4.5/5

I almost DNFed this before 25%, but I stuck it out and oh my god this surprised me in the best way!!

There is nothing that I love more than an adorable enemies to lovers (though I wouldn't say its that dramatic) book where two characters slowly start to realize how much they really like each other! Fake dating isn't something I love usually, but Amanda Woody made me really love it here with Jonah and Dylan.

They Hate Each Other is an enjoyable Spring 2023 read about Jonah and Dylan, two long sworn rivals who’s assumptions of on another and personality differences have lead them to long-term opposition of one another. Hence the book title. These two couldn’t be more opposite: one is wealthy, the other poor; one is white, the other a mix of Afro-Latino and Mexican American; one struggles with deep-seeded anxiety and the other is the rock for those around him. Their differences have kept them from knowing one another for so long. As the only known out bisexual teens in their school, their peers have made it their mission to bring these two together, despite their discord. A story of fake dating, ensues.

But, you know, the fake dating can only last for so long before true love blooms. This novel follows the trope to a T. Though Dylan and Jonah may not be ready to admit it, their feelings for one another run deeper than they ever imagined—and they aren’t feelings of disdain. There is much sweetness to follow as these two work through their feelings and come to know one another.

I quite appreciated both Jonah and Dylan. They are both charismatic narrators in their own ways and their stories and intensely compelling. Filled with highs and lows, they are both victims in varying ways, but both seek to actively tackle their struggles, even if that process takes time. They are also their to support one another through, as their romance blossoms, and their unshakable devotion to supporting each other is incredibly endearing. While their characters are quite different, it was a bit of a struggle to tell their voices apart. I did find myself getting lost as to who the active speaker was in each narrated chapter. The peripheral friends and family, too, get lost in the background of the book. While there, they are only partially developed and often don’t support the protagonists or the main plot, in an overly meaningful way.

I did quite enjoy this book. It’s got some steamy vibes towards the end, more appropriate for older teen readers, but at it’s heart it is a simple and sweet storyline with two very endearing teen protagonists on their own journeys to understand themselves, reconcile their pasts and uncertain futures, and, at the core, find love where they can be their truest and most beautiful selves.

I went into this expecting what everyone else was: fake dating, enemies to lovers, LGBTQ+ rep.

I came out with so much more than that. This book delves into so many real-life heavy topics and does so with such care and a sense of realness, that was refreshing to see. My favourite part was the fact that there was such a wide variety of topics and representation in this book that felt genuine and didn't make me feel like the author was just trying to check off a box.

This book deals with quite a few TWs, such as familial alcoholism, underage drinking, anxiety and mental health, and abusive and unhealthy households.

Overall, I had a good time reading this book and I was shocked to find out that it was this author's debut novel.

Thank you to Penguin Random House for the ARC.

I love that this book isn't just a romance but it has so much more in it that the author tackles greatly. I do like the tropes that are included in here and how quick of a read it was. I also really enjoyed the dual point of view from both of the characters since I think that adds a lot to the story. I especially like when this is included if the characters are supposed to start off hating each other.

rep: anxiety
SO CUTE!!!! Guys this was seriously so adorable, reading it just made me feel light and happy. This book is the perfect queer, YA, enemies-to-lovers romance with fake dating- come on that’s so perfect!!
Dylan and Jonah cannot stand each other, like not one but every but they’re in the same friend group. There friends seem to think Dylan and Jonah are meant to be, so they fake it to get their friends off their back, or so that’s how it starts… Honestly the beginning of the book was just that and while it was interesting, I found the beginning to drag a bit. Once we actually got into the story and started learning about Jonah’s home life and Dylan’s struggles I was hooked.
It was clear how much they each cared for each other, even while fake dating. I honestly thought the story was paced really well, it didn’t drag, and I felt like we got enough from both characters that I really connected to them. I truly wanted so much for Jonah, while I didn’t love absolutely everything he did, his intentions were clearly in the best place.
I also loved all the representation in this book both mental health and LGBTQ+. It makes my heart so happy to see a diverse group of characters. I feel like this will be a wonderful book for teenagers to read, especially during high school.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Definitely an awesome pride month read and I would especially recommend to anyone but especially high school ages!

*Thank you Penguin Teen, author and team for an eARC is exchange for an honest review. All thoughts above are my own*

Jonah and Dylan can't stand each other, and everyone is suspicious of their explosive chemistry. When they wake up in bed together after Homecoming, they hatch a plan to "fake date" to prove to their friends they aren't a great match after all, and to get them to drop the topic... but as they spend time together, their feelings evolve and grow.

If I am being honest, the plot and the cover didn't 100% sell me on this one, but I wanted to try it anyways. AND I am SO glad I did!!! These characters were extremely deep, and evolved throughout the book, and I found myself getting extremely attached. At one point of the book I was crying (lmfao)... what?! After I closed the last page, I was sad to say goodbye to them, because this book had so much heart involved. UGH!

Definitely recommend, 5/5 stars. Excited to read more by this author!

[Gifted by Viking Books for Young Readers and Netgalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.]

4.5/5 Stars

Jonah and Dylan do not get along, despite the insistence from their friends that they would be adorable together. When word gets around that Jonah woke up in Dylan's bed after a night of partying, the two decide to star fake dating to get everyone off their backs. As they spend more time together, their chemistry grows stronger and they realize that their friends may be onto something after all.

I'm a sucker for a good enemies to lovers... throw in fake dating and I'm sold. I thought the pacing of the relationship was done so well, and it felt natural. This was so much more than a cute romance though! Both Jonah and Dylan are dealing with their own struggles, that are explored and dissected in this book. I listened to this on audio, and the narrator does such a good job with making these characters come to life. I loved both of these boys so much. Jonah was so funny, sassy and stubborn, with such a good heart. I also loved the relationship between Jonah and his sisters, he cares for them so much and was always putting them first. Dylan was a big teddy bear, who loved to bake when he was stressed. I loved the banter between these two, and how much they ended up caring for each other as the story progressed. It was so nice to see them both be vulnerable with one another and learn to trust each other.

Will definitely be picking up more from this author!

I really loved this book! Enemies to lovers AND fake dating are two of my very favorite tropes, so of course I devoured this one! This one had a fun storyline, with lovable characters and great character development as well.

Read is you enjoy:
• enemies to lovers
• queer romance
• ya stories
• fake dating

I'm really getting some great LGBTQ love stories and this one is no exception. I loved reading the story and I usually cringe at fake dating stories but not this one!


Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this book.

This was a touching YA romance. It had two of my favorite tropes- fake dating and enemies to lovers. I loved both Jonah and Dylan for different reasons, but I especially loved how they grew to care for each other while fake dating to get their friends off their back. Reading about Jonah's home life was hard to stomach as he is forced to be the provider for his two younger sisters. I also thought Dylan's anxiety and PTSD were thoughtfully portrayed. Even while dealing with these heavy topics, there are still laugh out loud moments included. This was truly a great debut and I look forward to reading more by Woody in the future.

Thank you so much, NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Viking Books for Young Readers, for the chance to read this book in exchange of an honest review.

Jonah Collins thinks Dylan Ramirez is an arrogant and spoiled boy, while Dylan is only an attention-seeker. They absolutely don't get along, even though their friends are pretty sure that their disdain for each other is only a pretty veiled lust. A rumor that surges when they find each other in the same bed after homecoming. Deciding to use this situation for their own advantage, they decided to fake date in order to then end their relationship and prove their incompatibility to their friends once and for all. Slowly though they start to realize what everyone has already understood about them, since more they spend time together, more their plans falls apart and they see each other for the first time.

First of all, I fell in love with this cover and with the brilliant author talking about this book and I couldn't not read it. I'm not such a fan of fake dating, but They hate each other did change my mind, because I became such a fan of Dylan and Jonah and their already failed plans I couldn't not laugh and smile like an idiot while reading this book. It's funny, witty and so filled with laughter and love and how it's important to know people before judging them and how love could be right in front of you all this time. I was filled with laughter and love, my heart was bursting and I love this book with all my heart and soul!

Thank you penguin teen for and E-ARC

I was in the mood for a cute gay romcom and I love supporting debut authors as much as possible so I gave this a try.

I DNF at 10% and I struggled to even make it to that.

Flat POV’s. Both boys sounded exactly alike voice wise. The “hating eachother” aspect was just plain silly. SO. MUCH. EXPOSITION. I WANTED TO CRY. MAKE IT STOP.

If I could sum up my reading experience in a single gif it would be: dude with skateboard is clearly in his 40’s saying “how do you do fellow kids” that is what the writing felt like.

Amanda Woody's They Hate Each Other is such a cute and heartfelt queer YA romance story, I'd recommend this to anyone enjoys a sweet romance or any Heartstopper fans.

While not entirely enemy-to-lover (more like annoyed with each other), I love how Jonah and Dylan came to know and care for each other under their fake dating act. I especially love how devoted and loyal Jonah is to his sisters. In addition to the romance, there's issues like child negligence and anxiety that adds to the depth of the story, which I appreciate.

Easy to read and easy to love, highly recommend!

I’ve seen some discourse about calling this book a “romance” and I have to say this book is definitely a romance, but that isn’t the only thing that defines it. There is so much in this book and Jonah & Dylan have so so much going on in their lives. I really enjoyed the way Woody tackled these issues and look forward to reading more of their books in the future.

This book was so heartfelt and the perfect LGBTQ romance to kick off my summer. The author did a great job in capturing the character’s ages because I actually felt like I was reading about 2 boys the same age as me which I think is sometimes hard for adult author’s to write. I related a lot to Jonah and Dylan both. Like how Dylan had his anxious thoughts and Jonah living in that constant state of stress and fears of failure. It made me feel validated especially as a bisexual teen. I also really loved how the author captured the nerves and butterflies when it comes to relationships and the comfort the other character was able to bring them through reassurance and through consent—which may be a given but I find a lot of romance books brush past that in order to take on the hot and sexy aspect of a relationship. But I was really glad with Dylan and Jonah it was normal, relaxed, and slow and we built up to that trust they were able to gain within each other.

They Hate Each Other, written by Amanda Woody, is a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance that will keep you hooked from the very first page. This delightful novel skillfully combines witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and genuine emotional depth, creating a compelling and entertaining reading experience.

While the enemies-to-lovers trope is a familiar one, They Hate Each Other brings a fresh and unique spin to the genre. The character development is particularly well-executed, as the protagonists slowly peel back their layers of animosity and reveal deeper motivations and hidden vulnerabilities. This gradual unraveling of their true selves adds depth and complexity to the story, making the eventual romantic connection all the more satisfying.

They Hate Each Other was such a cute book as well as a quick read. I didn't love both characters, and kind of found one in particular to be annoying - which speaks to the authors writing skill - as Woody was able to make me really form opinions about these characters. Definitely a very good enemies to lovers book.

At some point I thought I was over fake dating and enemies to lovers.

And then I read this book.

The best use of both tropes that I've read in a LONG time. Both characters stories were so important and handled so well. These characters were truly so perfect for each other. I loved everything about this.

Thank you to Penguin Random House for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love this enemies to lovers story. The Heartstopper vibes are through the roof and I kept having to put the book down to scream a little at the cuteness of it all. The humor and joy throughout this book was infectious and thrilling. I loved the coming of age aspects and the tender love story between the main characters.