Another fun (and awkward!) tale from Bethany Turner littered with lots of pop culture and a little snark.

I've enjoyed reading Ms Turner's books since I discovered "The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck" a few years ago. There's just something special and engaging about her writing... and her social media posts are quirky and self-deprecating. 🙊😂

"Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other" kept me entertained and amused from the moment I opened the book and squirmed at the awkwardness of Brynn's on-air faux pas.

I've read several reviews and noted that many readers didn't like Brynn. Um... I believe that's the point of this story. Brynn behaves like a snot-nosed city snob who's lost her way underneath layers of "fake" in her efforts to leave behind a painful past and remake herself in the media world. I didn't particularly like the nasty things she directed at her hometown (especially when her dead mother was best served that particular dish) and the way she scrambled to hold her world together with every selfish sentence known to man sprouting from her mouth. But that's how she coped, and that's how she sparked the flame (of animosity!) which had died inside Sebastian years earlier.

This "iron sharpens iron" banter, back talking and hilarious awkwardness drove these characters to new levels of self-awareness, allowing them to grow through the pain and come out better in the end.

Loved the town of Adelaide Springs and wish this was the beginning of a book series. One thing I crave in Ms Turner's books is the possibility of seeing more of her side characters. Since her books are standalones, I fall in love with a location or group of people then have tp move on to the next. Adelaide Springs is a town worthy of more "digging". It would be a treasure trove of stories... and even a few more happy ever afters.

Thanks, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I've just preordered the paperback because I need a complete Bethany Turner collection. 😁

<i>I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

2.5 stars but I rounded up.

I feel misled by the cute cover and promising title! I genuinely expected to like this book way more than I did. I adored <i>The Do-Over</i> so I was very excited to dive into this one.

Brynn is the worst! She's so fake and entitled and manipulative and gross. Or at least that's the persona she's adopted because she has convinced herself it's the only way to survive in the industry she works in. I wish there was a stronger explanation for her TV personality and how things got muddled in her head. It would've made me hate her a little less. As it stands, I was actively rooting <b>against</b> her.

Sebastian isn't much better, at first. Brynn unknowingly insults her hometown and everyone in it on air and because of that, Sebastian decides she's a terrible person. She never stood a chance. Their animosity is so contrived, it feels forced. Like we have to go through that so the payoff is that much sweeter. I warmed up to him as it went on but neither of the main characters made a good first impression on me.

And can we talk about how they're both supposed to be in the late 30s / early 40s and yet they act like they're just out of high school half the time? It's annoying and tiring. I love character-driven stories but the characters need to be done well for it to work.

The pacing of the story is off, too. Brynn and Sebastian spend SO LONG antagonizing each other that it feels like a runaway train once they stop. There isn't much left to the story so it really speeds up from there. The ending doesn't really feel earned. It's cute, it's sweet, it makes sense, but I didn't particularly care.

The small town atmosphere, however, is captured beautifully. It's gorgeously depicted and feels like a breath of fresh air. And Orly and Doc are fantastic characters, probably my favorites.

Unfortunately, I can't see myself recommending this one.

Brynn must return to the home town she ran from 20 years ago after an awkward on air blunder sees her needing to repair her image as Americas Ray of Sunshine. After losing yet another town hall vote, Sebastian is tasked with chaperoning Brynn to keep an eye on her. But how can Seb make nice with the woman that hurt the town he loves and saved him 6 years ago 🩷

I absolutely adored this book! It was funny, it was emotional, it was swoon-worthy and it was so heartwarming 🥰 all the things you want from a rom-com. The banter between Brynn and Seb is 👌🏼I could clearly see this town in my head and I could clearly see each character shining through☀️ it’s rare you come across a book where all the side characters feel like they’re given just as much thought as the main!

I laughed out loud, I shed a tear and my heart swooned for this book 🩷 it was super quick and easy to read, perfect for when you need a little pick me up or just want to feel the love.

I am a great fan of Bethany Turner, so I was surprised that I had such a hard time getting into this book. I just couldn’t engage for the first 50% or so. But I’m so glad I persevered. The second half made it all worth it.

Brynn is a morning talk show host who accidentally slams her hometown on live TV. To redeem herself she’s sent back (after a 20 year absence) to make things right. It’s there that she meets Sebastian, a relatively new resident of the town.

Though they got off to a very rocky start I loved the building relationship of Brynn and Sebastian. The witty banter was fantastic! It was heartwarming to see as they finally let their walls down to let each other see their true selves and discover how much they actually had in common.

I loved the hometown of Adelaide. The characters were so loving and forgiving. Almost makes you want to pick up and move there.

This is a sweet, clean, enemies to lovers romance that delves into some deeper issues that were not seen on the surface. I loved the process of discovery and forgiveness that was at the heart of this story.

If there is something I will always love, it’s small town romances. Brynn has moved on from her hometown and her past. She’s on top as a news anchor in NYC but she makes a crucial mistake that takes her back to her hometown on an apology tour.

Little does she know her hometown, population 300, has a new resident that can put her in her place and make her fall in love with him. Sebastian has lived Brynn’s life and he’s content now with small town life

I highly recommend this cozy read.

My review on this title is available on my Goodreads account.

Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other
by Bethany Turner
Rating: 4.5/5

I don't know how she does it but Bethany Turner has written another witty, delightful, charming rom-com that is endearing and so funny! I absolutely love a good enemies-to-lovers trope that brings authentic characters together. I also loved that it was set in a beautiful small town. How I love a good small town romance with quirky characters who make you laugh and smile. I could not stop reading/listening this book. I had the opportunity to read the ARC and listen to the audiobook and they did not disappoint at all. I was hooked from the beginning and the pacing is well done. I never got bored but it wasn't too fast-paced that you could not enjoy getting to know each of the characters. I would love to return to this small town to get to know more of townspeople.

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean, inspirational, rom-coms that make you chuckle!

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other
By Bethany Turner
Pub Date Sept, 5, 2023
Thomas Nelson
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I wanted to enjoy this book but I couldn’t connect with the heroine. Sebastian was easier to like. Brynn was very annoying, the second half was better.
3 stars

"Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other" is a contemporary romance written by Bethany Turner.

The story follows 37-year-old Brynn Cornell, a famous TV host. She is "America's Ray of Sunshine," the girl-next-door whose presence brings an automatic increase in TV ratings due to her positive and friendly attitude. A woman who almost reached the pinnacle of her career as co-host of the popular morning show Sunup. Or at least, she was, until scandal hit her. All it takes is one morning of setbacks to jeopardize everything. A morning in which, unaware that she is on the air, she exposes her arrogant and snarky side to the whole world, dropping her carefully constructed mask. The cameras catch her insulting her town of origin and its inhabitants, revealing the farce of her character in front of all viewers. A mistake that threatens to cost her dearly, destroying everything she has worked so hard for. In a final and desperate attempt to convince viewers that she is not the shallow, lying girl they think she is, Brynn decides to return to her hometown of Adelaide Springs, Colorado. All she has to do is apologize and capture some good, feel-good frames, reminding everyone that she is merely a girl from humble beginnings, that she is grateful for her big break and perhaps, in doing so, can save both her career and her image. But the town contains painful memories that she is not ready to face. Into this situation comes Sebastian Sudworth, a successful former reporter, winner of several awards and accolades, with a reputation for being the center of attention and his fearlessness. Until something snapped inside him and he vanished from the scene under mysterious circumstances. Sebastian now lives in and has found refuge in quiet Adelaide Springs, working various odd jobs and trying to blend in as a scruffy mountain citizen. When Sebastian is assigned to escort Brynn around town, Brynn is certain that he can see through her carefully constructed sunny facade. In fact, their first meeting is rather stormy, and Sebastian seems to be immune to her smiles and her enthusiasm, so much so that they do nothing but argue and provoke each other. However, as the days progress, something begins to change between them, leading to unexpected developments.

Cute, light and funny romance. I admit that some things didn't convince me, it didn't totally excite me and it's not among my favorites, but overall I found it an enjoyable read.

I found the writing to be captivating, sparkling and simple, with pleasant descriptions and brilliant dialogue. The presence of short chapters, combined with the rapid pace, made it an extremely easy read. The only thing that puzzled me was the choice to alternate between Brynn's pov, in first person, and Sebastian's pov, in third person. This is not the first time I have encountered such a situation, but usually there are separate timelines or very special conditions, which allow me to appreciate the narrative. In this case, however, the alternation between first and third person, in scenes frequently interrupted in one pov and then resumed in another pov, left me dazed because of the sudden change. In addition, unfortunately, I confess that I am not fond of the use of the third person in romance. I don't know why, but it prevents me from fully connecting with the characters. In this case, abetted by the presence of Brynn's first-person pov and perhaps the fact that I liked Sebastian so much, the issue disturbed me yes, but less than elsewhere.

I absolutely loved the setting! I love romance set in quaint little towns, and Adelaide Springs, Colorado, won me over. It is a small town lost in the mountains, with a very small number of inhabitants and very few businesses, characterized by beautiful scenery. The vivid descriptions allowed me to imagine the various places and made me want to visit them. I felt a sense of calm, comfort, which relaxed me so much. I also appreciated the strong sense of community and unity among the residents, and I don't know, I felt like I was wrapped in a nice, soft blanket. It was really all very cozy!

I really liked Brynn and Sebastian, protagonists with their respective first- and third-person povs. Brynn is a 37-year-old woman in crisis with her career as a journalist and TV host. Nicknamed "America's Ray of Sunshine," she is the girl-next-door who climbed the various steps to almost the top, becoming co-host of a popular morning show. Her smiling and sunny attitude, her polite and friendly personality, have made her enormously popular with viewers. However, the cheerful and positive nature she displays is actually a mask they have sewn on her for the show. Artificial, as much as the lines she is forced to read every day on the monitors and then recite. The unexpected on-air incident, with the cameras picking up her harsh words for the viewers, highlights this aspect. Beneath the apparent positivity, Brynn in fact is full of doubts and uncertainties, tired of being stuck in her role, scarred by a difficult past. I admit that at first I found it difficult to like her because of her apparent superficiality, her brashness, and her egocentricity. However, as I went along, I began to understand her and her painful history better, becoming attached. She is a complex, troubled character with a very good development. My only criticism is that in my opinion her development, though enjoyable, is too fast. The story takes place in the span of a week and she has this profound change that okay, maybe it was already in the air, but it seemed a bit excessive to me.

Sebastian, on the other hand, is a 40-year-old man who lives in Adelaide Springs. An ex- world-renowned journalist, winner of several awards and accolades, famous for his field reports, especially in difficult areas, he mysteriously abandoned his career and disappeared into thin air. Reeling from a number of difficult episodes, characterized by a complex family and personal situation, he has found refuge and solace in the small town in the mountains, where he works a variety of odd jobs and is a member of the town council. Sebastian is a man on the outside gruff and reserved, blunt in his observations, thoughtful and of few words. Beneath the tough outer shell, however, he hides a sensitive, loyal and selfless soul. He knows that he has made many mistakes, that he is not perfect, and has no problem acknowledging his faults and responsibilities. His experiences have left him broken, scared and lost, with frequent panic attacks and despondency. Living in Adelaide Springs has helped him to recover, to embark on a healing journey, to be reborn. Sebastian is a character I really enjoyed and was so involved with his story. My only dilemma with him was the choice of the third person.  I enjoyed him a lot yes, but I realize that I could have enjoyed him more with the use of the first person.

The romance between Brynn and Sebastian seemed to me sweet, but it did not convince me. According to the premise, their relationship is supposed to be an enemies-to-lovers, and in theory, at least in the beginning, it is. Only that after a few days, once they are alone, the relationship runs fast toward attraction and then love. All of this considering that the story takes place in a week. I don't know, it seemed a bit forced to me, no matter how cute and effective they are together.

All in all, I found it a light, sweet and funny romance that, although some elements did not convince me, I recommend to fans of the genre.

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.

I struggled with this one. Brynn was set up as a somewhat bratty character who got too big for her small hometown. She then returned to her hometown to win them back over. This is not my favorite trope. I also felt the pacing was somewhat off and very slow at the start. On the flip side, I really enjoyed some of the side characters.

Title: Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other
Author: Bethany
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Romance
Tropes: enemies to lovers, small town
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you to the publisher, Thomas Nelson and also NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was super cute. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope so I knew I had to read this one. Small town romance was a bonus!

I loved Sebastian right from the beginning, but it took a lot for me to like Brynn. At times she was just too much. The pacing was a little off for me as well. I wanted them to be “enemies” for months, not just a couple days.

If you want a cute, clean romance this is definitely for you! I think it was just a little *too* sweet for me. It was definitely a quick and easy read and I know I have some friends who this book will be perfect for!

Perfect for romcom lovers! Reminded me a lot of Sweet Home Alabama, but even better.
You’ll enjoy this if you like….
- small town vibes
- Morning news shows (the today show, good morning America etc)
- MC coming to terms with their past
- Grumpy cinnamon roll MC
- Not so sunshiny FMC

Brynn is the sunny personality on the morning show T.V. program. She is caught with a "hot mic" saying bad things about her hometown, Adelaide Springs, Colorado. She needs to salvage her reputation by returning to the town she hasn't called home for 20 years and win the hearts of the town and America. The first person she crosses paths with is Sebastian, who is a retired, award winning journalist, and now resident of her hometown. Brynn realized she must not only win over the members of her hometown, but also Sebastian.

Brynn, for the first half of the book is a completely unlikeable character. She is self-centered and looks down at the place she came from. As we begin to see her story and understand her history, I think we began to understand who she was and what had caused her to be this way. Sebastian seemed like a good guy through the whole story and I liked how his story unraveled and we understood who he was.

These two really seemed like enemies off the hop, but I think that the pacing was a bit off the mark for me. They went from hating each other, to something more in the span of the week she was home. I really found it difficult to believe that this whole relationship developed in such a short time. The author did do a great job of writing Adelaide Springs and getting me to believe I was in a small town.

This was my first Bethany Turner novel, and I plan to check out more in the future. If you are a fan of small town, enemies to lovers romances this is the book for you! Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.

"Isn't it funny how the most insignificant words could make the biggest impact?"

This book feels different from other Bethany Turner books I've read. Not bad different, but just different. I'm used to laughing out loud until I cry with her books but I didn't laugh as much with this one. There was pain, guilt, and shame that morphed into healing, freedom, and purpose which had a wonderful redemptive quality. Brynn's first person narrative really showed the dichotomy between her professional image and her real self. A whole lot of hurt from her growing up years became the self-destruct button and only coming back to her hometown begins the bridging of the chasm she created against a town that loves her. Sebastian's third person voice was intriguing - his backstory only came out in bits and pieces which left me gobbling up all of his chapters to finally figure out who he was and has become. At times it was a little difficult to follow the dialogue and thought processes, but overall it was a genuinely moving enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance. I definitely enjoyed learning about the TV studio and broadcasting culture.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Thomas Nelson via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

I loved this. The title and cover really drew me in and I was able to really feel for the characters and the setting. I can't wait for the next book by this author.

This book simply wasn't for me.

I found the characters unlikable, especially Bree and there was no chemistry between the main characters. The banter felt forced.

The book was also a little too slow for my taste

This is my first book from this author and I was a bit hesitant to start reading it. But I am glad that I did.

What I liked:
Emotional to the point that it made me cry at certain chapters. Style of writing was good and easy to follow. Good story, good characters. The context and background good as well.

What I didn’t like:
I left like story/relationship development was moving too fast. I mean how can you hate someone in the morning and go absolutely nuts about someone in the evening. It was a bit strange and unrealistic.

Overall it was good. Thanks netgalley for the ARC

"Step into the world of 'Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other' by Bethany Turner, an enemies to lovers romance set in a charming small town. This book delivers all the delightful vibes of a Lifetime/Hallmark movie, with endearing characters and a sweet romance. While occasional flat moments affected some parts of the book, I can still appreciate the cute and quick-to-read nature of the story. If you're seeking an adorable, clean romance that is easy to get through, this book might be the perfect fit for you. Super easy and fun read!

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!

Have you ever done something, or said something that you wished never happened? What if you did it on national television for the world to see and you know it probably hurt a lot of people from your past? Well, that’s exactly what has happened to Brynn Cornell and now she’s backpedaling as hard as she can to make amends to let them know, she truly feels sorry. The only problem is, one of the people she needs to convince believes she’s just faking it. Can she get him to see the “real” her? Does she even remember who the “real” her is?
Oh, my goodness, Bethany Turner has done it again! This book is full of snarky fun dialogue, quirky characters, and moments of fun relationships.
I love how the author includes SO many familiar movies, actors, and songs. It brings the story to life in a fun and charming way.
Bethany Turner has a very fascinating way of writing! It's fresh and delightful even when it was dealing with some difficult issues of these characters’ past. She gave her characters spunk and yet they also had depth and the willingness to learn from their mistakes.
This book is full of humor, drama, and small-town community living, (where “everybody knows your name”) as well as a sweet romance.
It could make you laugh out loud. I found myself having to try and be quiet while reading it late at night, so I wouldn't wake my husband.
I loved this story and will recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants a fun book to read.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Flew through this book, it was very eventful and fun and so so heartwarming! Felt myself smiling a lot.

I enjoyed the setting, even though a small town really isn’t all that rare to find in books. The characters were well thought out and the plot was paced in a way that made sense. I would recommend this book to others and would enjoy reading other novels by this author, as they are so breezy and easy to get through!