Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other
A Love Story
by Bethany Turner
Narrated by Talon David
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Pub Date Sep 05 2023 | Archive Date Not set
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Description
She’s a sunny morning-show host. He’s a cynical ex-reporter. They're destined to hate each other . . . Aren’t they?
Brynn Cornell has to be stuck in a nightmare. Just last week, she was riding high as cohost of the popular morning show Sunup. She's America's Ray of Sunshine—the girl-next-door beauty who drives up TV ratings while never exuding anything but her trademark positivity and poise. All it took was one huge on-air mistake to expose her snarky side to the world and make it all come crumbling down. Now she’s back in her hometown of Adelaide Springs, Colorado, in a last-ditch attempt to convince viewers she’s not the mean girl they think she is. All she has to do is apologize and capture some feel-good footage reminding everyone she’s just a girl from humble beginnings who’s grateful for her big break, and she might manage to preserve both her career and her image. But this town holds painful memories that she’s not ready to face.
Sebastian Sudworth was on the fast track to the journalist hall of fame. A superstar reporter with a reputation for being in the center of the action, his fearless, relentless coverage of major events around the globe was winning him awards and accolades—until something snapped inside him and he vanished from the scene under mysterious circumstances. Sebastian sought refuge in tiny Adelaide Springs, working odd jobs and trying to blend in as a scruffy mountain town citizen.
When Sebastian is assigned to chauffeur Brynn around town, Brynn is sure he can see right through her carefully cultivated, sunny persona. But she’s determined to do what it takes to maintain her image and save her career—so she’ll just have to charm the socks off Sebastian the same way she charmed her viewers. Easier said than done. It's no picnic to play nice around someone you hate . . . especially when you might be crazy about them.
A Note From the Publisher
Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other: A Love Story is also available for purchase on Spotify.
Available Editions
EDITION | Audiobook |
ISBN | 9780840706898 |
PRICE | |
DURATION | 10 Hours, 15 Minutes, 23 Seconds |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Fun, light, heartwarming story of a reporter who finds herself in a hole she must dig herself out of. That requires her to face her demons and head to the place she vowed never to return to: the town where she grew up.
Turns out that going back to the scene of the crime is what she needed to reconnect with herself, face her past, and find her true self.
Along the way? She finds friends again. And love.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Love love love this book!!! Brynn was a newscaster who had an on-air blunder. She escapes to her hometown to try to make things right. She meets Sebastian, a former award-winning journalist who escaped to the quiet Colorado town after a difficult time. Brynn and Sebastian have awesome banter and I loved Brynn’s character development. Super sweet enemies-to-lovers romance. Narration was spot on!
This was a super cute love story and i love that ending!! Oh that was adorable bravo to the author and the audio narrator did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. She did a great job with variations of characters, voices.
I'm incredibly biased in this review because of how much I adore the author!! This year will be her 2nd annual book tour stop at our store and she is an absolute joy to work with. I of course jumped to get my hands on it before the release. Thank you to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Audio for an audiobook ARC of this clean rom-com. All opinions are my own and I am not paid for reviews.
You know that feeling you get when you're watching the Hallmark Christmas movies? There's just something about the Big City Girl going back to her Small Town and finding romance with the rugged handyman (or insert any super important small town member). If you giggle and swing your feet at that feeling, this book is for you!
Brynn is your famous Big City Girl who was the pride of her Small Town that she vowed to never return to. Except she's one of the hosts of the very popular national morning show and accidentally says how glad she is she left because they're a bunch of backwoods dummies who celebrate a really silly festival on a live feed. She's forced to go to her Small Town and grovel to the townspeople she grew up and apart with (while ensuring to film every charming bit as to get back in with the good graces of the American populace).
That's made harder by one of the town's 4 city counsel members and most eligible bachelor in town, who just happens to see through to Brynn's Sugar Honey Ice Tea routine, setting them up for the classic hostile-to-lovers pipeline. Of course, Brynn learns to love her Small Town again and find her true self all while begrudgingly falling in love with the mysterious city counsel member, who just happens to have just as tragic past as a Anderson Cooper/Ronan Farrow-type investigative reporter which he ran from. They balance each other through a completely clean rom-com and with a fun supporting cast of characters.
At the heart of the story is a lost woman looking for forgiveness, but what I think Bethany does great here is that the townspeople aren't mad at her for what she said, they're mad she left without giving them a why or a goodbye. Brynn doesn't need forgiveness in this story. Brynn and Sebastian find out what the story is truly about, which is being welcomed in community.
Don't miss this feel-good romance and make sure it goes on your Fall into Winter TBR! It'll pair perfectly with your hot tea and cozy blankets as the temperatures begin to drop.
I really enjoyed this rom-com! A national TV morning show host gets promoted and promptly get caught on a "hot mic" degrading her hometown. She has to make amends if she has any chance of keeping her job. She returns to the small town of Adelaide Springs, Colorado to do just that. Of course, it won't be that easy for her. She runs into handyman, bartender, city council member Sebastian and their relationship gets off to a rocky start. But will the fates smile upon them and bring the two together?
Even though the story may be kind of typical of some rom-coms, Bethany Turner does a wonderful job making it her own. The story is well-written. The characters (both main and supporting) were all well-developed. I could picture the whole story happening in my mind.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a cute. I could totally see this happening in real life. It kind of reminds me of sweet home Alabama, just by the fact that she hast to go back to her hometown. I kind of love the hometown vibe as well. Like the fact, they all really knew each other but somehow time kind of stopped. I also loved how they talked about PTSD and gave a little bit of Sebastian story as well. I would be interested in a back story issue on Sebastian. Or Mr. grumpy Bill and his wife’s love story
This was such a good read! I feel like this was a much more naturally occurring enemies to lovers romance. This one has good reasons for the tension between the love interests. I like that this was mostly set in Colorado. I also like that it draws attention to smaller news outlets and their need for support in order for there not to be news deserts.
I loved the way Brynn and Sebastian started hating each other and the buildup to them getting to know each other. I was so engrossed in Brynn’s reunion with her people I shed a few tears, it was an emotional moment. The writing is fantastic. A really good confort read. the narrator did a great job, highly recommend.
What an extraordinarily perfect contemporary romance. Brynn and Sebastian are both fascinating people with talent and drive who end up forced to spend time together thanks to an awkward incident. Both journalists, they share almost nothing in common, until, of course, they end up sharing almost everything. Most of the book takes place in the high elevations of Colorado, and I felt like I could almost smell the crisp mountain air from Ms. Turner's fabulous skill at interweaving her set and her story. The secondary characters were all great as well, and I was quite sad to have to say goodbye to Adelaide Springs.
I truly really enjoyed this romance! I waited so long to dive into it, and i wish i wouldn’t have!
Our characters are both battling so troubled pasts that cause them to be a level of fake to deal with the pain they’re harboring. The character development for both Brynn & Sebastian was top tier. I didn’t much like Brynn at the beginning but by the end i was her biggest cheerleader.
Sebastian truly was such a big teddy bear. I was LOLing at his banter with Brynn specially when she was stuck in the tree.
The author does an excellent job at holding your attention throughout the entire novel and really makes you fall in love with the setting and characters throughout the story.
It’s giving enemies to lovers and small town romance!
I will definitely read more by this author and really enjoyed this book!
This book follows Brynn as she attempts to save her job and reputation after accidentally saying the wrong thing on air. She goes back to her hometown of Adelaide Springs, Colorado where she never thought she'd go back to in order to make amends.
As the story unfolds, certain members are easy to forgive her while others are not so easily convinced.
This is such a cute love story. I felt for Brynn even though they were trying to paint her as a brat. She clearly had her reasons for putting on such a hard exterior.
Sebastian on the other hand is a newer resident of her small hometown and isn't too happy with someone down talking his place of inhabitance. His new home. His escape from his old life. A life that may bring Brynn and him closer in unexpected ways.
This audiobook moves at a fairly steady pace after the initial drama. It never gets too exciting but when I thought back on the entire book and the characters - I found that although it may not have been the most exuberant story, it was a lovely story nonetheless. Recommended for anyone looking for a light and sweet love story.
This is my favorite book I’ve read in a while! It’s cute, funny, and a wonderful feel good story. I finished it in a day and can’t recommend it highly enough. The characters are both likable and relatable, and the author uses the dual POV perfectly to accomplish this.
The narration is also fantastic, I’m immediately going in search of other books by this author.
When Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other first began, I was a little suspicious, It seemed like this story was one I've read a million times. However, this was such a delicious, sweet romance that had me rooting for each character, even as I felt frustrated by them or their choices. Bethany Turner did such an amazing job of developing both Brynn and Sebastian that you couldn't help but want the best for them, and it was such a delight to watch these characters grow together. Super fun romance that I unabashedly recommend!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of "Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other". All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I fully admit that I am not an audiobook girl. This was a trial and error situation. This book changed my opinions about it. I loved this book. The writing was amazing. I loved that there was no 3rd act break-up. I adored the characters and how their journey lead them to this place that was perfect for each other. I cried during the epilogue. I really enjoyed the narrator and I thought she did an absolutely amazing job with this. There were times when she sounded far away like on the other side of a tin can, but other than that I had no issues.
I will be buying the physical copy!
Brynn is adored for her role as co-host on a national morning News show. In her first week, the network as invest a lot on her. So when a slip up causes her adoring fans to see her in a new light she's required to put forth some damage control, even if that means returning to the town she never thought she'd see again.
This quirky, hilarious, small town rom-com is the perfect read to warm any icy heart.
Listening to this after spending the weekend in the Colorado mountains was the best decision I could have ever had.
Brynn is originally from a small mountain town in Colorado. She unintentionally disses the town on live tv which causes her journey home and to redemption. This is when she meets Sebastian who she immediately gives a bad first impression to. Will she get her good-girl reputation back? Will she go back to entertainment news? Will Brynn and Sebastian fall in love?
Why I loved this book:
~Dual POV
~Enemies-to-Lovers
~Forced Proximity
~Redempition arc
~Accepting the love you deserve
~Finding your true self
~COLORADO MOUNTAINS!
Trigger Warning:
~Toxic family history
~Natural Disaster (does not go into detail and everything ends up okay)
Thank you, NetGalley and Bethany Turner for the opportunity to listen to an advanced recording of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought this book was just adorable. It was just what I needed. A little enemies to lovers with a lot of pining by the male MC. Brynn is caught on national TV shaming the town she grew up in, now she is going back there to make amends. Sebastian left the spotlight and retired to Brynn's little hometown, and took great offense in her slander. He wants the town to be put on the map, so when he hears she is coming back there for an expose and to apologize, he thinks it is just what the town needs.
Too bad he is the one who has to cart her all over and babysit her. What he doesn't bank on is getting to know the real Brynn, the one the town knows is still there, under all of her hard exterior. When she comes into town, he thinks she is just a stuck up TV personality, but he doesn't count on seeing all of her scars and relating to her more than he would like.
I loved the way these two grew together, opened up about their past and communicated. I really loved that there was no third act break up, and once they were together, they were cemented. If you are looking for a cute, quick read with lots of love, pick this up.
I loved living this book through its narration! It was perfect.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson, Bethany Turner and Netgalley.
Thank you NetGalley for this delightful audiobook! I really enjoyed this story. Having grown up in a small town I can understand the feelings Brynn felt seeing her friends again and everyone who supported her and helped mold her into who she is. The love story was cheesy and sweet and just what I needed from this. I would recommend this to friends AND read it again.
Long story short, I couldn’t put this book down! With the gentle reminder that we never really know what someone is going through, following Brynn and Sebastian as they navigate a complicated relationship drew me in from the beginning. I loved the small town charm, big dreams, and lessons learned.
Brynn Cornell has been coined America’s Ray of Sunshine, but when makes a mistake that is caught on camera her world as she knew it crumbles around her. Trying to make things right with her image, Brynn finds herself back in her hometown of Adelaide Springs, Colorado, a place she hoped she’d never return to. In search of redemption, Brynn is forced to face her past and the people she left behind. Along with the familiar faces of her childhood, Brynn comes face to face with Sebastian Sudworth, a former superstar reporter who has disappeared from the mainstream. From the moment they meet Sebastian and Brynn are not impressed with each other, but only time will tell how this will play out. Will Brynn recover her image and go back to her old job? Will the town accept Brynn and her attempts at apologies? Will Sebastian and Brynn stay enemies?
The reviews I read were mixed when it came to this book, but I loved it. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers theme and I enjoyed how this book ended. A lot of people who gave this book unfavorable reviews complained about Brynn and her attitude and I do understand where they are coming from, but the rest of the story and Sebastian made me forget about the qualities of Brynn that could have rubbed me the wrong way. I did listen to the audio book and the narration was so good, so that may have had something to do with my loving this story so much. This was they type of book I needed right now. The enemies to lovers trope was done well in this book and I enjoyed seeing the background stories for Brynn and Sebastian and seeing how they influenced the people they are at this point in their lives. I would recommend this book as a good enemies to lovers romance with a good redemption storyline.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC audiobook version of this book!
Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other by Bethany Turner, Narrated by Talon David.
Duration: 10:15:00
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
It is a Romance book (no spice) I could see it being made into a Hallmark movie, The characters are very loveable towards the end. But Brynn really had me hating her at the beginning. Sebastian was endearing from the get-go. Both characters give each other the chance to grow and respect each other. Its small town girl leaves without looking back and during a crisis of her own doing has to come back to said hometown to make things right.
Both characters have hard pasts that make them weary of those around them. It makes them seem very self-centered.
Talon David does a magnificent job of portraying the characters. I think they really portray the emotions the characters are feeling. She made me feel that I could befriend them.
The story was amazing and I am going to read more from the author. This is a clean romance and I HIGHLY recommend it.
Happy Sigh. How perfect is this book! Brynn Cornell is a national morning show host who bashes her hometown on a hot mic, whoops! To make up for the potentially career killing faux pas, she returns to her hometown and runs smack into Sebastian Sudworth. Cue cold shoulders, head butting, a lot of really horrible memories (I cried for Brynn) and copious cathartic moments. I loved the town and the people in it (Cole and Laila, anyone?). I loved Brynn and Sebastian (I SO loved Sebastian!). I loved sledding and karaoke and B roll footage. There’s not much about this book that I didn’t love. But read it for yourself. The audiobook is great, but I caught some mistakes that were pretty noticeable. It didn’t keep me from finishing, though, and I highly recommend. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to write a positive review.
Oh my goodness, I loved this story so much!!! I listened to the audiobook through NetGalley and can I even say how grateful I am for the new audiobook option??? I LOVE THEM!!! The narrator for Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other, Talon David, is one of the best Rom-Com narrators I've heard to date. She really brings Turner's characters alive in this story. That's not to say that Turner doesn't write superb, authentic, and fun characters, because she most absolutely does!
Bethany has this way about writing a story, that literally just allows it play out in your mind as if you're sitting on your couch with a bowl of popcorn and watching the movie. The imagery Turner creates is fantastic. Brynn Cornell is such a relatable character, in regards to her current station in life, career, and even from her past.
Side note: I love any book set in Colorado, with snow.
Sebastian's character really surprised me in a few different ways. This I was so grateful for, and it gave the rom-com portion a bit more depth. I just love when a strong man, puts a prissy girl in her place! I really enjoyed this enemy to lovers trope (It's a favorite trope) set in digital media and in a town full of people that have it out for our main heroine.
Man this story was so fun to listen to! I highly recommend this, and all of Bethany's books!!!
Holy crap. I adored this book! Bethany Turner nailed it and Talon David did a fantastic job at narrating.
Brynn is a reporter who is climbing the ranks. She has finally made it to morning news broadcasting and at the end of her very first week she says some not nice things about her home town over a hot mic. I mean, yikes!!! In an effort to mend this blunder Brynn travels back to her hometown for the first time in 20 years. Back story, her mother was awful and her hometown is very small, her friends and their families all stepped up to help Brynn grow and stay safe. This hurt them all when she up and disappeared and didn't tell anyone where she was going or why. They're not exactly happy with her over the hot mic incident.
When Brynn arrives home she encounters Sebastian and to say she spent the first meeting shoving her foot in her mouth is an understatement. Brynn really has her work cut out for her if she is going to turn this all around. Gaining forgiveness isn't going to be easy.
Obviously Brynn and Sebastian are the main characters but I seriously fell in love with Orly (not sure if that's spelled correctly since it was an audio) and everyone else in Adelaide Springs. This book could have been twice as long and I still would have wanted more. Adelaide Springs sounds like the perfect small town where love and support flow freely. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to listen to and review this book.
I loved this book SO MUCH. It was such a fun small town feel, I love a mountain town, and the romance felt so genuine! For some reason it gave me Gilmore Girls vibes in the BEST way. I truly think I will read this one again!
I listed to about half on audio and read half on my kindle and the narrator was wonderful.
5 stars!!
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy to read.
I am a firm believer that enemies to lovers doesn’t work outside the fantasy genre. Or at least I was. Brynn and Sebastian make enemies to lovers work in a RomCom world. I spent the majority of this book BEGGING for any semblance of yearning or longing or simply wanting to kiss, it was painfully perfect. Sebastian had me giggling at the bare minimum of complements.
This story is a slow burn worth waiting for. It’s a clean romance with no real spice but plenty of action to distract you from that fact, if that’s something you’re looking for. As an avid reader of all things spicy and hot, I didn’t even realize there was nothing more than a few perfectly placed kisses until the story was over and done.
I have no complaints, complements to the chef (or Bethany Turner). Now if if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to read every book Bethany Turner has ever written.
Thank you Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for audio ARC of the book.
America's Ray of Sunshine Bryan Cornell is a co-host of popular morning show. Her snarky comment about her hometown accidentally was shown on air and Brynn's image is compromised. To save her reputation she goes back to her hometown to apologize to everyone. It all sounds like an easy and perfect plan until she encounters Sebastian who makes things difficult.
I love that type of books, everything was perfect for me - small town, some drama in the past, characters you want to be friends with.
Talon David is one of my favorite narrators. She can portray different characters and their moods. It is always pleasant to listen to her.
This one took me a bit longer to read since I wanted to take my time with the story. While I was a bit hesitant in the beginning, the characters all very much grew on me. It was nice to see how the characters developed and started to warm up to each other. But more than anything I loved the setting of the story and how the townspeople reacted to Brynn being back in her hometown. Such a light yet warm hearted story to read when you just need an easy read.
Oh, this was such a great story! The audio version was excellently narrated and I enjoyed listening to it from start to finish.
One of the many things I liked about Brynn and Sebastian’s story was that although there were many funny or cringe worthy moments, this story had real depth and heart. These two people both had some serious trauma in their pasts. Things they had tried to move forward from and it impacted who they had been and who they were.
I appreciated that, toward the beginning of the book, Brynn seemed to stick her foot in her mouth and rushed into situations that she had to extricate herself from, however, she did end up learning to curb her responses, think things through, and look deeper inside herself regarding the events and people from her past. She had quite the awakening in this novel. It was fun to see Sebastian’s initial reactions to Brynn. He was very good at reading people and just sometimes couldn’t help himself as he reacted to her demands and preconceived ideas. Yet, I loved seeing his heart and the way he would reach back out to her and try to right whatever had gone wrong.
I simply loved these characters, the setting, the storyline, the chemistry, the redemption, the narration, and the happily ever after. I have been thinking of these characters ever since the story ended. I definitely recommend Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other to those who enjoy romcoms with heart. I also adore the title and cover art. They fit the story beautifully.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
When a news reporter loses her job and has to go back home to make amends with the people from her hometown. Then ends up falling for a guy who hates her and wants her to leave asap.
I loved that their love story had some heat but it was behind closed doors. Aka I didn't have to mute or pause the story when I was around my kids.
Thank you to NetGallery and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic rom-com! If you love an enemies to lovers small town romance with great banter, pick this up! I loved listening to it on audio. The narration was really well done! The title initially caught my eye, but then the depth of story and character growth kept me hooked through the end.
Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other was such a great audiobook! I loved this enemies to lovers journalist set in a small mountain town! Stop reading and start listening because this is your next five star audiobook!
My first Bethany Turner though I have all her back catalogue on my TBR - and with how amazing and totally captivating this storyline and writing were, I will be grabbing those right away! I completely loved this book and the characters and just everything about it!
It read like a fantastic movie plot and I was so engrossed in it (I had audio and ebook so I read along, totally immersed), that I had a hard time stopping when I had to do reality things. I could see this being done as a Hallmark or Lifetime movie.
The bickering and banter between Brynn and Sebastian as she tries to repair her public image after badmouthing her hometown on-air (due to a technical problem at the news studio), while not wanting to be in her hometown and not knowing who he is and why he is living in that town… oh, this book is “chef’s kiss”! One of the best small town, enemies to lovers I’ve come across!
I most definitely recommend this book to romance readers around the world, enemies to lovers fans or just plain excellent writer fans alike!
I received an advance review and listen copy from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, and this is my honest feedback.
HAPPY PUB DAY TO MY NEW FAVORITE AUTHOR AND THIS FIVE STAR READ!
🥰
This was one of the cutest, funniest romcoms I have read in a while! I loved this book so much, that I’ve started a full on binge of every other book Bethany Turner has written! If you’re a fan of Katherine Center style hilarious closed door romances with relatable characters and witty dialogue, you will LOVE this book as much as I did! I listened to the audiobook arc (thanks NetGalley) and the narrator was fantastic! I preordered my physical campy last week… that’s how much I enjoyed this book, y’all.
💜
Big thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Bethany Turner for a free audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a swoony and cute, closed door romance about re-finding yourself and re-figuring out your future. Brynn is trying to find herself again in the hometown she hasn't seen in 20 years while under the watchful scrutiny of the american public eye, while Sebastian is trying to hide from the exact same public eye after a PTSD inducing news trip and not-so-pleasant divorce six years prior. Watching them go from arguing and antagonizing to loving and understanding was a journey I loved to be a part of! I listened to the audiobook of it and the narrator did SUCH a good job of keeping me in the story! Her tone and cadence were perfect and it was so easy to picture her as Brynn in my mind!
I am absolutely positive I adored this book! It was the perfect amount of seriousness with laugh out loud funny moments! I loved the writing and the characters were really amazing! Please read this book! You will love it too.
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to review this book! All opinions are my own!
Morning news on air entertainer Brynn torpedoes her career with disparaging remarks about her hometown on a live mic she thought wasn’t on. To keep her job and her reputation to her audience, she must return home to apologize and reunite with those she left behind. Sebastian has been hiding out in that same small town since he walked away from his own National News job six years ago and is given the job of driving her around town. Immediately from the start, they dislike each other.
Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other is a wonderfully funny enemies-to-lovers romance with fabulous character development and growth, a beautiful setting, and perfect chemistry between the two main characters. I think it’s a must read (or listen) in my opinion!
Brynn and Seb, oh how you made my heart squeal!!! I am an enemies to lovers fan through and through and this was perfect! I connected with Brynn on so many levels. I blew out of my small town and said I was NEVER coming back too! And then ended up owning a business there 6 years later! Anyways, Brynn messed up big time, not knowing the camera was live she told the entire country what she truly thought of her small town, and its people. Seb as an outsider but now member of the community is put in charge of Brynn when she comes back to apologize for what she said on National tv. I loved their banter back and forth. The love her community showed her when growing up steadily reminds her of what she left behind. Now she must choose if she wants to let that back into her broken heart.
Just as she reaches the top, she makes makes a comment that catapults her right back down to the bottom. As a disgraced reporter, Brynn is forced to return to her hometown that she publicly humiliated to earn their forgiveness.
Sebastian is a man on the run from his past in the spotlight. He is more of a recluse now and is forced to “babysit” the reporter that is here to grovel.
Both are running from uncomfortable things. Both have tried to change who they are to rid themselves of the past. As they spend more time with each other, the past becomes less of an issue and feelings become more entangled.
I loved the sweetness of the story! There is minimal drama (which I appreciated) and Brynn and Sebastian were just adorable! I loved the honesty and realness of the story. Both had pasts they had to come to terms with and both have made their lives better in spite of past decisions! Just lovely!
The fmc is going to have you banging your head on your desk, wondering how the mmc is ever going to fall for her…. And then probably 50-60% in, you get it. Trust me. Grumpy-Sunshine is the usual trope but to be honest this story read more grump v grump… and I loved it.
Brynn returns home after her fumble on air to show the world she didn’t mean what she said. Because if her hometown can forgive her then why can’t everyone who watches the show? Sebastian sees right through her act of making nice though. Brynn works so hard to win Sebastian over once she figures out he was the one who was still didn’t believe she was sorry for what she said (she wasn’t, she was sorry she got caught.) In the end, he just wanted to meet the real Brynn that everyone else in town was seeing bloom again. Brynn turned out to be kind of great. I was smiling so big by the end. I felt like we got to meet Brynn with Sebastian as the story progressed. Brynn was able to work through her grumpiness and find the root cause of her unhappiness. (Vague, I know, but spoilers.) While doing so, she also helped Sebastian work through his PTSD and anxiety, as well. He was able to rediscover his passion and drive in journaling.
Overall, this was a very cute story. Even if Brynn made me want to pull my hair out at first. If you’re looking for a light hearted, easy read, definitely check out Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other!
This book gave me everything I wanted. If it had been Christmas related(which it had the perfect setting for) it would have been the BEST! I hated Brynn going after the first few chapters she seemed unnecessarily cruel and I was not for it. I think the small town really was what I enjoyed most. They didn’t care that she poo-pooed on them. They just missed her and felt bad she had such a crappy childhood. The love story behind it all was a good one, but the love story between her and the town is what really shined.
Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other takes the readers to a delightful and heartwarming contemporary romance that explores tropes like redemption, second chances, and the unexpected connections that can bloom even in the most unlikely circumstances.
Meet Brynn Cornell, a former cohost of the beloved morning show Sunup and the embodiment of America's ray of sunshine. She's the girl-next-door who radiates positivity and charm, boosting TV ratings with her trademark poise. But when a colossal on-air blunder exposes her snarky side to the world, her career crashes and her image is tarnished. In a desperate attempt to salvage both, she returns to her hometown of Adelaide Springs, Colorado. Her mission: to apologize to her viewers and capture feel-good footage that portrays her as a humble girl grateful for her big break. However, returning home also means confronting painful memories she's long avoided.
Sebastian Sudworth, once a rising star in journalism, has vanished from the spotlight under mysterious circumstances. Seeking refuge in the quiet town of Adelaide Springs, he blends in as a regular mountain town resident, hiding from his past. When Sebastian is assigned to chauffeur Brynn around town, he's skeptical of her carefully crafted, sunny persona. Brynn, on the other hand, is determined to win him over and save her career.
As Brynn and Sebastian navigate their complicated relationship, they must confront their own pasts, secrets, and the undeniable chemistry that simmers beneath the surface. Can they overcome their initial disdain for each other and recognize that love might be waiting where they least expect it?
The storytelling is a perfect blend of humour, heart, and relatability. She creates characters who are flawed yet endearing, making readers cheer for their happiness. "Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other" is not just a tale of romance but also a story of personal growth and self-acceptance. It captures the essence of second chances and the transformative power of love. Bethany Turner's narrative is filled with witty banter, genuine emotion, and the heartwarming belief that even the most unexpected love stories can bloom in the unlikeliest of places.
Brynn Cornel is a NYC reporter, 'wasting' her time 'on the couch' for a nationwide morning show. The PR team has written her bio claiming she's a ray of sunshine, and her co-host finally gets to her -- she snarkily admits she's from a 'small, backward town in the small town of Adelaide Springs, CO', where people weren't all that. Unfortunately, she's still on air. So now she's got to go and apologize to the people of her hometown, a group of people she hasn't seen or even talked to since leaving 20 years ago. Somehow she has to convince the nation she's really NOT a mean girl or as snarky as she unfortunately sounded.
Then there's Sebastian Sudworth, who was a superstar reporter with a reputation for being in the center of the action around the world, who won many major awards and accolades — until something snapped inside him and he vanished from the scene under mysterious circumstances. Turns out Sebastian sought refuge in tiny Adelaide Springs, trying to blend in as a regular, scruffy citizen of the town. When he's assigned to chauffeur Brynn around town, Brynn decides she'll just have to charm him the same way she's charmed all her viewers. But they since theyautomatically hate one another, it's a few very uncomfortable and funny days -- until they realize that they really like one another!
It's a fun,light-hearted story , where going home is just what the doctor ordered. And the narrator was perfect!
Audiobook Review:
This was such a good story! I enjoyed it immensely. It is a slow burn, enemies to love story. Both the main characters had difficulties in their pasts that shaped their present lives and threw up walls to their futures. As they spent time together, against their will initially, they both had to process and open up. They also learned what they really wanted for themselves. The story was as much about their personal journeys as it was about the romance. Both Brynn and Sebastian had good and bad characteristics, but as we came to understand more and more about them and what shaped them, it was impossible not to cheer for them. There were also a lot of fun secondary characters and I’m excited to see more from them as i understand that there will be a second book. The ending was sweet and felt triumphant in a way. I loved the story.
I generally prefer dual narrators, but a good single narrator can make me forget all about that. That was the case with this audiobook. The narrator is excellent. She conveys the story and emotions well with good inflection and a consistent volume level. Her voices for other characters, especially Sebastian, were very good. I’m even going to look for other books narrated by her. Honestly, probably one of my favourite single narrators I’ve heard.
There is content about trauma from past genocide and atrocities, as well as parental neglect and emotional mistreatment, and marital breakdown. This is a closed door story with no harsh language.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, audiobook producer, and the publisher for a complimentary copy of the book. This review was written and shared voluntarily, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved this story. A fun enemies to lovers tale that was inspiring and swoon-worthy. Five stars for sure.
Brynn & Sebastian is one of my top reads of the year! Their relationship is so endearing! And the town of Adelaide Springs is the most charming town! I need more!!
In the captivating novel, "Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other," author Bethany Turner takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and unexpected love. Set in the picturesque town of Adelaide Springs, Colorado, the story revolves around two intriguing characters: Brynn Cornell and Sebastian Sudworth. Brynn, once a successful cohost of the popular morning show Sunup, finds herself back in her hometown after a career-shattering mistake reveals her snarky side. Determined to salvage her reputation, she embarks on a mission to apologize and show the world her true self again. However, returning to Adelaide Springs means facing painful memories she has long avoided. Through Brynn's character, Turner masterfully portrays the inner struggle of a woman torn between her desire for redemption and her fear of confronting the past. Sebastian Sudworth, a renowned journalist who vanished from the scene under mysterious circumstances, seeks solace in the peaceful embrace of Adelaide Springs. Initially assigned to chauffeur Brynn around town, Sebastian sees beyond her carefully curated facade. As the story unfolds, readers witness the slow unraveling of their animosity and the emergence of a deep connection. Turner skillfully develops their complex relationship, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and emotional turmoil they face as they navigate their feelings amidst their shared history. The chemistry between Brynn and Sebastian is palpable, and the tension between their love and hate is beautifully explored throughout the novel. Turner adeptly captures the push and pull of their interactions, highlighting the struggles of playing nice with someone they despise, while also hinting at an underlying attraction that neither can ignore. As readers, we become invested in their journey, eagerly anticipating the moment when they will confront their true feelings. One of the strengths of "Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other" lies in Turner's ability to craft multidimensional characters. Brynn's transformation from the girl-next-door TV personality to a woman grappling with her flaws and insecurities is both relatable and inspiring. Sebastian, with his enigmatic past and hidden vulnerabilities, adds depth and intrigue to the story. Through their personal growth, the author encourages readers to reflect on their own self-discovery and the power of forgiveness. Bethany Turner's writing style is engaging and filled with witty banter that leaves readers eagerly turning the pages. The vivid descriptions of Adelaide Springs transport us to the charming mountain town, immersing us in its beauty and infusing the story with a rich sense of place. In "Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other," Bethany Turner delivers a compelling and heartwarming tale of redemption, forgiveness, and unexpected love. With well-developed characters, a captivating plot, and a delightful blend of humor and emotion, this book is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Prepare to be swept away by the undeniable chemistry and irresistible charm of Brynn and Sebastian's journey towards self-acceptance and true love.
This was such a great book and I love getting to know the characters. The title made me chuckle, and I really enjoyed it so much.
I loved this Audio it was an amazing read learning about Bryan and Sebastian and why they hate each other was so good
this book was so stinking cute. I really enjoyed this slow burn enemies to lovers romance. It was so sweet. funny at times. Witty. fun. i loved the whole thing.
In Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other, Bethany Turner crafts an engaging narrative that's as witty as it is heartwarming. The story dives us into the life of Brynn Cornell, who finds herself back in her quaint hometown of Adelaide Springs, grappling with the remnants of her shattered public image. Her mission is simple yet daunting: prove to the world—and perhaps to herself—that the on-air blunder revealing her not-so-sunny side isn't the sum total of who she is. Meanwhile, Sebastian Sudworth, a once-celebrated journalist turned local recluse, becomes an unlikely ally in her quest for redemption. Their dynamic, filled with banter (my favorite), mutual disdain (love an enemies to lovers), and an undercurrent of undeniable chemistry, propels the narrative forward, making for a deliciously tense yet endearing read. The story can be a bit predictable at times, especially for a rom-com, but I feel like Turner does a nice job of making it her own story.
The audiobook experience is definitely enhanced by the narrator's performance. As someone who is VERY picky with audiobook narrations, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the narrator captured the essence of the characters and the spirit of the story. The narration added layers to the characters' personalities, making their story together feel all the more real. This isn't just a story about two people who can't stand each other; it's a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the kind of love that blossoms when least expected. For anyone looking for a story that combines humor, heart, and a touch of redemption, all while being brought to life by an exceptional audio performance, Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other is a must-listen. It's a testament to Turner's storytelling prowess and a reminder of the magic that happens when narrative and narration are perfectly paired.
This was another amazing addition to Bethany Turner’s collection. I immediately fell in love with both characters in different ways. I knew all along that Brynn or B-r-e-n was a hometown girl who would eventually find her way back to herself. Seb was my kind of nerd from the get go. This was a clean, feel- good romance that references God, but its subtlety is great for even non believers. This is a must read for all romance lovers. It’s new and fresh and one I could not put down. I hated for it to end. I laughed and I cried a few times as I felt invested in the characters. 4 stars for this one!
This was such a sweet book! I loved the characters, and their love story. The dialogue was realistic and enjoyable.
Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this audiobook! I loved this book so much! I fell in love with Brynn and I lived for this romance!! I definitely want to read more books by Bethany Turner!
5⭐️
If you like small town, grumpyXsunshine, dual POV, forced proximity and clean romances this is the one for you! Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other is a funny, light story with lots of banter, major Hallmark vibes. I would say this was more hostile/dislike/hate-to-lovers than enemies-to-lovers. Brynn’s character development is the best part of the story and a great group of supporting characters.
The narrator, Talon David, did a wonderful job bringing Brynn and Sebastian to life. Talon is a fantastic narrator and I know I’m in for an excellent audiobook when they’re narrating.
Synopsis: Brynn Cornell was riding high as cohost of the popular morning show Sunup. All it took was one huge on-air mistake to expose her snarky side to the world and make it all come crumbling down. Now she’s back in her hometown of Adelaide Springs, Colorado, in a last-ditch attempt to convince viewers she’s not the mean girl they think she is. But this town holds painful memories that she’s not ready to face. Sebastian Sudworth was on the fast track to the journalist hall of fame—until something snapped inside him and he vanished from the scene under mysterious circumstances. Sebastian sought refuge in tiny Adelaide Springs, working odd jobs and trying to blend in as a scruffy mountain town citizen.
When Sebastian is assigned to chauffeur Brynn around town, Brynn is sure he can see right through her carefully cultivated, sunny persona. But she’s determined to do what it takes to maintain her image and save her career—so she’ll just have to charm the socks off Sebastian the same way she charmed her viewers. It's no picnic to play nice around someone you hate . . . especially when you might be crazy about them.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an advanced audio copy for an honest review.
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