Fans of Nora Ephron’s You’ve Got Mail will enjoy this bookstore rivalry. This is a light and easy breezy read with the highlight being the witty banter from a cheeky, flirty MMC and CEO Wes.

I really liked the story and genuinely lol’d at some of the interactions. Summer, the FMC sometimes acts at odds with both how she’s viewed by her family and how she portrays herself. The small contradictions meant I struggled to really understand her or relate personally but regardless, it’s an enjoyable romance to read poolside this summer.

Special mention of the found family (Himbo Randy and dad goals Frank) who elevated the book! I think fans of Tessa Bailey will love this one.

this was a very cute read! it was very easy to pick up and get into, especially if you’re okay with a fast paced book.

love to hate you is an enemies to lovers, “i hate you but maybe i want to kiss you?” book. i am usually all over enemies to lovers, and although this was super cute and quick to follow, it just felt a bit like there was no transition from the the “i hate you” to “let’s make out”.

this didn’t take too much away from the book for me to be honest, i still enjoyed it and especially loved the grand gesture at the end.

there were also family dynamics and overarching problems that felt sincere and had me invested to see if everything would work out for everyone.


thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review

I love this book! It feels like watching a Hallmark movie, and as a hopeless romantic, it felt like it was made just for me.

The story of Wes and Summer is so sweet. Their opposite personalities lead to playful banter, which, without them realizing it, turns into undeniable attraction.

Their chemistry is perfect—Weston Kingston is clearly the king of flirting. Omg, I would blush every single time he spoke. (AND LET’S NOT FORGET HIS BRITISH ACCENT 🫠🫠🫠)

I have a soft spot for Summer Russo. As a fellow hopeless romantic, I truly felt every struggle she faced. And that’s why I was so happy to see Wes finally treat her the way she deserved.

And i love Russo’s family! Especially Frank Russo! ❤️

I read this book in one sitting because it’s such an easy, sweet read. The plot twist was shocking but necessary. I’d definitely recommend this book when you need something light and heartwarming in between your “heavier” romance reads.

'*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*' This was a super cute romance that I read quickly in a span of three days! I gravitate so much towards stories where the two MCs are complete opposites but over the course of the book, they’re alike in so many ways that they never would have guessed had they not learned to put their differences aside and give the other a chance. This was one of them, filled with humourous and sometimes flirtatious bantering between the MCs that had me laughing out loud and heart-to-hearts that enabled them to look past judging the other by its cover so fast 💬

'*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*' There’s so many books now where the FMC’s main focus is to be independent and never rely on others, which is a great message to send as times modernize. But I think we also tend to forget that there’s nothing wrong with FMCs wanting a swoon-worthy happily ever after and it doesn’t make them “weaker” than the ones who are more headstrong and self-reliant. Summer Russo is the epitome of a hopeless romantic and she had a very lovable personality that it was impossible not to like her. She spent her life savings to take over the family’s romance bookshop and dreams of finding her soulmate by using her knowledge of meet-cutes, tropes, and her Cupid’s guide to love. I love that she’s unapologetically romantic and a big dreamer who wears her heart on her sleeve, and that it’s not necessarily a weakness to dream to love and be loved by the right person 💓

'*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*' However, Summer is a chronic people pleaser and will constantly prioritize others’ wants and needs even if it means putting her own dreams to the side. Over the course of the book, she has so many internal struggles with wanting to keep her twin sister, Autumn, happy and not having anyone in her family stand up for her except for her dad. It would have been really nice to see Summer stand up for herself and to have some scenes where her family does actually support her and give their long-overdue apologies to her, especially Autumn who was so inconsiderate towards her sister’s feelings numerous times throughout the book. Summer’s inability to say no to others and to speak up for herself is a big factor in her character development that I would have liked to seen be resolved with more heartfelt conversations between her and her family to tie all her loose ends up.

'*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*' The MMC, Weston Kingston, comes off as a stereotypical male lead in a romance: a successful millionaire who doesn’t do relationships but loves to shamelessly flirt. I liked learning that in reality, he closes off his heart to avoid becoming close to people who will only reject and leave him which led him to only rely on himself and build his business up from the ground up. I think it was interesting that it wasn’t painted that he had commitment issues in the sense. Instead, it was portrayed that Wes simply couldn’t do relationships because he had never had been in a romantic relationship that was worth opening himself up to be vulnerable after being heartbroken or loved unconditionally which he didn’t receive from his estranged father 🗃️

'*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*' I think Wes’ background could have been expanded on just a little bit more as I felt like I got to know Summer very thoroughly in comparison to him. What was his childhood like with his grandmother and his mother? What parts of his adolescence shaped him for the better and which ones could he never forget no matter how much he tried to block it out? I think there’s a lot of potential for readers to connect with Wes on the same level as Summer. I was also super curious in seeing how Wes’ relationship with his younger brother, Randy, turned out and how they started to rebuild their bond that their father took away from them 💭

'*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*' I loved reading about how Summer and Wes kept pushing each other’s buttons and drove the other crazy while secretly admiring them. I did feel like the attraction and turning point into their relationship was based on looks initially, but I did like that they got to know each other on a different level that neither of them would even think of opening up to others about. Summer sees the good and vulnerability of Wes running away from his problems and ignoring his heart’s desires, while Wes sees the side of her that even she has to struggle hiding from her sister and her family just to avoid disrupting the peace. Summer makes him feel safe and not afraid to open his heart, while Wes shows up for her and stands up for her when no one else does. I loved reading their relationship progress and almost wish the ending weren’t so abrupt so we could see them in love for a bit longer and how they interact with each other after what they’d overcome separately and together 💘

'*•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*' Overall, this was a great, fast-paced romance that I would read again. When you put a sunny MC and stormy MC together like Summer and Wes, you can never go wrong in learning that sometimes you have to take the risks that scare you to go after the love you want 💗

Tropes:
- Indie bookstore owner FMC x bookstore chain CEO MMC 📖
- Hopeless romantic FMC x grumpy pessimist MMC 💌
- Enemies-to-lovers 🌓
- Opposites attract 🧲
- Forced proximity
- Small town setting 🏡

Thank you to Marina Adair, 8th Note Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!

What a fun read! I just loved Summer & Wes. It was emotional at times. Loved hearing from both characters. The second half of the book flew by. Really enjoyed.

2.75
This is a fun book and quite an easy read.
Perfect if you want something cozy and easy-going; its spicy, cute and has an easy-to-follow plot.

However, I did have some problems with the book (that are totally my own preferences and do not affect the plot); i just couldn't get over the names of the FMC and her twin sister (who has a mayor role in the book and the character arc of the FMC), even when they explain the reason behind their names, I just cringed everytime I read them.... Summer&Autumn.
The family dynamics was wierd, and the 'problems' presented in the book were only there for like one minute and rapidly resolved, without any mayor character development. I did like it in the end when Summer briefly stood up for herself to her sister (which i think is a mayor change for her); but thats about the most character change we had from her.
Inspite of that, I had a good time reading this book.

Definitely a retelling of "You've Got Mail". So cute. So funny. Just a good story. Love the characters.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

This is a cute rivals to lovers romcom that gives You’ve Got Mail vibes. It goes deeper, also, into family drama and trauma, and complicated feelings around how much support someone should be responsible for to keep those they love afloat. Both characters had to deal with these feelings while discovering what really matters to them through the other person. It was such a delight and seeing the growth of the characters and how they confronted their issues with one another’s support. It really made it feel personal.

Also supernatural funny and cute!

Thanks to 8th Note Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

If you love a good enemies-to-lovers romance with snark, sparks, and a whole lot of “I can’t stand you… but also, let’s make out,” this book is for you. Think rom-com gold with just the right amount of chaos. Marina Adair delivers a hilarious, swoon-worthy read that’ll have you grinning the whole way through.

It’s easy to get behind an enemies to lovers trope because it’s fun and the building tension is explosive, or at least it should be. Unfortunately, in Love to Hate You enemies to lovers felt more like whiplash and lacked some sincerity and development. Somehow it just missed. The sibling dynamic seemed well done, but then again, I’m an only child so what do I know. It was a fun, easy read, and I wouldn’t not recommend it, but it feels more perfect for a day of airline travel than a must read.

Thank you NetGalley and 8th Note Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Marina Adair's "Love to Hate You" is a delightful romance that takes readers on a journey from animosity to affection. The story revolves around Summer, an independent and conscientious owner of a small, cherished bookstore, and Wes, a handsome British businessman whose new chain store threatens her livelihood. Their initial interactions are fraught with tension and misunderstandings, as Summer tries to hinder Wes's progress, believing his store will put her out of business. Wes, in turn, responds with equal measures of difficulty, leading to a series of entertaining confrontations.

The narrative takes a turn when both characters are unknowingly forced together at an annual family gathering. These unexpected circumstances compel them to communicate and understand each other on a deeper level. Through their interactions, they begin to realize that their initial perceptions were misguided, and they develop a mutual respect and affection.

Summer, a twin, is portrayed as a dedicated and nostalgic individual, deeply committed to her family's bookstore and the memories it holds. Her fierce independence and conscientious nature make her a relatable and endearing character. Wes, on the other hand, comes from a less affectionate background but shows a deep concern for his brother's future. Despite the lack of warmth in his upbringing, Wes's caring nature becomes more evident, mostly after falling for Summer, making him a complex and sympathetic character.

The theme of opening oneself to love is prevalent throughout the story. As Summer and Wes navigate their emotions and circumstances, they learn to embrace vulnerability and accept true love. The family dynamics and competitions add fun to the narrative, making the obstacles they face believable and relatable. The story's authenticity and the characters' emotional growth kept me hooked from beginning to end. The transformation from enemies to lovers was beautifully executed, showcasing the power of understanding and communication in overcoming misunderstandings.

Special thanks to Marina Adair and NetGalley for providing the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. #marinaadair #LovetoHateYou #NetGalley.

From the moment Summer Russo and Wes Kingston cross paths, sparks fly—and not in the friendly, flirty way. Summer, a fiercely optimistic indie bookstore owner, is fighting to keep her romance-filled haven afloat, while Wes, a no-nonsense corporate mogul, is set on expanding his bookstore empire. Their verbal duels are sharp and entertaining, making their eventual slow-burn romance all the more satisfying.

Adair’s writing is brimming with warmth, humor, and that perfect balance of angst and swoon-worthy moments. The novel is filled with bookish easter eggs, cozy settings, and an undeniable chemistry that crackles off the pages. And when Summer and Wes find themselves unwilling vacation housemates? The forced proximity trope does not disappoint.

✨📚💙Enemies to Lovers: A competitive bookstore battle turns into an unexpected romance. The tension? Immaculate.

✨📚💙Forced Proximity: They’re stuck under the same roof on a summer getaway—cue the slow-burn yearning.

✨📚💙Grumpy/Sunshine: Wes is all business, Summer is all heart, and their dynamic is utterly addictive.

✨📚💙Ode to Booklovers: If you love stories that celebrate books, bookstores, and the power of stories, this is for you!

-Recommendation-
anyone who dreams of falling in love in the aisles of a bookstore. It’s a feel-good, heart-melting read that reminds us why we adore romance—both in books and in life. If you love banter-filled romance, tension that turns to passion, and a hero who falls hard despite himself, make sure this is on your 2025 TBR.

I enjoyed this cute enemies to lovers romance. Summer runs her family’s romance bookstore while Wes is the CEO of a bug bookstore chain (cue the You’ve Got Mail vibes). They’re perpetually at war and hate each other so much that all Summer can focus on is her summer vacation….until she shows up and discovers that her sister’s boyfriend has brought his own brother — the exact CEO she tries to avoid. This was a cute retelling of a classic.

This was a super cute read chock full of romance tropes (positive). Loved the push and pull dynamic of Summer and Wes, and I was interested to see how the competing business storyline turned out.

Love to Hate You

I rated this book 3 stars. There are both positives and negatives about this book. First, the positives- this book was really cute. The romance was adorable, and it followed a typical grumpy-sunshine trope. Both characters were passionate, and the book touched on issues such as childhood trauma and its impact on relationships.
However, I didn’t find the book to be particularly well-written. There were some sentences where I wondered if I was actually reading a published book, or a satire making fun of bad writing. It had a cute premise, but it was unoriginal. It was a quick, easy read, but nothing more. For that reason, I rate this book 3 stars.

I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC!

I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down and when I did, it was all I could think about until I could pick it up again.
This book was well written and all the characters were bought to life very well.  From the beginning you can feel the tension between Summer and Wes and the continuous buildup throughout the book. 

Summer is a hopeless romantic while Wes has many walls built up around him. But when these two are put together, everything just makes sense and they are able to work through their differences and help each other find their dreams. This book had a little bit of everything - enemies to lovers, sibling rivalry, pressure from being business owners just to name a few.  
The characters are very relatable.  If you are looking for a fun, light hearted book to read - pick this one!!

As a You’ve Got Mail fan, I was excited for a book inspired by the classic rom-com, and Love to Hate You delivers on the rivals-to-lovers trope with plenty of banter and family chaos.

Summer, the owner of her late grandmother’s bookshop, is horrified when a corporate bookstore opens right across the street, led by the infuriating (yet attractive) Wes. Sparks fly as they bicker, but things take an awkward turn when she heads off for a family getaway—only to discover Wes is there too, thanks to his brother dating her twin sister.

The premise is fun, and the Italian family dynamics add warmth and humor (the pasta sauce debates were a great touch). But there were a few things that didn’t quite click for me. Summer's character felt inconsistent—she let some people walk all over her while being unnecessarily aggressive toward Wes. Their romance also felt rushed, flipping from enemies to steamy moments a little too quickly. And some of the family’s meddling (like pressuring Summer and Wes to share a room) felt more cringe than cute.

That said, Wes’ struggle to save his own bookstore added an interesting layer, and the nods to classic films were a nice touch. Overall, this is a light, easy read with some fun moments, but I wished for a bit more depth in the romance and character development. If you love an opposites-attract story with a quirky family backdrop, this might be worth checking out!

A big thank you to NetGalley and 8th Note Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed seeing the characters progress in this story. The story was well paced and well written. I was hooked from the beginning and devoured it in just a few sittings.

Loved this romance.

It's an enemies to lovers romance with a lots of amazing chemistry that will have you hooked from the start.

It was my first novel by Marina Adair and this won't be my last.

I think contemporary romance just isn't for me. This is a rivalry to love situation, and that in particular doesn't work for me when there is nothing building up to it. You can't just go from hating one another to wanting to sleep together without some true chemistry + pining/tension. I'm personally over the idea of "well I hate them but they're hot so it's fine." I love a romance between book lovers so that's why I initially requested this, but it just wasn't for me. I can see other romance lovers enjoying this, though. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.