Hate You Always by Jennifer Sucevic {a review}

Have you ever read a romance novel where the heroine has a bucket list that she wants to complete, and the hero steps up to offer assistance? If not, allow me to introduce you to Hate You Always by Jennifer Sucevic. This is a college sports romance that just released on May 26, 2023. It tells the story of Juliette, Ryder, and her long forgotten list. 

The description for Hate You Always is what pulled me in. How can it not when it mentions someone helping another complete their bucket list? Add in that it's a hockey romance, and I'm pretty easily sold. I knew I was getting a college romance between two people who had known each other for most of their lives. I figured the attraction was mutual, and that it was just all fronting on their parts.

What to expect: 

🏒 Brother's Best Friend & Teammate

♥️ Childhood Friends

🏒 Enemies to Lovers

♥️ Hate to Love

🏒 Opposites Attract

♥️ Secret Relationship

Juliette and Ryder struggle to get along. They've known each other for YEARS, and they've been annoyed with each other for just as long. Obviously though underneath that annoyance there is an attraction. Who knew it would be a bucket list that would finally get them to admit their true feelings. 

So how does this bucket list even get discovered? For Julia it was when she flipped through a book, and stumbled upon it. She thought she had thrown it away, but clearly that wasn't the case. Ryder finds the list when he helps Juliette to her apartment after a party. He was making sure she got home safely, had some water and medicine, and was tucked in. He happened to flip through that romance book, and found the list. Naturally he was shocked, and then knew he was the one to help Juliette with these 10 items.

Juliette is a very relatable character. I personally loved that she wasn't into the party scene. Juliette's degree choice was impressive. I can honestly say I wasn't expecting her to be pre-med, but it fits. I also loved the friendship that she and Carina had. When it comes to Ryder, Juliette acknowledges the pull, yet she is fighting it tooth and nail. 

Ryder is everything you want in a hockey romance book boyfriend. He is simply the best, not to mention protective, and he is going to get the girl. The storyline regarding his last year of college hockey was an interesting one to read. Seeing him struggle was not my favorite. Add in that certain teammate, and I understood what he was dealing with. I do wish we had gotten closure with that character.

Loved this romance, and the journey through the bucket list. Also, that pool scene?!? OH MY! I look forward to returning to the Western Wildcats for additional stories. Especially Carina's.

Do you read college romances? I've said it before that I am well past college age, but honestly I still enjoy the stories. I'm a sucker for a good romance. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on Hate You Always. Please let me know! I'd love to chat with you about the book.

Laura

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Thank you Jennifer Sucevic, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced copy of Hate You Always!

What I Read Last Week

I read 9 fabulous books this week! From paranormal to small town to bully to sports romance, it was a phenomenal reading week. Plus I squeezed in a couple short stories that I found on Prime Reading. I love browsing through Prime Reading to see if anything catches my eye.

How did I manage to read 9 books? Well it definitely helped that 3 of them were under 60 pages! Plus there was one novella that was only 94 pages. So having those added in helped me out a lot.

Did you see my anticipated reads post that went up last week? If so, then you'll notice that four of these books were listed there. If you're curious about the tropes for these books, they are mentioned in that post.

What did you read last week? Any favorites? Any misses? What's on tap for this week?

Happy Reading,
Laura

Promised to the Night by Meg Anne and K Loraine

Thoughts I had while reading Princess of Hawthorne Prep

I recently finished reading an advanced copy of Princess of Hawthorne Prep by Jennifer Sucevic. This is the second half of Austin and Delilah's duet, and I have been anticipating this release. The book officially releases on February 10, 2023.

Rather than doing a typical review, I thought I would write out the thoughts I had while reading the book. None of what I've shared is a spoiler, or at least not from my perspective. 

If you choose to read Princess of Hawthorne Prep (remember to start with Prince of Hawthorne Prep), then maybe you'll have similar thoughts. You may also know what scene I'm talking about with each random thought.

I hope you like this little change up when it comes to sharing reviews/thoughts on books. It's new to me, but it seemed like a good idea. Even more so since I was saying some of these things out loud.

Happy Reading,
Laura

Prince of Hawthorne Prep by Jennifer Sucevic {a review}

Revenge.
Austin doesn't want me.
He wants vengence.
I'm just the instrument he'll use to achieve it.

Jennifer Sucevic is back with another installment in the Hawthorne Prep series! King of Hawthorne Prep and Queen of Hawthorne Prep both focus on Kingsley and Summer's story. Now though it's time to officially meet Austin Hawthorne, and see what happens with Delilah. I should mention I haven't read Kingsley and Summer's story, so I don't know everything that happened there. What I can tell you is that to fully understand everything that is about to go down in Prince of Hawthorne Prep, it might be best to pick those two up. I did not. I chose to go in not knowing anything, and I still enjoyed the story. But believe me when I say I will be going back to read the previous two books.

My rating for Prince of Hawthorne Prep:

4.5 stars

Wow, what a story! In the beginning I was livid. Jasper immediately rubbed me the wrong way. His mask was slipping, and you could see the villain starting to appear. The fact that he can so easily switch between personalities is a bit scary. One minute he's showing his true self to Delilah, and the next he's putting on the charm with adults and friends. 

Every scene with Jasper and Delilah had me on edge. It wasn't that it was making me uncomfortable, it's more so that I could tell the person who he truly is. Yet some how he's at the top of the food chain. When Austin begins to come around, you can feel the pull that he and Delilah have. You can also feel the pure rage and jealousy vibrating off of Jasper. You can also feel the shift that is about to happen.

I was proud of Delilah for standing up for herself, and also getting herself out of that situation. I liked that Austin was her protector in that moment.

The scene at the fundraising event really ticked me off. I could not believe when all of that happened, and how it affected both relationships. Then to have it turn even darker. As I was reading that scene I was expecting something to go down, but I wasn't expecting that. Then add on that it was marked as no big deal? WHAT? HOW? What sort of blackmail does this person have on the powers that be? UGH.

So much happens in this book that I can't even put it into words. I could not put the book down though. I wanted to find out what happened next. And before I knew it the book was over. Let me tell you, I was not prepared for this book to end with that cliffhanger! I knew a cliffhanger was going to take place, but I did not expect that!! Now I need to google and find out when Princess of Hawthorne Prep releases. (psst: it's February 10 2023)

Here are my random thoughts as I was reading Prince of Hawthorne Prep: 

• Jasper just needs to go away!
• Delilah's mom...WHAT ON EARTH?!? I mean that about a few things. I just can't with her.
• Things with Austin didn't really start the best way, but dang has their story grabbed hold of me.
• Hawthorne Prep is an interesting place, and definitely not a safe space for outsiders.
• Everything that happened at that party? OH MY WORD! I can't. If what happened is what I'm imagining, NO!
• I need Princess of Hawthorne Prep ASAP, as I need to know what happens next!

I went through a wide variety of emotions as I read. I still can't get over it. That cliffhanger is going to haunt me until I read Princess of Hawthorne Prep.

Now before you decide whether or not to read this book, and get invested in the world, I do want to mention that there are content warnings for this story. The author doesn't specifically call them out, but in my opinion, you will find emotional and mental abuse, attempted sa, and drugging through a beverage. If those are not something you feel comfortable reading, then I suggest passing on this book. 

Prince of Hawthorne Prep pulled me in, and I cannot wait to return to this world. Not only to find out what happens next with Delilah, Austin, and Jasper, but also to read Kingsley and Summer's story. Oh I also feel that there is another duet in the works, or at least an additional standalone. Once you read the book, you'll know which characters I'm referring to.

If opposites attract, bully romances, sports (football) romances, enemies to lovers, high school setting, and/or love triangles are tropes you read, then add Prince of Hawthorne Prep to your TBR!

Happy Reading,
Laura

Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub

Betrayal. Blackmail. Revenge.

How is it that those three words now rule my life?

Welcome to the world of Hawthorne Prep. A seemingly idyllic school where ivy clings to the thick stone walls and a wrought iron gate keeps out the townies who can’t afford to foot the hefty price tag.

Except…I’m one of those townies.

I don’t belong here.

Most of the time, I feel like an outsider with her face smashed against a windowpane while staring inside. It’s a lonely feeling. One I’ve gotten used to. There are times when I secretly wonder if I’ll make it through senior year intact.

But then someone comes along and turns my world upside down and inside out. He makes me feel things I never dreamed possible. There’s a possessiveness to the way he watches me, and it sets my nerves on edge.

Especially when it’s in front of my boyfriend.

The one I desperately want to break up with.

The very same one who will make my life hell if I try to pull the plug.

Steering clear of Austin Hawthorne is my only option. A little attempt at self-preservation. For both our sakes.

One night changes everything between us and has me believing in the possibility of something more.
Just as swiftly as I’m given hope, it all comes crashing down around my head, making me a pawn in a game between two boys who will stop at nothing to take each other down.

Prince of Hawthorne Prep is book one in a duet and not a standalone novel. The completed duet is a standalone story within the Hawthorne Prep series and will conclude with Princess of Hawthorne Prep. You do not need to have read the previous books in this series to enjoy this duet.

Thank you Jennifer Sucevic, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced copy of the Prince of Hawthorne Prep.

Please note:

I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program.

Purchases made through links above allow me to earn a small commission.

Thank you!

Campus God by Jennifer Sucevic {a review}

Campus God, the fourth book in the Campus Series from Jennifer Sucevic, is now available! If you are someone who 1) enjoys football romances, 2) enjoys college romance, and/or 3) enjoys a good hate to love slash enemies to lovers story, then you need to go read Campus God NOW!

This is the second book in the Campus series that I have read. I had previously read Campus Hottie, and enjoyed that story.  That being said, Campus God had me hooked from the very first page. I'm not going to recap this book, as the description gives you all the info you need. So with that, let's jump into my thoughts.

The hate to love between Crosby and Brooke was strong. Yes he was trying to keep his distance from her, and being an ass made it so she couldn't like him. Not to mention that Crosby is roommates (and teammates) with her jerk of an ex.

As the story developed though, you could see the true Crosby starting to make an appearance. He dropped the mask, and really started to show Brooke who he is. I loved that.

Of course I also fully enjoyed that these two had this online/texting relationship before anything developed in person. It was in those moments where Crosby shined. Yes, Crosby could have easily told her that he was the person she was texting, but it was a slippery slope. 

The only thing in the story that I didn't care for was Brooke's mom. I didn't truly understand the dynamic there. I needed more backstory there to fully grasp the situation.

The moment of conflict pulled me in. I have fallen for these two characters, and was rooting for them the entire time. These two may have started off as enemies, but friendship was formed, and then ultimately a happily ever after occurred. I still want to smack Brooke's ex. That freaking man-child had me so angry. Crosby was there to soothe the pain that his "buddy" caused.

As their story wound down, I found myself looking at Asher. The setup for his story has drawn me in, and I look forward to reading that when the time comes. I have a feeling it's going to be a doozy.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Campus God. If enemies to lovers, hate to love, or college romance is your preference, then please go download this book. It was so dang good!

Laura

Crosby Rhodes is considered a god when it comes to Western Wildcats football.

And who knows, he might just be one.  There’s certainly no shortage of girls on campus who agree with the sentiment.  They swoon over his pretty face, dark messy hair, and hard body honed from years of lifting and two-a-day practices.  That alone makes him catnip for the female species.

Add a lip ring and surly disposition to the package and you can understand what all the fuss is about.

Would I be included in that majority?

Hell, no.

As far as I’m concerned, Crosby can eat shit and die.  The guy is a major jerk.  Not to mention, a pain in my assets.  And that’s putting it nicely.  For reasons I’ve never understood, he goes out of his way to humiliate and hurt me.  His barbed comments are always a direct hit before exploding on impact.

I’d love to know what I did to elicit such hatred but that would involve conversing with him and I refuse to do that.  There’s only one more semester before graduation.  Surely, we can get through the next six months without coming to blows.

That’s the hope, anyway.

Which is exactly why I’m thrown off guard when my nemesis pulls me aside and suggests a truce.  Do I necessarily trust him after everything he’s put me through?

Nope.  For the time being, I’ll agree so there can once again be peace in the kingdom all the while keeping him at a firm distance.  Except that turns out to be impossible.  Everywhere I go, there he is.  It’s like I can’t get away from him.  More shocking than that, he’s actually being nice.

If stomping out the underlying attraction that constantly flared to life between us was difficult before, it’s all but impossible now.  But that’s exactly what I’m going to do.  I’ve been burned by one athlete, I’ll be damned if I allow it to happen again.

One-Click Campus God!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Jennifer Sucevic

Jennifer is a USA Today bestselling author who has published seventeen New Adult and Mature Young Adult novels.  Her novels have been translated into both German and Dutch.  Audiobooks are also in the works.  She has a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  She spent five years working as a high school counselor before relocating with her family.  Jennifer lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children.

Connect with Jennifer Sucevic
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Thank you to Jennifer Sucevic, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Campus God.

Campus God by Jennifer Sucevic {cover reveal}

 

Jennifer Sucevic has just revealed the cover for Campus God. Campus God is the fourth book in the Campus series, and features the story of Crosby Rhodes.

Release Date: March 29

Preorder here

Crosby Rhodes is considered a god when it comes to Western Wildcats football.

And who knows, he might just be one.  There’s certainly no shortage of girls on campus who agree with the sentiment.  They swoon over his pretty face, dark messy hair, and hard body honed from years of lifting and two-a-day practices.  That alone makes him catnip for the female species.

Add a lip ring and surly disposition to the package and you can understand what all the fuss is about.

Would I be included in that majority?

Hell, no.

As far as I’m concerned, Crosby can eat shit and die.  The guy is a major jerk.  Not to mention, a pain in my assets.  And that’s putting it nicely.  For reasons I’ve never understood, he goes out of his way to humiliate and hurt me.  His barbed comments are always a direct hit before exploding on impact.

I’d love to know what I did to elicit such hatred but that would involve conversing with him and I refuse to do that.  There’s only one more semester before graduation.  Surely, we can get through the next six months without coming to blows.

That’s the hope, anyway.

Which is exactly why I’m thrown off guard when my nemesis pulls me aside and suggests a truce.  Do I necessarily trust him after everything he’s put me through?

Nope.  For the time being, I’ll agree so there can once again be peace in the kingdom all the while keeping him at a firm distance.  Except that turns out to be impossible.  Everywhere I go, there he is.  It’s like I can’t get away from him.  More shocking than that, he’s actually being nice.

If stomping out the underlying attraction that constantly flared to life between us was difficult before, it’s all but impossible now.  But that’s exactly what I’m going to do.  I’ve been burned by one athlete, I’ll be damned if I allow it to happen again.

Add To Your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Jennifer Sucevic

Jennifer is a USA Today bestselling author who has published seventeen New Adult and Mature Young Adult novels.  Her novels have been translated into both German and Dutch.  Audiobooks are also in the works.  She has a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  She spent five years working as a high school counselor before relocating with her family.  Jennifer lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children.

Connect with Jennifer Sucevic
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Campus Hottie by Jennifer Sucevic {cover reveal}

 

Jennifer Sucevic has just revealed the cover for Campus Hottie. This is the third book in her Campus series, and is recommended for readers over the age of 18.

You can meet Carson Roberts when Campus Hottie releases on December 26, 2021.

From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Sucevic comes the next sexy standalone novel in the Campus Series.

Carson Roberts is Western University’s most sought after tight end.  He’s the total package.  A pretty face to go along with all those sculpted muscles—check.  An Academic All-American—double check.  A guaranteed one-way ticket to the NFL after graduation—triple check.

Did I also happen to mention that he’s my brother’s best friend, which means I grew up with the guy and have crushed on him for nearly just as long?

We’re talking a decade of unrequited yearning.  Don’t worry, I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that he’ll never see me as anything more than the little sis he never had.

Sort of.

And even if he did just so happen to notice that I’ve filled out and no longer wear braces, Brayden would have a major conniption.  When it comes to the male species, he’s ridiculously overprotective.  Any guy who has so much as given me a bit of side-eye has been treated to a swift and memorable beat down.

Which is precisely why I’m still in possession of my V-card.

Want to know how to make being a nineteen-year-old virgin with a major crush on her brother’s best friend even more pathetic?

Blurt out at a frat party that you’ve spent all these years saving yourself for him.  Sadly, I can’t even blame it on the alcohol because I don’t drink.

If you’re thinking it can’t possibly get more humiliating than that, you’d be wrong.

Oh.  So.  Wrong.

Add To Your Goodreads TBR List!

Pre-order here

Meet Jennifer Sucevic

Jennifer is a USA Today bestselling author who has published seventeen New Adult and Mature Young Adult novels.  Her novels have been translated into both German and Dutch.  Audiobooks are also in the works.  She has a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.  She spent five years working as a high school counselor before relocating with her family.  Jennifer lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children.

Connect with Jennifer Sucevic
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hosted by: