Book Review: I Hate You More by Alexandra D.
When I first stumbled across I Hate You More by Alexandra D., I was drawn in by its intriguing premise: an enemies-to-lovers story set in the bustling atmosphere of high school? Sign me up! The attention-grabbing tagline—keeping your friends close and your enemies closer—set the stage for what I anticipated would be a delightful rollercoaster of teenage angst and budding romance. And oh, did it deliver!
At the heart of this contemporary YA rom-com is Ally Lockwood, a strong-willed protagonist whose disdain for Chase Williams, the “hottest guy” in school, feels all too real. Having battled against him for years, it’s not just about rivalry; it’s personal. Chase moves in with Ally’s family for their senior year, creating a perfect storm of tension and hilarity. I found myself laughing out loud at Ally’s misadventures as she concocted schemes to get rid of the very boy who unknowingly starts to unravel her guarded heart.
One of the book’s key strengths is its exploration of dual perspectives. Being privy to both Ally and Chase’s thoughts adds layers to their characters and makes you root for them even as they bicker like siblings. Their banter sparkles with wit, and while Chase may be portrayed as the stereotypical bad boy with a penchant for charm, Alexandra’s writing crafts him into a multi-dimensional character who grapples with his own family issues and insecurities.
The pacing flows nicely, keeping the reader engaged with twists that are both predictable yet satisfying. I will confess, there were moments where the narrative had a touch of cheesiness, a sentiment echoed by other readers. But isn’t that what we love about teen romances? The eye-roll-inducing sweetness sometimes brings a smile, and it’s worth it for lines like Chase’s poignant declaration: “if I didn’t hate you, I would love you, and loving you would only break my heart.” It’s a classic line that captures the essence of their complicated feelings and speaks to anyone who’s navigated the tempestuous seas of teenage love.
The secondary characters, like Ally’s supportive best friend and her over-protective father, add further humor and depth, shaping a supportive cast that keeps the plot lively. A particular standout was Ally’s twin brother, Shane, whose relationship with Ally I found fascinating and would love to see explored in potential future works.
If you’re a fan of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before or Sunkissed by Kasie West, I think you’d find I Hate You More to be an engaging addition to your reading list. It’s light-hearted, topped with just the right amount of drama, and delivers those much-needed ‘feel-good’ vibes. Personally, this book was the refresh I needed in my reading life—filled with charm, laughter, and a tinge of nostalgia for high school romance.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delightful escape into the familiar territory of young love, rivalry, and self-discovery, then definitely pick up I Hate You More. It might just remind you that sometimes, the line between hate and love is razor-thin, especially during those tumultuous teenage years. Happy reading! 📚❤️