Most Hated

This is definitely going to be a must read of summer 2023! The story captures you instantly, the 3 main characters some people can relate too, I loved this book from the start to the end, can’t wait to read more by this author

I absolutely loved reading this book. I was completely drawn into the topic and could not stop reading it.

Loved this story. Definitely one to pickup if you love any sort of reality shows or the idea of influencing. The main character is so well done and I absolutely adore her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this behind the scenes look at reality TV. The book immediately caught my interest and kept me turning pages late into the night. The only thing that would have improved the story would have been having the POVs of all of the characters instead of just three of them. Readers of women’s fiction and fans of reality TV will gobble this book up!

Drama, drama and more drama! Reality shows in a book! Juicy and intriguing. Give this book a shot. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Crazy characters made it a four star read for me.

I loved this book. It was a good amount of gossip and drama that I like. It was interesting to see involved Zoe was and her overall downfall. This kept me guessing and it was a fun and drama filled read.

The formatting on the kindle was a little bit odd, with 1 chapter not mentioned who the narrative is switching to or the bottom page numbers in the middle of a paragraph.

I’m a sucker for reality TV. Most Hated gave me everything I needed to get that reality TV drama fix, but in book form. I loved reading from the three different points of view. While Zoe was my least favorite character, it was interesting to see a directors point of view and how certain things are executed.


Special thanks to NetGalley, re books and Kara Alloway for sharing this ARC with my in exchange for my honest review.

As Dahlia astutely points out, it is far more important to live your life rather than the life that's captured and observed by other people and deemed reality, Yes, no one wants to appear to be bland at a time they once were bold as evidenced by Dahlia living under Mick's shadow or Sabrina under her divorce; however, those situations are real. A reality tv show is a caricature of real life where the producer brings in multiple personalities to act as characters intent on finding and exploiting the other's weakness. Coupled with an abundance of alcohol, anything can happen. Especially when a producer like Zoe kicks it up a notch. I was glad that at the end that Budgie, Lexi, Dahlia and Sabrina remained friends. As long as we have social media, the blurring between what is real and what is not will continue.

I grew up being a reality tv show junkie. Gotta say though that the Real Housewives franchises haven’t ever really been on my radar. This book just sounded too fun to pass up though.

Most Hated chronicles the filming of a new reality show with 6 women in different stages of their lives. It’s told in 3 POV’s: Dahlia, the wife of a football player who’s trying to step out of his spotlight; Sabrina, the actress turned royalty turned recluse; and Zoe, a producer on the show who will stop at nothing to create drama.

I really enjoyed the book. I couldn’t tell what would happen next and I loved how it ended. I hope the author keeps writing, because she knows how to write a fun story.

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this! It was unlike anything Ive read and a bit outside of my normal genre, but I loved it. It was full of twists and turns in the most lovely way. A must read!

If you watch reality tv, you know that any character can be the Most Hated - sometimes it’s the editing, sometimes it’s the character herself. New show Talk of the Town has a full cast of “most hated” possibilities. There’s Dahlia, the sweet girl from a flyover state, who is hiding some important secrets from Mick, her hunky football tar husband. Cousins Budgie and Sabrina share a famous family and generational wealth but Sabrina is still wounded by her daughter and ex-husband’s behavior. Mariana is using the show to promote her sex toy business. Disturbed former singer Nicole (think Brittany) is hoping for a comeback and influencer Lexi wants more product placement on her social media. Add Zoe, an ambitious producer to the mix and you get the delicious, guilty pleasure that is Most Hated.

You will love this book! Its the perfect beach read! It’s well-written and full of surprising twists and turns. Look out for the surprise ending! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, re:books and Kara Alloway for this ARC.

📸 this novel follows a group of women involved in a new reality show called ‘Talk of the Town’. All the women have their own motivations for being part of the cast, good or otherwise, just as those behind the show will do anything they can to make it a hit.

🍾 I devoured this book. It was a rollercoaster - in both the fast pace and twists - and I finished it in a matter of days. I didn’t really know what I was expecting going into this novel, something saccharine and fluffy perhaps? But it was better, and heavier, than I expected.

📱 First up, I really enjoyed Dahlia as a character. She felt authentic, likable and I was thoroughly rooting for her throughout the book, especially when she made some tough calls and stuck up for herself. I also really loved Budgie and Sabrina - but I wish the Leo relationship was fleshed out more (was she ok with his connections to the show?). I also wish Aubrey and Sabrina’s relationship got a chapter or two more, but also appreciate that they were a subplot amongst other things.

🥂 While I also really loved the inside look into the filming of a reality show, I wish we got a bit more of Zoe, Fiona and Regan. And even Nicole actually- just a bit more around their motivations. Since this book leaned towards Sally Hepworth-esque thriller territory, I was ready for some villain monologuing.

📺 Overall this book was a novel I’d definitely recommend to a friend, and will be doing so when it’s released in May!

Does anyone else remember the LA Candy series written by Lauren Conrad that was loosely based on her time on reality tv? That's the type of vibe that <u>Most Hated</u> gave me, except darker. Either way, I was just as enthralled with this book as I was with that series back in the day. Essentially, a group of women who are all well known in their own right, are thrown together on a tv show that is being run by someone who will do whatever they can to get the drama-- even if they have to manufacture it. If you're someone like me who watches trash reality tv, you'll LOVE this book!

I highly recommend this book - it's a super beach read, it's suspenseful, it's soapy and it's reality tv!
Most Hated is a fictional account of a reality show tell all and it's a thinly veiled look into the life of Kara Alloway - a Real Housewife of Toronto.

In Most Hated, we follow Zoe, a show runner who has put together a group of has been stars and socialites. Zoe is completely merciless and will stop at nothing to make her show the most talked about - the most well known and the most dramatic. It is addictive and eye opening and reminded me of the show UnReal only much, much better!

We also meet several women vying for a good edit all for different reasons. As the week continues, Zoe work behind the scenes to trigger the women and cause more and more drama, taking it further and further to the edge for a good shot - the ultimate question is, to what end? Kara Alloway provides an inside view to the well known culture of reality shows and the reveal is totally worth it. If you like reality tv, tell all stories or are just ready for soapy fun summer read, Most Hated is for you!
#erebooks #re:books #karaalloway #mosthated

In a world where reality TV reigns supreme, Kara Alloway takes readers on a captivating journey in “Most Hated,” where three women find themselves entangled in a web of ambition, love, and the harsh reality of the entertainment industry. Through this gripping tale, Alloway explores themes of internalized misogyny and the complex dynamics between women, offering a thought-provoking read that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the sting of betrayal or mistreatment.

The story revolves around Zoe, a driven producer of the hit docu-soap “Talk of the Town,” who will stop at nothing to make her show the most dramatic, addictive, and highest-rated on television. Dahlia, a woman confident in her husband’s unwavering love, sees the show as her chance for a career of her own. However, as the cameras roll, her once-certain world starts to crumble. And then there’s Sabrina, known as “The Countess of Controversy,” whose seemingly perfect life falls apart, leading her to join the show as a means to regain control. But the pressures of the industry, her past relationship, and her own expectations threaten to unravel her life once again.

Alloway expertly weaves together these three women’s stories, highlighting the complexities of their relationships, both on and off the screen. Through their experiences, she delves into the pervasive issue of internalized misogyny and the struggles women face when relating to one another. The author’s personal insights on how sociological influences shape female interactions add depth and authenticity to the narrative.
“Most Hated” cleverly uses the backdrop of a reality TV show to explore these themes, drawing parallels to real-life situations that captivate public attention. Alloway astutely reflects on the fascination society has with women’s interactions, exemplified by shows like “Vanderpump Rules” and headline-grabbing incidents such as “Scandoval” or the cheating scandals on the “Housewives” franchises. She highlights the underlying implications of these interactions, emphasizing their relatability and the universal struggles that women face in their relationships with one another.

The strength of this novel lies in the authenticity of its characters and their emotional journeys. As the women navigate the cutthroat world of reality TV, their flaws and vulnerabilities are laid bare, making them relatable and engrossing. Alloway’s writing style is engaging, maintaining a balance between light-heartedness and thoughtfulness, ensuring that readers remain hooked from start to finish.

Overall, “Most Hated” is a captivating read that skillfully combines the allure of reality TV with a thought-provoking exploration of internalized misogyny and the complex dynamics between women. Kara Alloway’s insightful storytelling and relatable characters make this book an enjoyable and engaging experience. Whether you are a fan of reality TV or simply interested in exploring the intricacies of female relationships, “Most Hated” is a must-read that will leave you contemplating the power dynamics that exist both on and off the screen.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

This is a definite hit for Reality TV fans. 'Most Hated' let's you peek behind the curtain of making a reality TV series as you get to learn the truth behind why each woman has signed up for the show and the lengths producers will go to make a hit. This was full of drama, manipulation and secrets, I loved every bit and could not put this down. Most Hated is a wild ride from start to finish and well worth the read.

This gives all the Real Housewives vibes and I’m here for it. A really enjoyable and easy read with a fun ending.
Thank you NetGalley for this advance review copy in return for an honest review.

This book was so good.

Books featuring the lives of several female characters were super popular in the 80,s but as soon as I started reading this book, it felt as though I was right back there.

Except that the women are all strong characters now and have to deal with a lot more than just a problem with their in laws.

My favorite character was Zoe. She was shameless and you could easily feel her need to be "special" The author does a great job of passing along all the important aspects of each character.

The "thriller" part almost gets second place to a very strong ensemble of characters who definitely make the book the read it is.

A fun beach read that’s perfect for fans of reality tv. This book is full of twists and turns, interesting characters ( many you love to hate) and a surprise ending. Thank you to NetGalley and Kara Alloway for the ARC.

A great binge read for anyone who loves reality tv stories. for fans of the show Unreal and author Laura Hankin, this take on production of a housewives reality tv delivers intrigue, laughs, gasps, and hit its mark. It perfectly mocks the archetypes on these shows and exposes the rotten side of production and how reality tv is rarely a reflection of reality. I enjoyed it! I'd say the ending felt rushed and another 50 pages before the dramatic end would have bridged it better. Especially fleshing out the Alexander character and his role. I loved the epilogue though - I thought it was well done.

It’s no secret that in reality television, the magic ingredient is almost *always* woman vs woman conflict. We learned all about the psychological warfare women are willing to use against one another in an attempt to get ahead in the book Queen Bees and Wannabees, which later turned into the film Mean Girls. And like ancient Romans at the Colosseum, we continue to show up and watch women devour each other with a sickening delight. Most Hated not only examines the ways in which women are pitted against each other for television ratings, but examines how women are viewed by society in general.

Quick summary: A group of wealthy women are cast in a new reality tv show. They’re at the mercy of a ruthless producer who will stop at nothing from getting ratings. What are they willing to risk in exchange for screen time? A marriage? A loved one? Self-dignity? Kara Alloway, of Real Housewives of Toronto, delivers a dramatic and soapy read sure to please!

This one goes out to all of my reality TV fans! Whether you choose to indulge in Bravo, The Bachelor, Big Brother, The Kardashians, or any of the other reality shows out there, fans of reality television will love this book.

Okay, this was a really interesting, super meta read for me. I knew I had to read this book when I read the description, and I lapped it up in a few days (even if there was some post-traumatic stress involved). Let me explain!

I was on a reality show years ago, and I was the villain. Boy did I get a bad edit! I remember several moments during filming thinking, "Are producers working against me here? My castmates?" The cast members talked about how they were being prompted to do things, we felt like we were being filmed constantly, etc. And then I got off the show and watched "Unreal" and I knew when learning about the behind-the-scenes and production, that I was royally screwed for when the show came out.

And boy was I right - not sure what I did to production, specifically to my producer, but they went in on me.

Anywho, this book surrounds a group of women that look similar to the Real Housewives of New York. You're hearing specifically from three women who are trying to change up their lives, reinvent themselves if you will, through reality television. And they end up way over their heads with overzealous producer Zoe, who reminded me SO MUCH of my own producer, phew. Take it from someone who went on reality television - obviously there has to be some hyperbole here, but I felt like I was right back on the set of "The Bachelor."

And as I read Zoe's character, I immediately had the same thought as I did all those years ago when I thought about my experience with production - how do they sleep at night? I really resonated with this quote at the end, when one of the women tried to make peace with what Zoe did to the women: "I yearned to find a way to pity her but found that the empathy would not come."

Reality television lovers - grab this one off the shelves!

Thank you to NetGalley and Rebooks for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was like watching the backstage footage of a reality show! Good and messy. I enjoy it. A cute beachy read. With drama and suspense. And everything in between

In 'Most Hated' by Kara Alloway, the glitz and glamour of reality TV collide with the harsh realities of life, providing readers with an intriguing glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of fame and its consequences. Reading this book reminded me of watching The Bachelor and Co. with my friends back when I could handle the sycophantic behaviour of the contestants. Unfortunately (or fortunately), I have grown up and away from watching this kind of television, however, I did enjoy the brief return to that world through this book. I felt like shaking the characters' shoulders due to their naivete, but I think that is a representation of the juicy, yet realistic, plot!

4 stars. This was addicting and finished it one sitting- truly my favorite types of books! Thanks netgalley for the oppty to read this one! All reviews are my own.

I love a good reality show, and have gobbled up multiple books about the behind-the-scenes drama on these reality sets (fiction and non-fiction) and this one was great!!

I wasn't aware until afterwards that the author was a part of the Real Housewives franchise as I haven't watched all of the cities -- but wow what a great fictionalized version of the show...it makes you wonder how much of this is the truth of what she's experienced on set.

Somehow you hate and yet feel empathy toward these characters, and while wishing something bad would happen to expose a character or two - I also found myself feeling protective of them too. All in a good reality show, right?

I would have loved more perspectives of the other show participants, but really enjoyed the perspectives we were given. As a reality TV fan, I knew there would be a lot of manipulation by production and it was fun to get to be in the mind of Zoe, the young PA on set.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Like most of America, I love watching trashy reality tv for the drama between people who are nothing like myself. And I think we all know that most of it probably isn't real, but Kara Alloway did a wonderful job at showing what goes on behind the cameras. The pacing was a little off in a few places, particularly at the end, but overall I really enjoyed the story. Ms, Alloway helped shine a spotlight on the lengths people will go to for fame or notoriety, and it's not always the people in front of the camera that are the ones creating drama.

A fun read and and insight into reality TV and how it really screws over the women that go in it. The characters were great - especially Budgie. I’m not a reality TV watcher but this worked really well. Will look out for this author too.

Recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and the author for the ARC.

What in the….. 😳

I finished this book in 3 hours, I could not put it down because I had to know the absolute lengths that Zoe would go to for “the moment.”

I think there’s a lot to be said about the misogyny coming from inside the house but honestly I’m so blown away that I can’t think of any of it.
I do know that it made me question the validity of every reality star “ villain” that has been painted.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC.

Definitely a recommended read!

"Indulge in a delightful and addictive summer read with 'Most Hated' by Kara Alloway. This debut novel is the perfect companion for lounging by the pool, relaxing on the beach, or even cozying up by the fire in the Southern Hemisphere. With her background as a self-proclaimed 'villain protagonist' on the Real Housewives of Toronto and experience as a reality TV show producer, Alloway brings a wealth of insider knowledge and expertise to her writing.

'Most Hated' combines all the drama and melodrama of a reality TV show with keen insights into the motivations of those who willingly reveal their dirty laundry (and clean lingerie!) for the world to analyze. As readers dive into the book, they'll find themselves engrossed in a world of intrigue, where every twist and turn keeps them guessing until the final pages. Alloway's storytelling effortlessly guides us through the ups and downs, creating a narrative that is hard to put down.

What sets this book apart is its underlying depth and timeliness. Amidst the glitz and glamour of reality TV and society's obsession with influencers, Alloway provocatively examines our relentless pursuit of perfection—not just in our bodies, but in every aspect of our lives. In the age of constant scrutiny and judgment, 'Most Hated' challenges us to reflect on the price we pay for societal validation and its impact on our mental and physical well-being.

While 'Most Hated' is a fast and funny read, it holds a mirror up to our current zeitgeist, sparking important conversations about the consequences of our obsession with appearance and public approval. It's refreshing to see a beach book tackle relevant and thought-provoking themes without sacrificing the entertainment factor.

Whether you're a fan of reality TV or simply seeking an engrossing and timely read, pre-order 'Most Hated' now and prepare to be hooked from May 30. Alloway's debut novel offers a compelling blend of gossip, reflection, and sheer enjoyment, making it a standout choice for your summer reading list."

Thank you #Netgalley

As an avid reality TV watcher, this book caught my attention. When a group of women is pulled together to film a reality show, they each have their own hidden agendas that they may or may not even know about. Some are looking to reclaim their image, others are looking to make their own name, etc. This book has each chapter from a different characters perspective from the stars of the show and the executive producer. The book gradually makes you despise the executive producer, I would cringe at times reading her portions. Though this book is hopefully illustrating the extremes, I found it entertaining and interesting!

I ate this up, even though I’m not a Real Housewives fan! It reminded me of the the show Unreal, where you get a peek behind the scenes of vindictive producers stirring up trouble for better ratings.

If you have any interest in pop culture and backstage reality show drama, you’ll love this book.

I'm a sucker for books about trash tv, and when I saw this one it was no different. With a synopsis that promised glamorous drama and unexpected twists, this book delivered a juicy, behind-the-scenes peek into the ruthless world of reality television.

Zoe, the ambitious producer, kept me hooked with her relentless pursuit of ratings and drama. Dahlia's struggle to salvage her picture-perfect marriage while battling the pressures of the show had me rooting for her even when I found her a bit insufferable. And Sabrina,, the Countess of Controversy, had me constantly on edge, waiting to see how her life would unravel.

However, there were moments when the pacing of the story felt a bit uneven. Some scenes dragged on while others could have used more development. Additionally, the plot twists, although entertaining, sometimes felt a bit predictable. Nonetheless, these minor flaws didn't dampen my overall enjoyment of the book and the peek it gave into the dark side of reality tv.

Thanks so much to re:books as well as NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eGalley of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts!

Gloriously trashy! It's reality TV escapism in book form. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

LOVED IT! Kept me on the edge of my seat, I couldn’t wait for the next page! Such a fun read. So much drama! I can’t wait to read more of this authors work! Thanks NetGalley!

While I’m not one to spend my free time on reality tv I was excited to read this book. It follows women who are filming a reality tv show all for varied reasons, the crew who is trying to manipulate and capitalize on their cast and is told from several points of view. You can tell the author has intimate knowledge of the industry and all the secrets of filming it and it was a solid read. I enjoyed the humor, deceit, and bonds between women.

Most Hated is much more entertaining than reality TV. While it starts a little slow, this is a book I stayed awake until the middle of the night to finish. I felt actual angst for what was happening in these characters lives and I’m so happy with how it ended. This book is unique, clever, and an emotional roller coaster that points out the “reality” of reality TV.

This delicious read gave me all the Desperate Housewives mixed with the OC. I love a good drama filled plot with characters you either love or hate. I flew through this!

A delicious rompy swipe at the world of Reality TV from one of the Real Housewives of Toronto. This novel lays bare the seedy manipulations of reality TV production and the participants' desire to craft certain narratives about themselves. A pacey read that makes you question perception through well-drawn characters and engaging plotlines. Lots of humour, this novel asks pertinent questions without ever seeming preachy or lecturing. A great summer read.

This was a super interesting read and in incredibly big roller coasting of emotional feelings. Reading this book reminded me of when I used to watch reality TV , like a lot, and obsessed over every little petty drama that went on. I haven't gotten back to it like I used to, but this was refreshing and also a big throwback to the world I used to love. I felt frustrated at times against mainly all the character, but I think that represents just how juicy and realistic the plot and writing it.

I find the influencer world so fascinating so this story definitely did not disappoint - I plan on looking out for more from this author!

I could;t get enough of all the drama, rich people problems and revenge! I could see this being adapted into a TV show. Couldn't put it down- a fast paced, suspenseful read!

"Most Hated" is fabulous and dramatic. It's reality TV in a book! Alloway meshes the glitz and glamour of reality TV with the harsh realities of life. It's "Firefly Lane" on steroids! Love, love, love it.

As a fan of all reality shows, this was such a fun look behind the curtain and how sometimes our favorite reality villains aren't that bad after all! Nicole's character came out of left field a bit, but her character didn't frustrate me as much as Marianas. LOVED Sabrina!

I love a good romance, and this one was wonderful! It had witty banter, and lovable characters. I was rooting for them the whole way through!

"Most Hated" by Kara Alloway is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Alloway's writing is filled with suspense and tension, creating an enthralling narrative that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche. The characters are multifaceted, their secrets and motivations unraveling as the plot twists and turns. This novel is a chilling exploration of obsession and revenge that will leave you guessing until the very end.

Reality TV in a book! What a ride! There is nothing I love more than a real housewives moment and this book gave a glimpse behind the scenes of that life.

As someone who grew up watching reality TV-Shows and had a chance to work with one of those shows, it was always fascinating to see how everything was scripted. I watched them knowing that none of it was true but also I believed that participants were on board of it.

Most Hated demonstrates how far people can go for a few minutes of fame and it also dives in the ugly side of the industry. It was fun to read about characters that were from different backgrounds, actress, influencer, pop-singer, wag. Their characters brought lots of fun to the book and each of their stories sadly reflected the reality we live in.
No matter how much you try to fit in or be liked, there will still be people who hate you for no reason.

Zoe was the character I disliked the most and also loved. Author deserves all the praise for portraying her quite masterfully and I loved reading her character's story through the book.
The ending might be a plot twist for some but I saw it coming, or maybe I wished for this kind of ending.

I'm not sure whether Dahlia made right call about her relationship but it's her life, right?

Biggest thanks to author and netgalley for giving me a chance to read this book.

I really had lots of fun reading it.