I went in to this thinking it would be a fun, cute read, and it was. I liked the main couple, Lizzie and Brian. Their personalities and flaws really complimented each other and it made me root for them. The spice scenes were great! However, I felt like the execution was lacking everywhere else. The supporting characters could have been more 3-dimensional. The main antagonist felt more like a caricature than a character, while Lizzie's best friend was kind of just there.

It also felt like a draft with clunky conversations and multiple typos.

Overall, a cute, quick read that falls a little short in execution, but still nice.

New to the world of Sidney Halston, like most first time readers - I didn’t know what to expect. The premise of the book sounded intriguing and not a huge fan of the Valentine’s holiday myself, I felt compelled to dive in and see what caused Lissette (Lizzie) to feel the same way.

I was NOT expecting the hilarious high jinks, flashbacks, and just all around good time this book offered. The witty banter and sarcastic comebacks alone are what make this such an enjoyable find!

What I liked about the book: I liked the background build up that Sidney creates right out the gate. We meet Lizzie as a second grader going to school for Valentine’s Day. She’s sweet, she’s cute, she's good natured and wants to make everyone feel like they belong…until she meets Brian. A new kid to the neighborhood, Brian is the dark to her light and the thunderstorm to her sunny day. After he tears up her Valentine’s Day card, as the reader - you start to feel a little protective of Lizzie but give Brian the benefit of the doubt (again - he is new the neighborhood). We continue to following this unlikely pair until we discover they have become full blown nemesis by the Eleventh Grade. At this point (and keep in mind we only have Lizzie’s perspective), you are NOT a fan of Brian and may have called the kid a few names under your breath. The reason why I love how Sidney did this is because as you keep reading, you realize how quickly, like Lizzie, you formed your own perspectives and conclusions without all of the facts. As you slowly begin to learn Brian’s story, everything you previously read begins to shift, creating a whole new dynamic as the book progresses.

What I LOVED about the book: I became so enthralled by this book that the suspense of what was going to happen to break them apart (assuming the book was going to follow the typical romantic comedy formula) was overwhelming! I actually had to put it down and walk away momentarily because I just couldn’t take it. They were so cute, too perfect, and beat the odds to arrive at the high point (being together) that I just couldn’t deal with the drop (what was going to pull them apart), even if I knew they would get their happily ever after. I also loved how much their personalities were still present during the steamy scenes, giving those hot and heavy moments such a comedic twist.

What I didn’t like about the book: While I understand not every book has to have an epilogue, I hated how the book just ended. There were so many spoken possibilities of what the future held! Without knowing if there will be a continuation of some sort with a different character (William maybe) to indirectly wrap up their story, we don’t know what happens next. As you read, you become invested in these characters so a large part of you wants to know they are going to make it, their plans will come into fruition, and they will truly have their happily ever after (beyond the heightened emotion of the initial reconcile and subsequent honeymoon phase). Also, while insignificant to the storyline itself - I did feel like some of the colloquial references used were a bit dated.

All in all, this holiday romance was an absolute delight. A beautifully written enemies to lovers treat with twists, turns, and a lot of heart. I highly recommend it!

I picked up The Valentine’s Hate expecting a cute, short read. This is my first book by Sidney Halston, so I wasn’t sure what the style would be like. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if this is just an early copy, but it feels like this book still needs several rounds of editing. The premise is fun, but I found the execution lacking, as everything felt too rushed and choppy. The dialogue was at times stilted, and I didn’t understand why the characters’ emotions changed and seemed to flip so quickly; scenes jumped around and POVs changed, both with and without indication by name (which means inconsistency in the individual POVs not caught in edits), and there were run-on sentences just awkward sounding sentences and descriptions. I didn’t connect with any of the characters on an emotional level because of how quickly things moved and how little focus there was on developing emotions and setting the scene, and I didn’t understand why some things happened the way they did at all. This is a book I actually think would benefit from having more content and pages in order to address these gaps. The flow of the overall writing needs work. The bare bones of the story are fun on a conceptual level, and I wish I could say I liked the overall book, but it reads like a very advanced and unedited book (which, maybe that’s the case?).

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for the ARC.

Enemies to lovers. Fake dating. Forced proximity. All fantastically written tropes that you’ll find in The Valentine’s Hate. I read the book in a day. Just couldn’t put it down.
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You will fall for Lizzie and Brian and want to know so much more about them. I cannot wait for everyone to be able to get their hands on this one!
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🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

This was my first book from Sidney Halston, though Goodreads shows she has written numerous books. When childhood enemies Lizzie and Brian ended up sitting next to each other on a plane to Mexico neither is prepared for what the future holds. Lizzie is traveling for her best friends wedding and Brian is a famous author attending a promotional event at the same hotel. A mishap leads to Lizzie and Brian sharing his two bedroom suite and the pair end up fake dating to keep Brian’s fans and Lizzie’s ex at bay. Together they reflect on their childhood interactions and and realize the childhood memories weren’t all they seemed and a romance blooms.

I loved the enemies to lovers aspect of this book. This book managed to have both be actual enemies with the other without either coming across as unlikable or cruel. There were a few cute rom-com moments that kept things light and fun. I enjoyed the side characters but there was no one that stood out to me as needing their own book which is perfectly fine with me to have this be a one and done book. I did appreciate that there was some groveling that needed to be done and by the end of the book it felt like enough time had passed for their HEA to be realistic. I did have some issues with pacing in the book as well as some of the volatile emotions that seemed to come up from no where, but overall this was an engaging and quick read.

I will say that this is the first time I’ve had an ARC from Avon that felt unedited. There was awkward phrasing, run on sentences, noticeable typos, and POV transitions that were inconsistently noted. I know this is technically an “uncorrected proof” but it was distracting and I really hope that finished copy is edited properly before publication. I’m trying really hard not to have these issues affect my review of the book.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sometimes the friends to lovers trope annoys me but this time it works so well! I absolutely fell in love with Lizzie and Brian and their hatred for each other that started in childhood.

Lissette, or Lizzie but not Iz, has moved on from life in Miami and she is now in London. She flys to Cancun for her best friend wedding and is shocked and appealed to find out her childhood nemesis, Brian, is on one of her same flights. Then they end up at the same hotel. Brian is a successful author but doesn’t do well with publicity and when the circumstances are right and Lizzie ends up needing a room - of which Brian had in his Villa - on the condition she pretend to be his girlfriend for events so people leave him alone. Things only get hot from here and the two find themselves in some pretty compromising conditions.

I loved this book. It was so cute and lovely. It was a great rom-com. Now I know it’s not even Halloween and yes there are a few holidays between now and Valentine’s Day, but this one is out December 27th and you need to read it is you love rom-coms. Special thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for my advanced e-ARC in return for my honest review - which is glowing in this case!

Valentine Hate
QOTD: what is your favorite holiday?

Brian and Lizzie meet on Valentine’s Day in 2nd grade and instantly become enemies. Brian just moved to Miami to live with his grandparents after his parents passed away so obviously isn’t loving life. While Lizzie is obsessed with Valentine’s Day and happy go lucky. They proceed to have unfortunate misunderstandings each following Valentine’s Day until the end of high school when they both move away.

Fast forward to present day and they both land at the same resort in Cancun for different reasons. Brian is there for a work convention and Lizzie is there for her best friends wedding. They immediately pick up where they left off 15 years earlier, fighting. However they agree to help each other survive the weekend be faking a relationship.

It’s clear that even though they had known each other for 26 years, they really didn’t know much about each other on a personal level. They knew what each person showed the world but not the reasons why they acted that way. They constantly bickered but through that they were able to ultimately be each other’s #1 supporter which made them a perfect match. This was a quick fun story!

Thank you @netgalley !
Release Date: December 27, 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥 Scene: couple’s massage at resort

After having read The Ex Hex and watching the movie Marry Me very recently, it was interesting to read this book. I think that the enemies to fake lovers to lovers are something that is very popular now and this book did not disappoint! Throwing in forced proximity is just icing on the cake. Loved this one and will recommend to friends!

This book is about enemies to lovers, with the added bonus of fake dating and forced proximity, which is the perfect recipe for a fun, flirty romance! I enjoyed the dynamic between Lizzie, who is strong and confident, and Brian, who is shy with a touch of social anxiety. The two characters balance each other very well and Lizzie helps Brian deal with his anxiety, which makes for GREAT and HILARIOUS banter (my fav part about these books). They also challenge one another, so you have the perfect kind of tension. This was a SUPER fast read because it was just so enjoyable. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC and I would def be recommending this book for friends who love a good light, flirty, fun HEA!

Expected publication Dec 27, 2022.

This was such a fun story! I love enemies to lovers trope with fake dating AND forced proximity. Such a great combo for a rom com. I loved the story between Lizzie and Brian and their hate of Valentines Day was fun. I devoured this story in a day and can't wait to pick up other titles by this author!

Absolute banger of a book!! I adored this book so much, it was such a cute childhood enemies to lovers and fake dating/engagement (my favorite tropes). Brian and Lizzie are the cutest ever and their banter was the best part honestly. It reminded me a lot of circling back to you which I loved. A good paced and cute book.

I had never heard of this ugh or before - but she has now been added to my list of favorites. I was immediately sucked in. I love her depiction of the trauma and how it has shaped Lizzie and Brian. Trauma they don’t even fully recognize themselves. And all the tropes. Enemies to lovers. Fake romance. I’m in love with their love story. Put this one on your TBR today you won’t regret it.

I loved everything about this book. Told from multiple character viewpoints and at differing periods of time, I found that it was the perfect way to tell the story. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Great enemies to lovers troupe. There is definitely a fine line between love and hate with Lizzie and Brian. Between misjudging and misunderstandings Lizzie and Brian’s hate began when they first met in grade school and continues all through high school. When they meet up again, their hate is still strong and unforgotten. It’s a bang from the start to finish. Great chemistry and banter between them. Loved the setting, supporting characters, backstories and the way everything came together. Knew how it was going to end but it was perfect for them. Would have liked an epilogue to see a glimpse of them together in the future.
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Childhood enemies run into years later and end up fake dating... and maybe falling in love for real. Lissette “Lizzie” Alonso is a romantic but ever since her childhood valentines day were consistently ruined she’s disliked valentines day. When she gets an invitation to her best friend’s pre-nuptial festivities for a week leading to her wedding on February 14th and has also made Lizzie her maid of honor, she can’t say no. Lizzie loves her best friend and can’t wait to spend time for her, unfortunately for her the person she finds herself sitting next to is the one and only Brian Anderson, the guy who ruined her childhood, humiliated her constantly, and ruined every single one of her valentines day.

Brian is a famous writer, he’s written a super popular series that is about to be made into a movie... despite his fame he has severe social anxiety, barely any social media presence, and has issues with talking to people in general. Brian had a rough childhood and found that messing with Lizzie was the only thing that made him happy. He knows he messed up with her, but he was a kid, and he thinks it’s irrational her hatred for him. Yet both of them find themselves reconnecting over an airplane flight and then when Lizzie’s hotel room is flooded and he is almost accosted by fans they come to an agreement: he’ll give her one of the rooms in his large suite that he has while he is doing press for the movie and in exchange she’ll pretend to be his girlfriend so he can get fans off his bake and the lead actress in his movie to stop harassing him.

But now that they are back together, there is the undeniable chemistry besides all their banter and fighting... but are all the hurts and misunderstandings from the past too deep for them to work or will they find a way to make it work despite everything?

This was a cute short read and I always do enjoy enemies to lovers trope. There were a lot of misunderstandings but it was cute overall!

*Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Gah this book.!
The Valentine's Hate by Sidney Halston is a pure delight from the start to The End.
A delightful enemy to lovers/fake engagement rom-com.

Brian and Lizzie were so much fun! The bickering, the humor, I loved the banter and chemistry between the two main characters. It’s the perfect blend of romcom.
This was a believable enemies to lovers story where you really feel them fall in love
It's funny, quirky, witty, lighthearted and had me smiling throughout.
The story was ultimately adorable, and it was a fun twist on one of my favorite tropes.
Halston is a very talented writer an I look forward to reading more from he in the future.
A fun and quick read!

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Avon,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my blog, platforms, BookBub, B&N, Kobo and Waterstone closer to pub date.

ADORABLE enemies to lovers - with the added bonus of fake dating and forced proximity! Doesn't get better than that!

Lizzie and Brian have not only known each other since they were in second grade but they hatted each other from the day they met which so happened to be on Valentine's Day. Brian was infamous for ruining her Valentine's day every single year, on top of the constant pranks as they grew up. All of that adding to some great sexual tension and a swoon worthy pair 10+ years later when they are forced to not only fake date but share a room for an entire weekend; all while attending events for Brian's book / movie release and Lizzie's best friends destination wedding - that is all happening at the same resort!

Lizzie is a strong and funny character that doesn't take anyone's bs, and Brian is a shy writer with a bit of social anxiety but I loved how she was able to help him through all that. I enjoyed the way they continued to challenge each other throughout the book. The banter was everything [banter is always my guilty pleasure in enemies to lovers] and this was perfectly done.

This was a supper cute and fast passed read [I devoured it in a day], it had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I LOVED the bickering and banter between Lizzie and Brian so much and you couldn't help but fall in love with them together. He was charming, caring and Lizzie didn't stand a chance! Once you read this you'll understand why. You not only fall in love with Lizzie and Brain but you also adore her relationship with Mari and William, you even love crazy tia Lily and Demi. Sidney did a great job at making you feel like you were right there next to her characters.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes enemies to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity all wrapped up in a fun and witty story.

- Side note I had yet to read a book with a character that had my name and it was a nice surprise I wasn't expecting.

Overview | Lissette and Brian were not childhood sweethearts. In fact, they drove each other crazy. As adults, will that animosity fade and make their Valentine’s Hate turn into a Valentine’s Date?
8/10 ⭐️
Tropes | Enemies to Lovers, Fake Engagement, Forced Proximity, Shared Pasts
Heat Level | 🌶 open door
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The Valentine’s Hate is a lightning fast read – the kind you grab on Valentine’s Day, crack a bottle of wine, and polish off in one sitting. Most of the scenes are hero and heroine on-page together. The two subplots, while very enjoyable, don’t detract from the relationship journey in any way.

This is straightforward enemies to lovers fare. Where some stories hedge the ways they get off on the wrong foot, these two characters behaved badly and held grudges. The crimes against each other were all from 2nd-12th grade, however, and those trespasses are more easily forgiven. As adults, their bantering and bickering becomes pure sexual tension and we are rooting for them to get over it by getting it on.

Lizzie’s reactions, even when they are ill-advised, feel realistic. She’s a professionally successful woman dealing with loss and wanting love and screwing it up with the best of them. She learns quickly that which most irritates us in someone else is often the ways we are similar, not different.

Brian shares so many of the same broken places as Lizzie. It took being forced into a corner for him to admit to himself that he needed to get off the fence, be bold, and be vulnerable to get the girl.

While the fake engagement and forced proximity tropes rely heavily on the magic of grand coincidence, the fun that brings makes up for the disbelief.

My sole hangup is the woman-on-woman crime in here. We have a DEFCON: Level Horny actress who behaves like a sociopath without a sensible reason. If she could have any man she wanted, her ego wouldn’t bother with the writer of a book series who was publicity shy and rejects her advances. There were other ways to split these two apart temporarily that may have felt less forced.

I’d recommend The Valentine’s Hate to anyone who is a fan of enemies to lovers and wants a funny, sexy, speedy read with a sweet HEA.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication Dec 27, 2022.

The Valentine's Hate is an enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship romcom that is sure to make your heart flutter. Lissette Alonso is back for her best friend's wedding, leading her to come face-to-face with Brian Anderson, her nemesis and reason why she hates Valentine's Day. Lizzie gets tangled in a fake relationship when an unexpected guest re-enters Brian's life. Sidney Halston did a great job at creating a story for romance lovers that is sure to capture attention through all the banter. Her writing had me flying through this book.

I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes. This will be a wedding to remember.