This was a fairly enjoyable story. I enjoyed that both of them were grumpy as opposed to the typical combination of one being grumpy and one being sunshine. These two men were just cranky and what had initially started out as a "Frenemies with Benefits" grew first to a employer/employee relationship and then more. It was a slow burn in that regard since they had sex fairly early on and I did appreciate that sot of relationship in reverse approach.

That said there were some moments where seeing thing from Oscar's point of view became tedious. I understand that he had anxiety and he admitted that honestly throughout his narration and, from my limited knowledge of that, it seemed accurate enough. Still, there were a few moments that left you feeling frustrated, even with knowing that. It would have been nice to see things from Jack's point of view occasionally, even if it was every few chapters or so.

I did appreciate how their friends didn't expect Oscar to be fixed or okay. In fact, they were present and supportive without being overly smothering. And they did respect his wishes when he wanted to be left alone, and periodically checked in on him just to make sure he was okay. It was also nice to see how, even when he was being super grumpy, you could see when Jack was supportive of him and the progress he made with his anxiety.

This was an HFN ending, which honestly seemed more realistic based on how the story started. They were still happy with each other and the way their relationship worked, and their friends were supportive. of it. I would recommend this book if you're looking for a M/M with two grumps that ends realistically. It's not what I would call a warm hug but it is still a sweet book.

This book is going to be perfect for people who love the grumpy x grumpy dynamic, two people who fight all the time but still they're cute together.

I've been really looking forward to this book as I loved The Love Study so much and I loved Oscar, I thought he had a lot of potential as a main character. And I did love Oscar, and I mostly enjoyed this book too. Not as much as The Love Study, which was a 5 star read for me, but still, I definitely did enjoy it.

What I loved most about this book is how Oscar's anxiety is represented in an unpalatable way. He's grumpy, he acts out, he fights with people. His anxiety actually impacts the way he's functioning. This felt very refreshing to read!

I'm convinced Oscar is somewhere on the aromantic spectrum, by the way. There's just something about the way his relationship with Jack that felt distinctly aro to me (I'm aro myself, for the record). It's not canon or anything and it might not have been meant like this/everyone might not agree with me, but that's what I took from the book!

I want to finish this review with a warning, because Oscar does deal with a lot of body image issues and internalized fatphobia. He's generally self aware about it and I think this is something a lot of people struggle with and it deserves to be discussed in books, but please be careful if this might be difficult for you to read.

This is the second in Kris Ripper's "The Love Study" series and features anxiety filled Oscar and opinionated Jack, who might agree to no-commitment encounters but are completely blindsided when their relationship appears to be turning into something more. Cleaning out a house filled with generations of hoarding leads to both arguments and understanding, but the two men may need an assist from Jack's grandmother and their friends. I am looking forward to the next entry in the continuation of this series.

Tw / anxiety, panic attacks

This was lovely but also different? I loved the main character but I was also annoyed by him. I love that though so it didn't really bother me. I could really relate with some parts of his anxiety but for some reason reading about it where someone else struggles with it is always different. You have more empathy for others then you have for yourself. Lesson learned from this book: think kinder of yourself.

I loved Jack, what an asshole but in the best way, the banter between him and Oscar was spot on. Maybe it's because I am often annoyed by old people (it's a bias I can't help it) so I was also by Evelyn even though she was hilarious at times as well.

I can't wait to check me books out by this author since this work by zir really interested me.

The second installment in Kris Ripper’s The Love Study series, The Hate Project, is such a great story. This book is short and so sweet. *Trigger warning for hoarding and anxiety* Ripper handle’s Oscar’s anxiety in such detail but with such sensitivity it was amazing to read. This is definitely going to be one of my go-to inclusive romance recommendations. Although there were definitely difficult parts of the story I read this whole book in one sitting. Readers will fall in love with Oscar, an overweight gay man who has just been laid off from a job he hates and who has anxiety. Jack seems like the exact opposite of what Oscar needs right now, but somehow they work so well together. Their chemistry is off the charts and their conversations are stilted and awkward but full of love. I liked this book even more than The Love Study! Perfect for fans of Amy Lane’s Winter Ball.

Kris Ripper never fails to blow me away with the uniqueness of zir’s writing. The characters, and the situations in which they find themselves, are thought provoking and endlessly entertaining.

The second novel in The Love Study series, Ripper continues to find love matches for The Marginalized Motherfuckers. This group of friends from college is expanding with significant others, and the dynamic between them just keeps getting better.

I completely lost my heart to Oscar (he so would be my friend IRL), I found his quirks incredibly endearing.

The way Kris Ripper writes each of these stories from one character’s point of view creates a wonderful feeling of intimacy. We get to know each of them in a unique way, plus we get to see the other members of the group through their eyes. You don’t need to have read The Love Study first, but Declan is an absolute hoot from Oscar's side of things.

I’m looking forward to the release of the third novel in this series, The Life Revamp, which (unless I’ve completely missed the point) will be Mason’s story. Sweet, funny, and incredibly unique, Kris Ripper’s Love Study series is a winner!

*I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*

This was pretty enjoyable to read. There was this fast pace and chaotic feel to the writing that actually seemed like it gave insight into how Oscar’s anxiety feels. I loved the love/hate interactions between Jack and Oliver. Evelyn cracked me up.

Rep: gay, Trans, Non-binary
Content: Mildly graphic sex, tons of cursing 🤣, anxiety disorder, mentions of suicidal thoughts in the beginning

Thank goodness for the Motherf****** or Oscar, whose personality can only be described as grouchy, may very well be alone in the world. A man in his early 30s, Oscar has had a long running battle with anxiety and depression that are sparked at the beginning of the book when he is fired. Somehow he ends up working for Jack, a new edition to the Motherf****** and someone Oscar hasn't warmed up to yet...and doubts he ever will. Not with the way Jack likes to drop insults and bicker with him at every social engagement the two attend with their friend group. However, the job helping Jack clean out his grandmother's house may be just the lifeline Oscar needs and he can hardly turn down the offer of even a temporary job. Plus there is the possibility of a frenemies-with-benefits situation developing after a one night stand between the two leads them to believe all bickering may just be a form of foreplay. However, the more they get to know one another, the more complicated their arrangement becomes. Will either Jack or Oscar be willing to let their hate evolve into something more?
VERDICT is that this is an own-voices novel with a lot of heart that will keep readers hanging on until the end. I loved everything about the diverse friend group that calls themselves the Motherf******. It was great to see a community of people dedicated to supporting their friends in a multitude of ways, from silent to support to laying what needs to be said out in the open, even if their friend doesn't want to hear it. The progression of Oscar and Jack's relationship alters between ice cold and super hot. The inclusion of Jack's grandmother, Evelyn, as a central character adds an intergenerational element and she is a hoot. She really helps humanize Jack who was a little hard to get to like (although to be fair with Oscar as our narrator I think that is very intentional). I will definitely be recommending this read for fans of LGBTQIA+ romances with an enemies to lovers trope!

I enjoyed the romance between Oscar and Jack and their bickering turning into a love story. The insight into Oscar’s anxiety added an appealing level of emotion and made the ending all the more satisfying.