Cover Image: On the Corner of Love and Hate

On the Corner of Love and Hate

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Member Reviews

I really love slow burn romances and this is the slowest of burns. Emma and Cooper used to be the best of friends but things changed and now Emma cannot abide who Cooper has become. However he is still very entangled in her life as a co-worker, surrogate son to her parents, and part of her childhood group of friends so when he needs help with campaign for mayor she cannot really say no.

There are so many things that I will admit did not work about this book for me but man what did kept me reading until way past my bedtime even though I had a very early morning meeting today. Reading about Emma dealing with her ages old broken heart really resonated with me even though I felt that her past issues with Cooper were never adequately explained or resolved before being placed behind them. Cooper was never fully redeemed for me overall but it did not make me really question Emma's feeling for him.

I enjoyed the political campaign aspect of this book even though Cooper's opponent seemed more laughable than a serious threat. Emma's parents were great and I loved how she and Cooper were both from political families. I did not love Cooper's ex and wished that her entire storyline had been edited out. It muddied the waters more than adding anything substantial.

Overall, I was swept into this story and could not bare to put it down until the end.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I really enjoyed this one! The hate-to-love start of their relationship captures the same magic of a meet-cute, and the author does a marvelous job of placing this story in their small town. We get a lot of authenticity here, and the dialogue has so much depth, warmth and crackle to it. This was a quick read, a lot of fun, with great levels of conflict to overcome. I especially liked the author's talent with sense of place -- it's a transporting story, ideal as a beach read, summer book club, or a happy break from the news cycle.

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This one was a new book that I actually enjoyed despite the issues I had while reading it. While certainly not my favorite of stories, it still managed to hold my interest. It tells the story of two friends (although, I'm not sure that their relationship ever felt much like that) Cooper and Emma.
I enjoyed the basic concept of this story and I surprised myself when I didn't mind the political background to the plot. However, at times the drama in the story felt unnecessary and the book tried to pass it off like Cooper and Emma were once best friends, but I never quite got that vibe. I think the story would have benefited from some snippets between the two characters pasts. What it had told you that they had a history, but for me, it never really translated. Strangely, I really felt like the female MC could have benefited from a close friend because her friendships in the story never felt quite realistic. Also, I thought the entire character of Whitney felt quite pointless.
Despite all of this, however, I found it entertaining and I didn't find myself bored while reading it so for that I would recommend it. I didn't think it was the best of stories, but I didn't think it was bad either.

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On the Corner of Love and Hate is being touted for fans of The Unhonymooners by Christina Lauren. Fans of Christina Lauren's books may enjoy Corner, but they certainly aren't similar in tone, characterization, or placement on the chaste-to-steamy spectrum.

Emma works in local government in her beloved town of Hope Lake, Pennsylvania. It's the town she grew up in along with her three best friends: Nick, Cooper, and Henry. Eight years after her return to Hope Lake post-college, Cooper is on the campaign trail to be Hope Lake's next mayor. Thanks to Emma's Type A personality, he enlists her as behind-the-scenes campaign manager, but Emma has other things to figure out: namely her repressed feelings for Cooper. As a constant over-analyzer, Emma worries about how her relationship with Cooper, the future Mr. Mayor, her friend group, and so much more will be impacted if she pursues these feelings. But, what if he pursues them....?

On the Corner of Love and Hate is a slow burn romance. Like, super slow. Like, they don't get together until the last 20 or so pages. There is almost too little potential for them to get together to make the actual getting together worth it. Plus, Emma's repressed feelings for Cooper are all over the place. I get that she's grappling with them, but she comes right out at the beginning of the story to say that she has deep-rooted feelings that she refuses to act on, and then later on she's just a bundle of "Nope, I don't have feelings for Cooper." It's very annoying and contributes to Corner feeling like a draft of a book rather than a finished product ready for publishing.

Additionally, compared to The Unhoneymooners and other books by Christina Lauren, Corner is 4 on the chaste-to-steamy spectrum while Lauren's books are an 8 or a 9. I would give them to a romance reader who is looking more for tame romance than steamy romance.

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Emma and Cooper had me interested from the first page. That interest quickly turned to love. Like, I seriously loved them both (and their friends and family). Hate for a couple of characters was there too, but it was mostly love. This story just pulled at my heart, and the only thing that could’ve made it better was getting Cooper’s POV, although his feelings were expressed very well by the author regardless! I cannot wait to read more from this little town filled with such big love personalities!

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Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So I happen to love enemies to lovers stories and Christina Lauren novels. The synopsis of this novel promised a book with those elements I enjoy. Unfortunately it fell short of expectations. One of the reasons I love Christina Lauren's novels is for her keen ability to built sexual tension between the characters and through clever, witty lines make the reader fall in love with them. This particular novel did not do enough of that for me.
Emma is a controlling campaign manager who spends most her time scorning Cooper for his irresponsible behavior like a parent would. There is barely any sexual tension between them and we don't really get a sense that she genuinely likes him. It was a decent romance if you like lighter stuff but falls short of being unforgettable.

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I really enjoy the story line of the book and I liked that it combines more than one trope (friends to lovers and enemies to lovers) but I wasn’t quite sold on the characters - Emma was a little to in her own head and aCooper was a little too unaware. My other issue was Emma’s thoughts to herself are written oddly - they kind of mess up the flow of the story

All in all I would still recommend the book but I wouldn’t drop everything to read it

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Such mixed feelings about this sorry. I really like Emma and Cooper but oh, did the plot frustrate me. In general, I enjoy enemies to lovers but the amount of quality interactions between the two main characters made this difficult to read. It took me forever to get engaged with the book and then once I got halfway through it started to move quicker... but oh, I was dying for some flirting or banter or anything with more depth before I got to that point. I definitely think this writer has potential and I hope to read more of her books.

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Alright everyone, this was pretty dang good. When I saw that Nina had a book up on NetGalley, I jumped to request it. See, she's the name I see every now and then in my e-mail that usually deposits a wonderful ARC of the next Elle Kennedy or Sarina Bowen book. Obviously I thought to myself "um yeah if she's working with these ladies, her stuff is going to be just as good." Mhmmmm I wasn't wrong.

This book is a delicious hate-to-love romance featuring Emma and Cooper. Emma is the daughter of their town's current mayor and has known Cooper her entire life. They have worked together the past few years in an office that reminds me a lot of the one of Parks in Rec in the sense that they champion for their town to bring in new business and keep young people there to start families instead of moving on to something bigger and better. Cooper now is running to be the next mayor since Emma's dad wants to retire so most of the book spans the campaign up until and right after the election actually happens.

For as much as I don't like politics, I really enjoyed those aspects of this book. Again, maybe it was because it was local government and reminded me a lot of Parks and Rec. It is so frustrating reading about certain aspects though (like Cooper being slandered and shit being brought up that's been manipulated into sounding worse than it actually is) because like...why? Why does it have to be that way? Why can't people just tell the truth and win on their own merit?! Gahh it's sickening knowing how corrupt certain aspects of politics are.

ANYWAY. Emma and Cooper. These two stubborn a-holes, I tell you haha. I honestly wish it wouldn't taken quite so long for them to actually get together but that could just be me. And actually, I was a little upset at first because we weren't getting the entire story about their past but it all eventually comes out and makes sense. Also, that ending was just...too good. I HOPE HOPE HOPE that the rest of this series features books about the other two parts of their adorable quartet because they were wonderful, too. I always like a friend dynamic with a few guys and a girl. Overall I definitely recommend!!!!! I will 100% be waiting not so patiently for more books.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Gallery books for the opportunity to read this eARC and honestly review! ♥

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This book reminded me a lot of Sally Thorne’s 99 Percent Mine. Emma and Cooper used to be best of friends, but then life got in the way (ahem, college and girls). Emma has a lot of animosity and anger against Cooper and she can’t seem to get past that.

When circumstances bring them closer again Emma and Cooper have to learn how to be in close proximity again without tearing each other apart. Cooper soon has to abide by Emma’s rules when she becomes his campaign manager and all bets are off.

The book started off a bit slowly for me, but really picked up at about the halfway mark. I loved Emma’s character and how bold and outspoken she was. She always has the right intentions for her small town and truly believes in Cooper. It’s getting past their past history that ties her up in knots. Bocci had me feeling so much on behalf of Emma. I felt frustrated, betrayed, wanted, hopeful and sad.

Nina Bocci wrote a great debut book. I genuinely cared for these characters and stayed up way past my bedtime finishing this book. A solid 4 star read from me.

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Emma and Cooper, typical friends growing up that finally get appart. They are now working, when Cooper runs for mayor, Emma finds herself as his campaign manager. The political world romance built in this book is a story you have to read. The heart and emotional wrench comes from Whitney, her school nemesis, the reason they fell apart and broke her heart, but becomes a key player on Coopers agenda to win. I definitely recommend you reading this book, you will find wonderful characters, a great story and all the feels you love while reading a good romance.

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I’ve been reading Nina’s words for a lot of years, but back in fic days, she was one of my favorite story tellers. She had a keen sense for making the characters her own, even if their names matched ones we knew so well. (I’ll never forget that your Edward drove a hoopty of a Volvo, Neens).

What I’m saying is, Nina has an amazing talent for creating fictional people you <i>want</i> to know. Characters like those you’ll meet when you open the pages of her latest novel, <i>On the Corner of Love and Hate</i>.

Emma Peroni is strong, smart and fiercely loyal; not just to her town, but to her friends as well. She’s the daughter of Hope Lake’s longtime leader, whom she lovingly refers to as Mayor Dad. And now that Mayor Dad has decided twenty plus years in office is long enough, there’s a new candidate in town.

Cooper Campbell-Endicott. The town golden boy.

He was also one of Emma’s very best friends when they were children.

That might not be the case anymore though.

Both Cooper and Emma are passionate about their town, working their butts off for the CDO together. But they also seem to be very passionate about each other. Whether these two are fighting, making deals, or running a campaign together, the sparks flew until there was nothing but all-out swoony, sexy fireworks. *sigh*

This book wasn’t what I expected: it was better. I love a smart, strong and passionate heroine, and I can’t resist a swoony sweetheart of a hero who messes up a little, but more than makes up for it in the end. That was exactly what I found between the gorgeous cover of <i>On the Corner of Love and Hate</i>, and I absolutely cannot wait to read more from Nina and this series!

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Absolutely amazing enemies to lovers.

I'm not usually one for small town romances but this one shines.

Emma and Conner grew up in their small town attached at the hips. But when they left for college that all changed. Moving back to their small town after college their strained friendship became more of a hateship. They tolerated each other at best -- even while working together in their small government office.

When Connor decides to run for Mayor --- he knows there's only one person that can help him win the race, Emma. Emma is relunctant given the state of their relationship but eventually she gives in because securing Connor the mayorship means having someone on her side to get what she wants done for the town.

But this mayoral run isn't without hiccups/scandals/and heated feelings.

The author allows for her characters to be flawed and mess up. This is something I love reading. I don't want perfection I want relatable. The characters delivered in their own unique way -- leaving me craving their stories.

The romance was slow burn -- don't go in expecting kink and steam. It's wit and banter and so much smolder.

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5-star political romance. Nina Bocci's On The Corner of Love and Hate was a charming and sassy romance that had me hooked within the first chapter. Readers will definitely fall in love with this book as soon as they read about characters Cooper and Emma. If you were a fan of the show scandal, then you will definitely enjoy this book.

Their hate/love friendship is so fascinating. Nina gives us a look at these characters current life and past. Cooper and Emma grew up in political families. They both have so much love for helping their town of Hope Lake. They have so much in common, but as the years have gone by their fighting and bickering has grown. Now, they are forced to work with each other on a mayoral campaign. Emma is the best fixer the town has so it is her job to make Cooper more appealing to everyone as a mayor instead of being known for his charm and playboy ways.

I give On The Corner of Love and Hate 5 stars. It had everything you want in a romance. The slow burn between Emma and Cooper will tease you and tease you but will leave you satisfied! I never thought I would enjoy a political romance, but Nina Bocci proved me wrong! So glad I read this book. I'm ready to read more from Nina Bocci.

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This Is The first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. For the past year I've been looking for a book that gave me the feels like The Hating Game, and this book did that plus more! I am intrigued and can't wait for the rest of the series!

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Slow burn romance with great banter and plenty of laughs!

I’m usually 50/50 on small town romances, but Nina Bocci delivers one with a modern sensibility and plenty of laughs. Emma is super relatable: highly competent at her job, but insecure in other aspects of her life. And we all know a Cooper, the hottie who skates by on his charm. I was pretty much rooting for them to kiss from about 10% in, but fair warning, On the Corner of Love and Hate is a slow burn.

We briefly meet the other two dudes in their friend group, setting the stage for more books in the series. I'm in.

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4.5

I was immediately sucked into this amazing world of misplaced anger and hurt feelings! Emma’s emotions bleed through the pages and I could feel her pain and confusion! So many times I wanted to yell and shake her but the thing is I understood her! It’s so hard to put yourself out there and for Emma it was easier to deflect and ignore! Emma had decades to lament over her feelings for her best friend and all of it is coming back at full force at a time when they both need to be levelheaded!

I loved that Bocci didn’t go the normal route with this story and there were some surprises thrown in! My only hang up was Whitney and the fact no one called her on her crap but karma Hahahaha! Emma and Cooper were both amazing characters and I could easily connect with them! I hope to see more from this author as well as this town!

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I'm usually not a romance person but this one was much much different and didn't have any of that fluff. It was cute, humerous and had a lot of heart. The story was great and I loved how it dealt with the ins and outs of politics (and running for an office)
Yes, I finished it in one sitting because it was just one of those adorable and enjoyable books that you read to just get away from it all. I actually found myself rooting for Emma and Cooper more than I have rooted for any couple in a long time

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the review

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Wow! I was excited about this book from the description, but it was so much better than I anticipated! Emma and Cooper were friends growing up, but as often happens, had grown apart as they'd gotten older. They now work together...and drive each other nuts.

When Cooper decides to run for mayor, Emma knows she'll support him out of loyalty. What she doesn't know is that she'll end up as his campaign manager, trying to figure out how to help him win without losing her mind over his antics.

This is a such a fun read! Perfect for fans of Sally Thorne and Christina Lauren.

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What a fantastic way to kick-off a series! On the Corner of Love and Hate is a novel you won’t want to miss!

Emma and Cooper were childhood best friends and most people thought they would end up “a thing” as grew older, but nothing ever came to fruition! Now the two have grow into frenemies, could they ever be more?!?! Never say never!

Nina Bocci has created an absolutely endearing cast of characters living in an adorable, quaint town (that I really want to visit)! I love romance novels that have depth, but also make laugh out loud—I literally found myself cracking up MANY times! I always enjoy the enemies to lovers premise and Nina Bocci’s, On the Corner of Love and Hate is the perfect example of why! This 4.5 star novel will captivate you the entire way through and have you keeping your fingers crossed Nina Bocci will make is a very, very long running series (seriously crossing my fingers and toes)! I can’t wait for the next installment in this MUST READ series!

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