emma to help for Cooper’s campaign for mayor. She knows that she’s the right person for the job but her feelings toward Cooper are making it difficult especially when another woman starts spending a lot of time with him. Is Emma jealous and are her feelings for Cooper love instead of hate?
I enjoyed this romantic story and I liked the relationship between Emma and Cooper as it developed throughout the book. I thought the book was too long – over and over Cooper did something stupid and over and over, Emma had to help him get his campaign back on track with snarky comments. It seems that if Cooper really wanted to be mayor, he could have cleaned up his playboy lifestyle without lectures from Emma. Overall, it was a fun read and a great start to the Hopeless Romantics series.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
3.5 Stars
On the Corner of Love and Hate is an enjoyable and fun enemies to lovers trope with a backdrop of small town politics. This slow burn romance is perfect for your summer vacation read!
Would recommend to fans of contemporary romance.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
3.75 Stars
Small lake town in the mountains of Pennsylvania.
Emma and Cooper.
They’ve known each other forever. They’ve been best friends growing up.
But they’re not besties anymore.
There’s still this mega attraction, but Emma is constantly hating on poor Cooper. Why, you ask?
He’s a horrible manwhorish serial dater and he’s not doing his job at the office properly. She has to work twice as hard because he’s always out on business – aka a date!
And yup – they’re working together for their town. For the mayor – who happens to be Emma’s dad. And Emma’s dad wants Cooper to be the new mayor. And Emma has to be the one to clean up his image and run his campaign!
Let the fun times begin ….
What will happen with Emma & Cooper?
Will there be a HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
Well, that was adorable!
First of all – before I start my tiny little rant and before I piss everybody off – I was really excited to read this book. I’ve had this on my list forever! Many book bloggers have known Nina for years as part of the book world – but this is her first solo book!
So please forgive me for anything stupid I’m about to say. I don’t mean it in a bad or insulting way – but I’m always honest in my reviews!
I liked many parts of this book, but I also didn’t like many parts of it.
I even loved parts. I wouldn’t mind if all the people in it and the town and the politics – if this could somehow end up in a Netflix show. That would totally be something I would love to watch.
But as a book. Ugh. I don’t know where to start. There’s so much to say.
It’s not a bad book. Not at all. The idea is really great. A friends-to-enemies-to-colleagues-to-frenemies-to-lovers-small-town-politics-romance. It’s a really great start.
I loved that all parents were amazing. Every other book these days has characters in it with horrible parents and childhoods. Emma’s mom was the funniest thing about the book. Plus the two best friends – who will be the stars of the next two books! Nick and Henry. Adorable! Unfortunately those will probably be only-female POV books again :/ More about my POV problem later.
What I didn’t like about the book was that this was a waaay to slow slow-burn romance for my tastes. It’s not even slow … it’s not happening at all really.
We start with Emma complaining about Cooper and hating on him and insulting him. She doesn’t stop for a very long time – if at all. But we also understand from things being said, that both have been in love with each other since they were born.
And through all that hating on poor Cooper, we can’t really fall in love with him, because he doesn’t defend himself. He doesn’t get a POV and we don’t know what’s in his heart and mind.
Plus with all that hating we kind of don’t like Emma all that much.
So we have a slow-burn romance which is way too slow, plus a hero and heroine we can’t really love … not a good start for a romance!
Usually I like those cute small-town stories. But this one was just too typical prudish small-town America for my tastes. There was too much church-going/talk – I hate religion and I don’t want that in my books. But I also know that it is part of that typical american small-town life – especially if you’re the daughter of the mayor! But I still don’t want it in my books.
Then there are no sexy-times at all. Just a tiny little bit toward the very end. Not even any sexy kisses – or even some sexy sparks between our darlings!
I also didn’t understand why Emma is so mad at Cooper. Yes, okay. She’s in love with him – always has been. But she doesn’t know it – or she doesn’t acknowledge it. So it’s always hate hate hate. But it gets on the readers nerves about two pages into the book. It was too much.
The book already started confusing for me. On page one there’s talk about an office and a tennis ball. So in my mind’s movie theatre I saw Emma and a guy in an office watching a tennis game on TV because I thought that had something to do with their PR job. But nope – I found out a page later that it was just this immature, and in my mind, 20 year old intern Cooper, who was throwing a tennis ball against the wall. And yup – that’s how we meet Cooper – add to that Emma’s not-liking-him-description of him on those first two pages, and I was SHOCKED when I found out that Coooper is the HERO of this book. #Mindblown. That must’ve been the most un-cute meet-cute of a Hero and a reader ever. Sorry. And like I mentioned before – we don’t really fall for him because we don’t hear from him enough. I still liked him … but it wasn’t enough.
I get that Nina wanted this to be a bit of a feminist thingy. And a bit of a preachy thingy with the politics and voting. But through all that … Cooper and the love story got completely lost.
It was still a very sweet and very slow small-town love story.
Maybe it could’ve been a bit shorter – with more important moments happening and redundant stuff cut out. But I still liked it the way it was. It was interesting and sweet and a bit funny and cute. I will definitely read the next books! Maybe this wasn’t just our day, dear book.
ON THE CORNER OF LOVE AND HATE was a very sweet and slow-burnish small-town politics love story! Run to your nearest amazon asap for your own Cooper – he’ll be sold out in no time!!!
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by Nina Bocci, and I look forward to reading more from her. I will admit that this one did take me a little while to get into – but I think that’s because a lot of this storyline has to do with politics and I’m not a huge fan of that, and not a lot seemed to be happening. I just couldn’t get into it right away.
As we get further along in the story though, we get to know the main character, Emma, more and more, and we uncover more about her past, more about Cooper and her other friends, and more about the town itself.
Told only from Emma’s POV, I liked that she knows what she wants in terms of her career, and she stands up for herself, and is a really strong character. But her interactions with Cooper and hr communication with him really needs to some work. She needs to man up and accept, or just plain see, whats going on around her.
That’s the whole point of the story though, and adds to the angst that Bocci has built up. I thought the banter between them was funny at times, and I like the other two male best friends, Nick and Henry, and I’d like to learn more about them in the future.
There are alot of strong characters in this book, and once we finally get down to things and see if they’re going to communicate properly, we discover more about them. I was hanging on every word of this book for at least the whole second half of it.
I liked the ending, and I look forward to more of this series.
This is the first book I have read by the author and I have to say I did enjoy it somewhat. It was although a little long and wordy in parts, I genuinely liked the characters and the way the story went.
Being friends for a very long time, Emma is getting annoyed at Coopers lack of interest in his job and performing his duties! She has enough to do without having to do his work too! Cooper is running for Mayor and being pulled in a million directions! Will the slander from the opposition ruin his chances or can Emma make it go in a different direction??
What happens if feelings get in the way or will she stay angry!
The banter was good, the family bonds and long time friendships were wonderful and I especially loved the ending! Overall a good story.
Emma’s father is the mayor, who happens to be retiring. Her co-worker, former best friend, now quazi friend, is running for that position. Emma knows that he is the perfect candidate for the job.
Reluctantly she is talked into becoming his campaign manager. But she draws the line as “fake” girlfriend to help polish his image. Only now, she can’t quite stomach his stand-in girlfriend at present.
Holy angst to the nth degree. There were so many times I wanted to shake and yell at Emma and Cooper.
But beneath all that anger, hate and misunderstandings is a solid foundation of love. So can Emma finally admit to herself and to Cooper that she actually has feelings for him? Or is she too late?
Definitely one-click to find out.
“On the Corner of Love and Hate” by Nina Bocci
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher and this is, of course, is my review. I liked the story… even when I got so frustrated with the characters that I wanted someone to shake them seven ways from Sunday. Or, maybe I just wished they had a Dutch Uncle that would set them straight.. But then if they weren’t bumbling their way through their story… it would have possibly been a short story. And, I guess we all have our times when we make our lives so much more difficult that they have need to be. Not being open about how we feel about things… like when we are hurt by someone’s words or actions… well it can have a negative impact on our relationships. I hope you will enjoy your time in Hope Lake, PA.. sounds like a great place to live or at least visit !! Happy Reading !!
What an amazing start to the Hopeless Romantics series! I really enjoyed this childhood friends to enemies to lovers slow burn romance! On the Corner of Love and Hate will have you laughing out loud one moment and then tearing up the next. It’s relatable and heartfelt and I fell completely in love with Hope Lake and its residents.
Emmanuelle (Emma) and Cooper have a complicated history. I couldn’t wait to find out what drove these once best friends apart. Sparks fly as they bicker and verbally spar, and I loved every zing of chemistry between them. As the book progresses, readers come to learn about all of their sweet and tender moments (the drawing under the desk!), but also the heartbreaking ones as well. The fates have never quite aligned for these two, and it hurt my heart over how much was left unsaid over the years.
I loved all the relationships in this book so much. From parent to child and friend to friend, I loved how supportive and loyal they all were to each other. The secondary characters were absolutely amazing and I don’t think I could have loved Emma’s mother, Sophia, more! The Chef Boyardee incident and her fashion sense had me snort laughing every time she was mentioned or on the page. I can already tell that steadfast Henry will be my favorite of the BFF quartet though. How can I not fall in love with a character who isn’t concerned with sowing his wild oats everywhere and describes himself as a sexual camel? 😉
Nina Bocci’s writing is witty and sharp and I laughed so hard at all the perfectly placed pop culture references. Her voice and heart really jump off the page and had me invested in these characters from the start. The epilogue left me with a huge smile on my face and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the town of Hope Lake!
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
When I first read about Nina’s book I was curious. I first met her as PR for some authors I’ve follow through the years, and then I read her debut, Roman Crazy, with Alice Clayton (I loved that book btw). Now she take us to a little town called Hope Lake, and I couldn’t love her more.
Small town romances have some kind of ‘magical factor’ about them that I’m unable to resist; besides, this frenemies-to-lovers story was the perfect mix between comedy, romance with a size of drama and politics.
With a mayoral election in the horizon, Copper needs to fix his public image and Emma is the girl for the job. They were friends at first, but in some point that friendship turned into a heated animosity… but they say there’s just a step between hate and love. But to address their feelings, they’ll have to take careful steps and keep their eyes opens because the mayoral campaign is as dirty as a bloody war.
I really enjoyed the book, I loved the friendship between Henry, Cooper and Nick, and their relationship with Emma, I also loved the banter between Emma and Cooper, their dialogues and the chemistry in every single scene they’re together.
Hope Lake was a pleasant place to visit, its people was hilarious and sweet, and I can’t wait to read what’s next in this series.
Charming romantic read…
The entire cast is funny as heck. I’m not big on political reads but this one was so enjoyable.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~
Plot~ 4/5
Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 4/5
Secondary Characters~ 4/5
The Feels~ 4/5
Pacing~ 4/5
Addictiveness~4/5
Angst~ 4/5
Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 4/5
Theme or Tone~ 4/5
Flow (Writing Style)~ 4/5
Backdrop (World Building)~ 4/5
Originality~ 4/5
Ending~ 4/5
Book Cover~ Simple but effective
Series~ Hopeless Romantics #1
Source~ Kindle eBook – ARC provided by NetGalley
Would I read more from the author? Yes
Would I recommend this book? Yes
On the cover of Love and Hate by Nina Bocci is your quintessential small town romance. Bocci’s writing is impeccable as she weaves her spell and draws you into Hope Lake’s campaign for mayor. On the Corner of Love and Hate is the perfect blend of wit, charm, love, hope, hard work, politics, and emotions. This book was everything that I wanted and more.
The characters are perfect. I loved Cooper’s ability to charm his way out of anything. And Emma. If there was ever a female character written that I could identify with, it’s Emma. I saw so much of myself in her right down to her workaholic ways and perfectionism.
And of course, no small town is complete without a colorful cast of busybodies that love to gossip. I adored the residents of Hope Lake and can’t wait for the next two books in this series.
I just finished reading this book and am immediately writing the review. First off, thank you again. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in 2019. Our library is super hard to use right now because of coronavirus so I am reading what I have in my stash. I am not going to keep this book, because I didn’t absolutley love it. But that’s just because I am not really into reading romances. This book really did grow on me though and I liked the ending and would like to read the prequel and sequel if I can get my hands on them.
***I received an ebook copy from the author at no cost***
I waited patiently for Nina’s first solo story to come out and it was so worth it.
On the Corner of Love and Hate is set in the small, cozy town of Hope Lake, PA. As the title suggests, Emma and Cooper—the story’s main characters—are the best of enemies. There’s plenty of love and hate flowing back and forth between them. Their journey was entertaining for me as a reader because, at times, I felt like I had my own love-hate relationship with both of these characters.
Bocci did a wonderful job building the Hope Lake world. It has all the elements of a small town that one would expect. Everyone knows everyone and because of that, everyone is in each other’s business. The town has its heroes and its villains, and they play their parts perfectly. There’s history between the different characters and stories about things that have happened, both past and present.
I loved watching Emma and Cooper’s story play out. I enjoyed the different twists that Bocci threw into the plot. The mayoral campaign was a fun part for me, because I love political themed anything. Both of the characters changed and developed throughout the story. I liked getting to learn about their backstory along the way as well. And Nina does a heck of a job with the comedic aspect. I laughed out loud a number of times while I was reading.
Looking forward to seeing how the rest of this series plays out. I can’t wait to see other characters get their story told.
Four stars to this novel!
3.5 stars
An interesting story line with some nice banter. A great read for those who love the friends-to-lovers/enemies-to-lovers trope. I also really enjoyed the setting and supporting characters.
Do you know what I love most about books? It’s when you find a new author and want to devour everything they have written.
I’m going to admit that On the Corner of Love and Hate was my first book by Ms. Bocci and I will just say that I am so thankful I read it.
OtCoLaH is all about Emma and Cooper. Friends, enemies, co-workers….they are all that and so much more!!! Their history dates back to when they were kids and we get a little tidbit of them when they are young and as they grow to adulthood.
I felt so engrossed in this story. The writing flowed perfectly! I was entwined in Emma and Cooper’s life as well as all the secondary characters. I am looking forward to continuing the series and most of all…..
I can not wait to meet Ms. Bocci at a signing at my B&N store!!!!
Favorite Quotes:
Dating is like shopping the clearance racks: you sift through a lot of pretty yet questionable items in the hope of lucking out and finding that one perfect outfit. The same could be said about the men I’d been with lately.
EMMA THOUGHT: For a hopeless romantic, you’re awfully hopeless.
Anytime I was alone with him, which was why I actively avoided it, I was transported back to that eleven-year-old girl who realized that the belly flutters she got when he walked in wasn’t a lactose allergy but her first full-blown crush. At twenty-eight, those feelings didn’t remain, but the reminder of what they felt like did.
Kirby Rogers reminded me of how movies in the seventies depicted used-car salesmen: swarmy, cocky, and dressed in a suit that was too big, as if he were trying to fill the loose fabric with fake confidence. Plus he had a ridiculous comb-over that you could probably spot from space.
Henry was one of those guys men wanted to try to arm wrestle and women just straight-up wanted, but he was content with being everyone’s friend.
I saw the girlfriend with him the other night at dinner— that girl can freeze ice on her backside. Why is she so serious?
My Review:
This was wicked funny I fell right into this observantly amusing and insightfully written tale which was shot through with clever wit and snarky levity. I loved it, adored it, reveled in it, smirked my way through it, and am now totally enamored with the talented Nina Bocci.
On the Corner of Love and Hate by Nina Bocci is a sweet romance set in a small town. Often, this genre can be too predictable and sappy, but the opposite is true here. Bocci delivers her characters through refreshingly witty dialogue.
Emma and Cooper were once friends but something along the way severed that connection. Now, by a twist of fate, and insistence from Emma’s father, the current mayor of the town, Emma must now work closely with her former friend to help get him elected as the next mayor.
During the campaign, which is a major part of the story, I laughed at the banter between Emma and Cooper, but also wanted to shake some sense into them.
I listened to this book on Audible audio. Dara Rosenberg narrated and played out the characters expertly, making the experience of the story all the more enjoyable.
This is supposed to be an enemies (former friends)-to-lovers story, which is usually my jam, but I felt like I had a hard time getting a read on Emma and Cooper’s relationship. Were they friends? Weren’t they? I couldn’t quite pin that down and it made it a bit hard to categorize this one for me. It’s a cute concept and it’s a bit of a slow burn, if you like that kind of thing, but I have to admit that I felt that the election-related drama seemed a bit overblown for a small town in Pennsylvania. I get that Cooper was the Governor’s son, but media coverage akin to paparazzi seemed a bit much to believe. Also, the “four best friends” (clearly being set up for future books) didn’t seem to materialize until midway-ish through the book, but then we were expected that their friendship was SO important? Ultimately, it was a cute read and I’ll definitely be checking out the other books in the series.
4.5 Hearts
On the Corner of Love and Hate is the first book in the Hopeless Romantics series by Nina Bocci. I read her first book, Roman Crazy back in 2016 and was excited when she announced she was releasing a series! I don’t want to spoil anything and the synopsis explains a lot so I will make this fast.
Cooper and Emma have been friends since they were in diapers. Their friendship has gone through some ups and downs throughout the years. Working together in the same office since after college has had the same results. They are friends but she always wants to slap him. Even more so now that he was running for Mayor. His focus is on that and not his day job which she gets but it doesn’t make it less frustrating. Especially when he says he has a meeting when he really means a date. He needed to get his act together and somehow she was roped in to helping him keep him from a sex scandal before he is even elected. She knew he was the right man for Hope Lake. He just needs to listen to her. Can he keep it in his pants long enough to get elected?
Cooper and Emma seriously act like an old married couple. Everyone sees it. And everyone thinks they would make the perfect pair. Except, he is too much of a Manwhore and she is too much of a planner. But, what will happen when they are forced to really look at themselves and each other?
I enjoyed their story. It was a bit slower than I like but the end result was wonderful. I do love a good enemies to lovers romance. The banter is dynamite. Ready to explode.
Overall…it’s a great start to a new series. I did fall for the characters even if they frustrated me. I also fell for the town and the secondary characters. I am excited for their stories.
Quotes:
Thankfully, he wasn’t shirtless, instead wearing a thin white T-shirt that looked a few sizes too small. “Baby Gap have a sale?” I quipped, side-eyeing the way the sleeve gripped his biceps.
“You got this, Cooper,” I said gently, brushing a piece of fuzz from his shoulder. “Be yourself. The kids will react to that, since you have about the same maturity level as they do.”
“Hardy har har,” he mumbled.
“That promise of yours didn’t last very long.”
“Oh, I think we both have an idea of how long I can last, Emma.”
“Jesus, Cooper, can’t you curb the innuendo for a minute!”