Hate You Not

An Enemies to Lovers Romance

By: Ella James

Narrated by: Zachary Webber, Ava Erickson

Length: 9 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's Summary

A sexy, emotional stand-alone romance from USA Today best seller Ella James, performed by Zachary Webber and Ava Erickson!

I didn't know I was that person. You know - the one who gets the kids. But that's what the will said. June Lawler: legal guardian. All my sister's kids have ever known is San Francisco, but I have to take them back to our family's small-town farm.

The last thing I'm expecting is the dark car rolling down my dirt driveway. The man who steps out of it is as rich as he is rude, and I want nothing to do with him. Even if my traitor body didn't get the message.

***

My little brother was everything to me. Now even his kids are gone. Spirited away to Heat Springs, Georgia - population 298.

They're living on a farm that's on the brink of bank foreclosure with a 26-year-old who didn't finish high school. Nowhereville is not the place for little Mastersons, but I'll get them back.

"June Bug" Lawler is poorer than the red dirt she comes from. It's money she must want, and I've got plenty of that. I've never met a problem that my money couldn't solve. This country girl won't be the first.

©2020 Ella James (P)2020 Piece of Cake Audiobooks

✫✫ 4.5 Stars ✫✫

Oh this book hit all my buttons in a good way! While the story line isn't completely original, this book is the best one I have listened to yet. This is an enemies to lovers which usually comes with a lot of angst but I didn't feel like this story had that much. June & Burke's siblings were married to each other and when they died June was given custody of their kids. Burke wanted what was best for them and it was instant enemies but in a fun way. I loved that the things he did trying to make her mad actually made her happy usually. I really felt their connection as they spent time together, I always like getting to go along for the ride while characters feeling change and they fall in love. The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars is because almost at the end there was a little extra drama added that I felt wasn't necessary for the story but it also didn't ruin it either. Loved the HEA!

The narration was great, Ava Erickson and Zachary Webber were a great choice for Burke and June!

Tear jerking, love making FRENIMIES.

I love the story between June and Burke and the struggle between them becoming "THEM"

The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is I don't care to have political headlines in a story. I prefer to be taken away from the current political climate and focus on the characters and their story.

Otherwise, good listen and story.

A Let-Down by Ms. James

Disjointed ending to say the least. Seems like Ms. James reached her max number of pages and just threw something in there to end the book. Very disappointing.

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS!!!!!!°

I fell in love with the characters immediately. I loved June' and Burke. This is the first audible that I have listened to by this point author, but it will be my last. The narrators are two of my favorites!!!

An enjoyable listen

While the storyline is not so original, this was an enjoyable listen overall. And both narrators’ performance was good. Zachary Webber definitely brought his A-game to all of Burke’s emotional scenes. All the feels and he have me tearing up. Ava Erickson’s performance was as usual on point.

Loved all of it!

I received an #AdvancedListenerCopy in exchange for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this uplifting story with excellent levels of snark, fun rivalry, next-level flirting & beautiful performances by Ava Erickson and Zachary Webber! This audiobook achieves the difficult task of delivering a story that is not only deep with characters who have experienced devastating loss, but also a healthy dose of humor and a true sense of hope for the future. June and Burke instantly spark strong reactions in each other, resulting in the perfectly delivered witty banter and an unquestionably complicated-yet-powerful attraction. They both want what is best for the children, but start out with very different ideas of what that is.

This is a Love Conquers All story that really tackles some tough obstacles. They are so very different with contradictory backgrounds, upbringings, socioeconomics, and last-but-not-least geographic location (to name a few things). Burke is a strong personality and June handles him brilliantly. She brings out the very best in him and he challenges her in a way that shines the light on how fiercely beautiful she is inside and out. Their delicate dance is beautiful in it's hopelessness as you can feel the undeniable and very messy connection. The physical manifestation when they come together is vivid with tangible need because the performances from two amazing voice actors transport you into the story. I highly recommend moving this perfectly performed and beautiful story higher up on your listening list!

Gives the heart a reason to smile.

Life can be brutal, yet love always finds a way. James finds a way to make heartache a humorous adventure with tons of emotion. Hate You (Not) tackles some tough subjects. June and Burke have a love - hate relationship that proves to be anything but. Through the laughter and tears, two people find a reason to hope and the courage to begin again. Webber and Erickson give the heart a reason to smile.

 

Just Wow!

This is my first book by Ella James and I have to say 'what took me so long'. In the aftermath of tragedy, June tries to pick up the pieces of her sister's children. Burke tries to take the pieces away. But in the love they have for the departed, they come together and heal all sorts of wounds from both their pasts. Zachary Webber does an amazing job as Burke and you can feel his emotions coming through this performance. Ava Erickson does an amazing job with June and her southern twang, as well as flipping back and forth between 'yankee' and 'southern' accents. Overall I am thrilled with the writing and narration by all 3 involved. Ella James did a great job when she chose whom to narrate.
Will I listen to this book again? Yes
Will I recommend this book to others? Yes

5 All the Feels Stars!!!

This is my first book by Ms. James and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to read/listen to her words. This book is so emotionally driven that I cried almost as many times as I swooned or laughed. June and Asher are the epitome of opposites attract!!

Adding in Zachary Webber and Ava Erickson as the narrators on this book, just made the listening experience that much better as these are two of my favorite narrators. They truly bring life to each of the characters and I could vividly picture in my head each scene as I moved through each chapter!

The minute I started this book I was immediately hooked. I can’t even imagine how I would handle a situation the likes of what June’s sister has charged her with. Especially given that she knew nothing of her sister’s plans until the reading of her will. To say this was going to change everything about her life is putting it mildly. And introducing Oliver and Margot to her life in Heat Springs, Georgia was quite culture shock for them. I loved how sensitive June was to their feelings and even though she’s not seen a lot of these kids through the years, her love for them is immeasurable!

Oh and Asher is quite a piece of work. Thinking the worst of June and what she’s trying to give these kids. It’s clear to her that her sister had a reason for making June “their person” and if Asher could get out of his own way, he’d see that too…. and seeing him have a transition from the stuck-up risk taker to a man that sees more than money and what it can buy was truly an experience.

I adore how June fought for the kids and bringing Asher along for the ride of giving them exactly what they needed, a home filled with love and laughter regardless of how much money either one of them had. And the chemistry between June and Asher is sizzling… you know enemies-to-lovers is always explosive!

Overall, this book as a first time reader of Ms. James checked all my boxes as a reader and I’m definitely going to be reading more of her going forward.

Such a light read!

Enjoyed this book very much. Finding love through tragedy. It was light, funny and sexy all in one.

Fabulous delivery of a fabulous story!

I was so looking forward to the audio of this story, as I absolutely loved it when I read. The narrators did not disappoint!
June Lawler has just been given guardianship of her niece and nephew. She's shell-shocked from her loss but she's rising to the challenge, especially when their uncle comes knocking, intent on taking them back to San Francisco. Burke Masterson is dealing with his grief and his guilt the only way he can - by making sure he brings his niece and nephew home where they belong. He might not be around much but he'll make sure they get the best upbringing that money can buy. However, their aunt is not at all how he imagined. His attraction to her is instant and the longer he's in town, the more he realises that all his misconceptions about her and the small town she lives in are just that - misconceptions.
Gah! I loved everything about June and Burke! Their animosity, their sizzling chemistry, their exchanges, their love for their niece and nephew, and, most of all, their evolving relationship. June is strong, sassy, and stubborn. I loved her attitude to life and how indomitable she was - so determined to make her way through life on her own terms. To begin with, Burke is a jerk! LOL But when he realises his missteps, I loved that he owned up to them and started to make amends. He hid a lot of guilt and pain, so not only was this a somewhat fun read, it was also quite angsty.
The narrators did a cracking good job! Ava was brilliant as June. I thought her intonation was spot on whether she was angry, amused, sad or being sarcastic. Zachary was fantastic as Burke, as he brought out Burke's desire and attraction to June, as well as his slowly-changing views about her and the town she lives in, as well as his own future. His voice-acting was fab as he portrayed Burke's inner demons and pain. Zachary also did a brilliant job with the children's voices. All in all, a fabulous listen!

5 EMOTIONAL STARS

5 stars for this Emotional Story that will have you reaching for the tissue.


June has suffered more than one heart-breaking loss. losing her sister and brother-in-law unexpectedly, and becomes an instant parent to her nephew and niece. which embraces as she loves them dearly.

Burke is a workaholic millionaire. He has lost his brother and Sister -in-law which has left him devastated, what , makes it worse is he won't even get to raise his brother's kids. Leaving him no alternative but to go to Georgia to convince their Aunt that he should have custody of the kids because they would be better off in California with him.

Just couldn't get into it

tried more than once to get into this story but just couldn't. characters too week and ending too flat. sorry

Heartfelt Listen

Hate You (Not) by Ella James is such an emotional listen. I found myself pulled into the book from the very beginning. Having made similar arrangements with my sister if something would have happened to me, the story took on a very real feel. Zachary Webber and Ava Erickson both brought the characters to life. The tenderness and compassion of putting the kids needs first was so well done. The imagery was so vivid too. I could envision so many details. This book is so good! I loved it!

A light enemies to lovers

Rated 3.5 stars
I received this audiobook from Little Dog Press for an honest review.
Zachary Webber and Ava Erickson have done it again are amazing as always 👏👏👏
This didn’t quite feel like an enemies to lovers romance. It was more that they disliked each other for a day or two, he tries to bribe her then they became friends. The book centres around June who becomes the legal guardian of her niece and nephew after their parents (June’s sister) died in a crash. Until Burke rolls into town with a stereotypical view of small town girl June and tells her he wants his brothers kids to live with him, hence the bribes. It starts off well but I couldn’t connect with H. He leaves her twice with no explanation and she lets with away with treating her like that. It started off light but got complicated in the last few chapters which I felt was unnecessary.

June and Burke!

The sudden death of June’s sister and her husband was tragic but finding out she was now trusted to raise their two children has her worried that she doesn’t want to make any mistakes but knowing that they can heal together. She takes them home to Georgia where money may be tight but when it comes to love there will be no shortage.

When Burke finds out his brother has passed away and that the children are gone he is determined to get them back. There is no way that anyone else could give them the lifestyle he can and besides the Aunt probably doesn’t want the responsibility anyway.

Their first meeting is a failure of epic proportions, but Burke is not about to give up. Spending time with June and the kids has him reflecting on what is truly important and she begins to see that there is so much more to him than first appears. Two people who are brought together under the most painful of circumstances may just find what they didn’t know they were looking for. The narrators were exactly how I pictured the characters and had the perfect mix of banter and emotion.

A fabulous love story full of laughter

The author is fantastic. She writes books that will grab your heart not only with love but with laughter. It’s a feel good romance with a bit at you r edge scenes.

Heroine is June Hero is Burke

June gets devastating news. Her sister and brother-in-law died and only the six kids are still alive. June gets to keep the kids , there is one thing that the kids are not use to ...... living on a farm.
Luke is the brother in law to June . He’s rich witch is totally different than June
There are funny scenes with the kids on the farm.
Will June and Burke fight who will keep the kids . Will they join forces and become one.

Zachary Webber, and Ava Erickson performance is fantastic. They brought the story to life..their tones is smooth and strong for each character

We Are The Mastersons

When June Lawler loses her sister to a car accident, she inherits two adorable children, two children that Burke Masterson wants to care for, after all they were his brother’s children, and, he can afford to care for them much better in the city than their aunt can in Nowhereville, Georgia. He has the money, she has the time. What we have now is a battle of wills. This was a sweet, utterly emotional read that I loved from the very first chapter. It’s pretty much written in three parts. Part one, the hating, June and Burke didn’t see eye to eye. Part two, the compromise, where June and Burke try to make it work. Finally, part three, where Burke shuts June out and things go horribly pear shaped. June though, doesn’t let things slide (I did love her ‘don’t hold back attitude’), and Burke, the stubborn man, even though he tries to push her away, he’s drawn to her. I loved this book, I loved the whole package, the characters, the story, the added drama. Everything. It was sweet, it was emotional, it was additive. I listened to the audio version narrated by Zachary Webber and Ava Erickson, they truly brought this story to life, I can highly recommend.

Sooooo good!!!

The first question that comes to mind is why have I not listened to Ella James before? This enemies to lovers romance has all the feels that I love to listen to, the kind that break your heart and mend it back together. June Lawler is the legal guardian for niece and nephew upon the death of her sister. Not expecting to be a parent yet, she willingly takes on the responsibility her sister has bestowed upon her and knows exactly what the kids need. A good foundation on the family farm and a lot of love will help the kids grow up to be good people. But when Burke, the kids' uncle comes to town to take them from her, all bets are off. He is an arrogant rich kid personality who thinks he knows what is best. What will it take for June to show him what is best? Well, let's all fall in love with these four! It's impossible not to. June is an incredible character. Though she has her own set of problems to conquer, she is determined to give the kids the love and life they deserve. It's the little things that matter, and she understands that. Burke is definitely one we can tell needs to understand it. While he is overbearing at times, we can tell there is more to him than meets the eye. And the kids are just too cute. Riding horses, playing with puppies and trying to deal with the hand that is dealt just melts your heart. It's a story that pulled me in, and had the earbuds on until the very end. It's that good!

Bringing the story to life, Ella James has the talented cast of Zachary Webber and Ava Erickson. These seasoned narrators are the ultimate storytellers. Webber can play the arrogant rich boy, and give him that air of vulnerability. Erickson pulls out all the stops and gives June the warmth of a loving parent and the protectiveness of a mama bear! And the two together create an explosive chemistry that is felt with this couple. It's a fantastic performance.

Brilliant

This story was all the things. I cried. I swooned. I laughed. It is sexy and emotional. I loved the banter between June and Burke and that the author didn't shy away from emotions with both of them. Too often, women are portrayed as the characters that get emotional but Ella James throws that stereotype out of the window and gives us a hero that is flawed and honest. We see his progression through the story and although he seems like a douche at times, it's obvious that he cares for the children and has underlying issues. June is the type of heroine I love. She doesn't take anything lying down. And shows that you can be smart without having the education to back it. The love both of these characters has for their siblings kids is heartwarming and lovely to listen to. Watching them go from enemies to lovers is one of my favourite things with this trope and it is done so beautifully in this story. The chemistry between them is earbud melting and really worked with the story. I loved how Ella blended all the feels together to bring this couple, this family, who have endured so much to their happily ever after.

Ava Erickson and Zachary Webber were perfectly cast in this audiobook. They both have very expressive voices for the emotional scenes and they are used to their fullest in this book. The little kid voices are portrayed wonderfully. Ava and Zachary are both captivating in this book and kept me listen well into the night.